NOTICE: Exchange Leaders International (ELI) is currently in the application review phase for U.S. Department of State J-1 Visa Sponsor designation. Program implementation remains subject to final federal approval and designation. Applicants will be informed once we receive official authorization to proceed.
BridgeUSA · J-1 Teacher Exchange
Global educators, American classrooms, one shared future.
Exchange Leaders International (ELI) bridges the gap between global educators and U.S. K-12 classrooms through the BridgeUSA Teacher Exchange Visitor Program — a program of the U.S. Department of State, in collaboration with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
Teacher Category · Purpose & Intent
The Teacher category of the Exchange Visitor Program promotes the exchange of foreign teachers to U.S. host schools and enhances mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries.
Qualified foreign teachers teach full-time in accredited public and private U.S. primary and secondary (K-12) schools. Exchange teachers may also teach at the pre-kindergarten level in language immersion programs at accredited schools.
Exchange teachers sharpen their professional skills and are required to participate in cross-cultural activities in U.S. schools and communities throughout their program.
Upon completing the program, exchange teachers return home to share their experiences and increased knowledge of the United States — its educational system, culture, and society.
The Program at a Glance
Your journey begins with an initial 3-year term focused on classroom excellence, professional development, and meaningful cultural exchange within your local American community — with the BridgeUSA program allowing teachers to teach in the U.S. for up to five years.
Two Pathways
ELI provides two program pathways for exchange teachers.
Teachers arrange their placement directly with an ELI-approved U.S. host school, with sponsorship support provided by ELI.
ELI facilitates placements by matching accredited U.S. host schools with qualified, experienced international teachers.
Ready to bring your teaching to a U.S. classroom? Review the program, the two pathways, and eligibility — and learn what to do next.
Interested in hosting an international teacher? ELI can assist you every step of the way. Complete the School Initial Registration form to start the conversation.
For Teachers
Lead. Learn. Grow. Through the BridgeUSA J-1 Visa program, ELI provides the sponsorship and placement support you need to teach in accredited K-12 schools for up to five years. Your journey begins with an initial 3-year term focused on classroom excellence, professional development, and meaningful cultural exchange within your local American community.
Teachers arrange their placements directly with an ELI-approved U.S. host school, with sponsorship support provided by ELI.
Host school approval — best practices: If you have an official offer or Letter of Intent, ensure your host school promptly completes the host school application, as all new host schools must meet ELI’s approval requirements. To identify an eligible and accredited host school in the U.S., using registries like Cognia is recommended. Note that not all schools labeled as “recognized by the state” meet the required accreditation standards. Confirm that your host school complies with ELI’s guidelines before signing an employment offer. If your prospective host school is not yet approved, they must submit a School Inquiry Form for consideration.
ELI facilitates placements by matching accredited U.S. host schools with qualified, experienced international teachers.
Eligibility
ELI applicants to the BridgeUSA Teacher Program must meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Exchange teachers teach full-time at accredited K-12 schools.
For applicants who are not currently employed as a teacher at the time of application, eligibility is determined by the following criteria:
Program Fees
Responsibility for J-1 visa sponsorship, renewal, and associated fees varies by placement. While many host schools and districts choose to cover these costs, others may require the educator to manage these expenses directly. We encourage all applicants to verify the specific fee structure with their assigned host school or district partner during the placement process.
Before accepting a position, you will receive a Confirmation of Appointment Letter / Job Offer Letter from your host school specifying your annual salary in U.S. dollars — use it to plan your finances, including fees, taxes, insurance, living expenses, and any costs for family members joining you under J-2 dependent status, before you arrive.
Fee Schedule · As Published by ELI
| Fee | ELI Fee | Total incl. 12 months of insurance |
|---|---|---|
| J-1 Program Fee — Year 1 | $2,300 | $3,000 – $3,900 |
| J-1 Annual Renewal — Years 2 & 3 | $1,900 | $2,600 – $3,000 |
| J-1 Annual Renewal — Years 4 & 5 | $1,600 | |
| J-2 Dependent Fee | $450 | $1,150 – $1,500 |
| J-2 Dependent Renewal Fee | $450 |
ELI program fees include: J-1 visa sponsorship (DS-2019 form) · pre-departure virtual orientation · discounted Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) services · 24/7 in-country support from ELI · accident and injury insurance for the duration of the program upon arrival (J-1 only) · emergency medical evacuation insurance for the full program length (J-1 only) · placement with an approved and accredited U.S. host school.
Mandatory Health Insurance
All J-1 Exchange Visitors and J-2 dependents must maintain health insurance meeting Department of State requirements for the full duration of the program. Failure to comply is a violation of J-1/J-2 status and may result in program termination.
Most host schools provide a standard health insurance plan that typically satisfies these requirements except for the repatriation and medical evacuation components; supplemental coverage is available through ELI’s insurance partner or another independent insurer.
Planning Ahead
Anticipated living expenses: Teachers receive a full-time salary from their host schools, designed to cover essential living expenses such as housing, food, and transportation. Salaries and living costs vary widely by teaching experience, geographic location, family size, and lifestyle — plan carefully for all expenses before coming to the U.S.
Cancellation & refund policy: Refunds go only to parties who paid a fee directly to ELI — if multiple parties paid, the refund is divided proportionally among them — unless an alternative agreement is made between ELI, the payer(s), and the applicant(s). Refunds requested via wire transfer have $50 USD deducted to cover transaction costs. ELI determines the availability of refunds in all cases on an individual basis.
For Schools
Exchange Leaders International (ELI) collaborates with teachers from various countries around the world and partners with schools across the United States. The Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs recognizes the integral role that schools play in the ongoing success of the Exchange Visitor Program.
ELI aims to facilitate the process of hosting international teachers in U.S. schools. Hosting an exchange teacher brings a new language, culture, and global perspective directly into your classrooms — enriching your students’ education while giving an experienced international educator the opportunity to teach, learn, and grow in your community.
If you are interested in hosting an international teacher in your school, ELI can assist you every step of the way. Contact ELI today to learn more about the program and discover how simple it can be to bring an international educator into your educational institution.
Complete the School Initial Registration form on this page.
We’ll be in touch to learn about your school, your needs, and the program.
ELI helps match accredited host schools with qualified, experienced international teachers.
Get Started
To learn more about the program and its benefits, complete the form below.
Resources
The BridgeUSA Program promotes global understanding through cultural and educational exchanges. The official regulations and participant resources below are published by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs.
Your Safety Comes First
At Exchange Leaders International, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We are dedicated to supporting you throughout your stay in the U.S.
It is essential for you to understand and follow the Exchange Visitor Program regulations, U.S. laws, and your sponsor’s rules. Staying in regular communication with your sponsor will ensure you remain informed about any changes that could impact your J-1 visa status. Upon completing your program, all exchange visitors must return to their home country to share their experiences.
Below are some key federal regulation requirements and where to find more information.
Resources to Review
The federal regulations governing the Exchange Visitor Program — 22 CFR Part 62, including the Teacher category provisions (§62.24).
Read the regulations at eCFR.gov →The U.S. Department of State’s official BridgeUSA page for the Teacher program — program purpose, eligibility, and how the exchange works.
Visit j1visa.state.gov →The Department of State’s “Know Your Rights” pamphlet for temporary workers and exchange visitors in the United States (PDF).
Download the pamphlet (PDF) →The U.S. Department of State’s overview of the rights and protections that apply to temporary workers coming to the United States.
Read at travel.state.gov →J1 Program Requirement & Registration
To take part in the BridgeUSA Teacher Exchange Program through ELI, applicants must meet the program requirements below.
Education & Qualifications
Experience — Two Routes
Route A — currently teaching: you are currently working as a teacher in your home country and have at least 2 years of full-time teaching experience.
Route B — not currently teaching: you meet your home-country teaching qualifications, have at least 2 years of full-time teaching experience within the past 8 years, and have completed an advanced degree in education or a related subject within 12 months of your application.
Character & Checks
Placement
J1 Program Requirement & Registration
Initial Application Steps — how to begin your application with ELI.
Complete the ELI Registration Form on ELI’s online platform and wait for an email from the ELI program coordinator.
After initial eligibility approval, schedule an interview with a Program Coordinator using the ELI Calendar.
After the interview, email your required documents to the Program Coordinator.
Proceed through Self-Placement or Full Placement. Schools begin on the School Registration page.
Meet The Team
Exchange Leaders International is more than just an organization; it’s a vibrant community devoted to cultural exchange and global understanding.
Founder & Chief Advisor
An educational innovator with nearly two decades fostering global connectivity through cultural exchange, Julie previously served as a Program Coordinator managing partnerships among J-1 sponsors, international educators, and accredited U.S. K-12 districts, and earlier as an elementary and special education teacher and champion of the “Global Classroom.” She holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education (major in English Teaching), a specialized degree in Special Education, and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction (TESL), and is a doctoral candidate in Administration and Supervision. A New Mexico Highlands University scholar, she was also a National Endowment for the Humanities summer-institute fellow in Glasgow, Scotland.
Chief of Compliance and Program Support
Leah ensures the regulatory integrity and operational success of ELI’s global exchange initiatives, drawing on over 20 years in complex professional settings, including Fortune 500 experience in international human resources and global operations — cross-border immigration, legal collaboration, and international relocation logistics. She holds an MBA in Management and International Business from Our Lady of the Lake University and launched her own insurance brokerage. She is also an active volunteer in her South Texas hometown.
Director of Marketing Management
Carmela blends 16 years of pedagogical expertise with strategic outreach, including 16 years teaching in New Mexico. She holds a Bachelor’s in K-8 Education and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, with endorsements in Technology, TESOL, Bilingual Education, and Visual Arts. Her work focuses on “the personal touch” in account management and on learning-centric, impact-driven marketing.
Blog
Notes on teaching, cultural exchange, and the exchange teacher journey.
Featured Post
Friday, October 23, 2026, was a historic day for Exchange Leaders International (ELI)! In a single day, we celebrated several memorable milestones that mark an inspiring new chapter in our mission to foster international exchange, global collaboration, and cross-cultural learning.
We are thrilled to announce that ELI has officially moved into our new office space at 500 Marquette Avenue NW, Suite 1200, in downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico. This modern, welcoming space will serve as the hub for our operations, team collaborations, and community engagements as we continue to grow.
Watch · Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
To commemorate our move, we held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in our new home. We were honored to be joined by Alison Riley, Vice President of Government Relations & Policy at the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce (NMCC) — and during the event, ELI proudly joined the NMCC as a new member!
Our partnership with the NMCC is rooted in a shared commitment to strengthening New Mexico’s connection to the global community and economy. Both ELI and the NMCC believe in promoting growth, fostering international connections, and building bridges that enrich local communities and businesses alike. By welcoming international exchange participants and cultural leaders to New Mexico, ELI contributes to the diverse, vibrant economic and cultural fabric that the NMCC works tirelessly to support across our state.
Watch · Office Blessing
Office blessing officiated by Deacon Leandro of Prince of Peace Catholic Church and San Ignacio Catholic Church.
The celebrations didn’t stop with the ribbon cutting. Friday was a long, productive, and memorable day:
Reflecting on everything accomplished in just one day, we are filled with pride, gratitude, and enthusiasm for what lies ahead. Our heartfelt thanks to Alison Riley, the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, and everyone who supported us in reaching this milestone.
Stay tuned for more updates as we settle into 500 Marquette Avenue NW, Suite 1200, and continue preparing to welcome exchange leaders from around the world!
Earlier Post
A reflection on what the teacher exchange program changes — professionally, culturally, and personally — from the first classroom to the return home.
Teaching in a new system builds adaptability and resourcefulness — and, over time, a lasting “Global Teacher” identity.
Exchange teachers practise cultural diplomacy day by day in their classrooms and communities, breaking stereotypes on both sides.
The journey builds personal resilience, and for teachers who come with family, the shared experience strengthens the J-2 family bond.
On returning home, exchange teachers bring techniques such as project-based learning back to their own classrooms — and keep lifelong colleague networks formed during the exchange.
Privacy Policy
Effective January 25, 2026. How Exchange Leaders International collects, uses, and protects your information.
Information you provide voluntarily when applying for the J-1 program, inquiring via contact forms, or subscribing to newsletters and professional development updates — such as your name, contact details, professional history, and visa-sponsorship documentation.
To process eligibility, communicate about the program, meet U.S. Department of State regulatory reporting requirements, and improve our program resources and user experience.
ELI uses industry-standard encryption and secure servers — while recognizing that no digital transmission is 100% secure.
Cookies and technical data (such as browser and operating system) are used in aggregate to optimize site performance.
ELI does not sell, rent, or trade personal information for marketing. Information is disclosed to the U.S. Department of State and other federal authorities as required, to service providers, and for safety and fraud protection.
The site is hosted and operated in the United States.
You may request a review of the information held about you, or opt out of newsletters.
Questions about this policy: support@eliprograms.org · 500 Marquette Ave, Albuquerque, NM · 505-577-9754.
Contact
Teachers, schools, and partners — we’d love to hear from you. Reach out and we’ll be in touch.
Where to Start
ELI is currently in the application review phase for U.S. Department of State J-1 Visa Sponsor designation; program implementation remains subject to final federal approval and designation.
Send a Message
