Visiting International Teacher Program

Prospective Visiting International Teachers

Benefits of Participating

Exchange teachers sharpen their professional skills and participate in cross-cultural activities in schools and communities in Illinois and return to their home school after the exchange to share their experiences and increased knowledge of U.S. culture and customs and the U.S. educational system.

Program Duration

J-1 teachers may teach in the U.S. for 3 years and may be eligible to extend their teaching for an additional one or two years with Department of State approval.

Participant Requirements

Prospective teachers can review J-1 teacher requirements at the U.S. Department of State J-1 Teacher Program page​.

DS-2019

The form DS-2019 or “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status” is the basic document used in the administration of the exchange visitor program. This form permits a prospective exchange visitor to seek an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate to obtain a J visa to enter the United States. The DS-2019 is issued by the sponsor once the prospective exchange visitor has been screened and selected for participation in the exchange visitor program.

Insurance

Program participants and their dependents are required to have medical insurance coverage with the following minimum benefits [22 CFR 62.14]:

  • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
  • Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
  • Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
  • A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

Sponsors will verify that each participant’s medical insurance meets the regulatory requirements.

Delaware Teaching License and Certificate

Visiting International Teachers are required to apply and be approved for an educator license in as they begin teaching in Delaware. All program participants must pay a $100 application fee which is refunded to them during their first year of employment in their host school/district. Department-sponsored J-1 recipients are exempt from initial licensure exams based on MOU reciprocity.

Financial Disclosure for Prospective Visiting Teachers Coming to Delaware

The Delaware Department of Education has prepared a financial disclosure statement for Visiting International Teachers in compliance with federal regulations for J-1 visa sponsoring organizations. This statement will be useful to overseas educators who might be considering Delaware as a potential visiting teacher program destination by providing a basic understanding of the financial circumstances that might be encountered while living and working in Delaware. These factors include expected earning potential, typical payroll deductions and anticipated living expenses. The salary ranges, deductions and costs described in this disclosure represent statewide averages based on market research last conducted in February 2025. Actual figures might vary greatly by region of the state and may be less than or exceed the estimated ranges listed.

Program Participation Fees

The Delaware Department of Education does not charge any visa sponsorship or program participation fees to the international exchange teachers that it recruits for placement in Delaware.  Additionally, exchange visitors sponsored by the Department are not subject to any foreign or domestic third-party or partner organization fees.

3rd Party Organizations

The Delaware Department of Education collaborates exclusively with Ministry of Education of Spain (Spanish Visiting Teacher Program) to recruit international exchange teachers for its programs.