Opportunities for Educators
Since 1972, AFS-USA has made it possible for international educators from other countries to live, work, teach and learn in the United States for either a semester or a year at a time. The AFS Visiting Teacher Program is for people who work in the field of education—outstanding international teachers who come to work with K-12 schools in the United States-at no charge to the host school. Through the AFS Visiting Teacher Program, participants expand their knowledge of other cultures and educational systems and exchange teaching methods all while acquiring first hand knowledge of what it’s like to live in another country.
Egypt Program for U.S. Educators
The program also makes it possible for U.S. educators to have the experience of what it’s like to live and teach overseas. AFS-USA, in cooperation with AFS Egypt, is delighted to announce the launch of an academic year-long program opportunity for U.S. Educators to Egypt! This exciting new program is open to certified teachers from anywhere in the United States. This program will allow a rare opportunity for U.S. educators to gain an in-depth understanding of Egyptian culture through direct, class-room interaction with Egyptian youth and through working alongside Egyptian colleagues. This program is intended to give educators the knowledge and skills to gain a better understanding of Egyptian culture by working in the school system, while providing an intercultural element to the teaching and learning in the host school. Click for details.
For more information about this unique opportunity and a similar program opportunity to Thailand, please contact the AFS Info Center at 1-800-AFS-INFO, email afsinfo@afs.org.
Educators from around the world have long understood the many benefits that young people receive by having opportunities to live and study abroad, and have supported AFS as a worldwide leader in international student exchange for nearly 60 years.
This program is for people who work in the field of education—outstanding international teachers who come to work with K-12 schools in the United States. Since 1972, AFS-USA has made it possible for international educators from other countries to live, work, teach, and learn in the United States for either a semester or a year at a time. A visiting teacher brings a different area’s geography, history, culture, politics, and economy to life in a way that is not just educational but colorful, current, and exciting.
All Visiting Teachers are professional educators in their home countires; most are English teachers. Through AFS’ Global Educators Program, participants expand their knowledge of other cultures and educational systems, exchange teaching methods, and learn from teachers and administrators, all while acquiring first-hand knowledge of what it’s like to live in another country.
AFS Global Educators Program and the Host School
The AFS Global Educators Program is one way to bring professional educators from other cultures into your classrooms, school, and community.
Since their hosting costs are borne by AFS-USA (through program fees or through foundation support), the financial support expected from Host Schools is not great. Usually, the only expenses that school administrators will need to consider are for such items as school lunches, textbooks, and other teaching materials needed for the host school; transportation to and from school; and school activities (such as field trips or after-school sporting events). U.S. schools are not asked to pay any fees to host a Visiting Teacher. In fact, there are some fairly strict rules as to work and remuneration policies for Visiting Teachers, as holders of J-1 visas.
In our experience, communities throughout the United States have been excited about hosting a visiting teacher. Administrators are key players in publicizing the program and articulating its goals to the school and community at large. Bringing a small part of the world into your community is a “big thing!” The students will love it–and so will their parents!
