Will all the immigration talk in the U.S. affect my J-1 visa?

We understand your concern given the latest news cycle around immigration, but the J-1 Teacher Exchange Program is largely separate from those debates. The J-1 visa is not an immigration pathway but a long-standing cultural exchange program supported by the U.S. Department of State. It has been in place for decades and is not a target of current political discussions. At Wonderlink, we work closely with policymakers and legal experts to stay compliant and proactive, and nothing has changed in the immigration landscape that would affect qualified teachers on a J-1 Visa. In fact, U.S. schools are eager to welcome international teachers to fill shortages and bring global perspectives. The short answer: yes, you are still very welcome in U.S. classrooms.

Will I be able to handle living and teaching in the United States?

Adjusting to life in a new country is a big step, which is why we provide robust orientation and ongoing support for your journey. We help you with housing, banking, neighborhood acclimation, commute planning, and any other practical needs you may have so you won’t feel lost upon arrival. Every teacher is paired with a mentor and given guidance on both cultural and classroom integration, ensuring you always have someone to turn to. You’ll have a reliable support network every step of the way.

How will I learn about the culture, rules and expectations of conduct in the US?

Before you depart your home country, Lattice Global will conduct a pre-arrival orientation. This orientation is meant to prepare you for living and teaching in the United States and will include: 

• Program Goals & Expectations

• Overview of U.S. Education System

• Living in the United States

• Logistics and Housing

• Travel & Arrival Instructions

What if I am confused about the US curriculum compared to my home country’s curriculum for my subject?

Soon after arrival, you will meet with your school’s academic coordinator or department head to go over curriculum standards and your syllabus. You should compare these standards with your own teaching experience and identify areas where you may need additional context. Don’t worry, it’s normal to have questions! We encourage you to collaborate with grade-level or subject colleagues for lesson planning.

Will I be given guidance on classroom management and conduct?

What is considered standard behavioral norms or disciplinary action in America can differ from your home country. For instance, U.S. teachers often use positive reinforcement and have specific protocols to follow regarding discipline. During your school orientation and the InIm Institute training, we will share effective classroom management strategies and techniques for building rapport with students.

What is the difference between Wonderlink, Lattice, and Inim Institute?

Wonderlink is the program through which Lattice Global and InIm Institute join forces in recruiting, selecting and training talented international teachers to be part of the J-1 Visa Exchange Program in the US.

Lattice Global is an organization focused on connecting talented international educators with U.S. schools. Lattice is responsible for facilitating your exchange program, ensuring regulatory compliance, and providing support services throughout your stay.

InIm Institute is a Romanian organization specializing in training teachers and professionals so that they are equipped with tools to manage stress, build resilience and stay deeply engaged in their activity. Within Wonderlink, InIm Institute is recruiting teachers and offers a certified, science-based well-being training program for all teachers that will teach in the US as part of the program.

What requirements do I need to meet to become a Wonderlink Teacher?

Teachers must meet the following requirements to participate in the program:

  1. Bachelor’s degree equivalent in Education or the relevant academic field (e.g., Mathematics)

  2. Two or more years of experience as a full-time primary or secondary school teacher

  3. Mastery of the english language

Is my English good enough? 

If you are selected for our program, it means your English is strong enough for the classroom. Still, we provide opportunities to improve your English skills, such as workshops or language buddies, if you’d like extra support. U.S. students are accustomed to teachers with accents in their classrooms, and are usually very welcoming. Your bilingual skills are a strength, not a deficit, giving you a unique advantage as an educator.

Do I have to have specific teaching experience to be able to teach special education?

The state you teach in will review everything on the evaluation and may contact you for follow up. When sharing any documents for the NACES/AICE evaluation, be as specific and detailed as possible. Include all prior coursework from university studies and the continuing education you may have completed since graduating.

How will my family be affected? Can they come with me?  

Yes, your immediate family can join you. The J-1 program allows for J-2 dependent visas, which means your spouse and children can come with you to America for the entire duration of your exchange. Spouses can even apply for U.S. work authorization, and your children can attend American schools. We’ll guide you through this process and provide resources to support families adjusting to life in the U.S. If your family doesn’t come with you, we can work with you to help you stay connected to your loved ones back home, and we also foster community among teachers’ families for mutual support. 

J‑2 dependents are eligible to apply for work authorization in the United States. You will need to include your dependents’ information when applying for your DS‑2019 and pay the necessary visa fees. Dependents must also have health insurance. 

What subject areas and grade levels will teachers be placed in?

All teachers will be placed in K-12 schools with the potential to teach in any subject, with focuses on: STEM education, Special education, Primary School, World languages, Art and music. 

STEM is an acronym for the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

What if I teach a subject that is not  STEM education, Special education, Primary School, World languages or Art and Music ? Do I stand a chance at being selected?

While the program prioritizes specific subjects to address teacher shortages, other subjects may be filled based on school‑district needs. All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria (degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s, two years of experience, English proficiency). In areas where there are fewer applicants, general‑education or bilingual teachers will be considered as well.

What is the salary, and can I afford living in the U.S.? 

You will be paid a standard teacher salary directly by your U.S. school. Salaries vary by district, but they are sufficient to cover living expenses. While costs in the U.S. can seem high, we help you budget, plan for the transition, and, when possible, find affordable housing or connect with potential roommates. We also provide health insurance coverage to all teachers and their families, and can guide you through navigating the American healthcare system. If there are upfront expenses like travel or visa fees, we’ll be clear on what to expect and what support may be available.

Do I get paid the same amount as a U.S. teacher?

Yes! All salaries are determined based on the year you graduated from university and how many years of full-time teaching experience you have after graduation. Salary is non-negotiable. In the U.S., salary is quoted yearly, as opposed to monthly, and is quoted before taxes.

Do I need to buy a ticket to get to the U.S. for orientation?

Lattice will buy a one-way ticket for you after your visa is approved, and you will pay for it incrementally, during the school year. You are responsible for any additional tickets you might use throughout your experience to visit home or any other travel.

If your family travels to the U.S., you are responsible for paying for their tickets. All family members should travel at least 1-2 weeks after you.

Do I have to pay for housing and food?

Yes. You will pay for your own housing, food, and transportation.

Do I have to buy a car?

There is not always easy access to public transportation where teachers are placed, meaning you may need to buy a car upon arrival in the U.S. and be able to drive. Typically, Ambassador Teachers pay a down payment for a car and continue to pay for the car while living in the U.S.

What are the official and administrative fees associated with the exchange? 

SEVIS I-901 Fee: For J-1 program participants, the fee is $220. This must be paid before the visa interview and is mandatory.

Visa Application Fee: For J-1 visas, the fee is $160

Visa Integrity Fee: Starting in fiscal year 2026, an additional $250 fee will apply to most non-immigrant visas, including J-1. 

Enrollment Fee: TBD 

Who do I contact if I need help regarding my stay in the US?

Your first point of contact is your Lattice mentor.

The Travel Secure insurance plan assigns dedicated account managers and offers 24‑hour multilingual support for insurance questions.

The Teacher Handbook (received once you are accepted into the program) provides a Lattice Contact Directory listing who to reach for visa, housing, health insurance or program questions. For emergency issues affecting health, safety or welfare, contact Lattice’s emergency line.

For mental‑health issues, you may contact DialCare counsellors.

What kind of support do I receive?

Lattice and InIm provide comprehensive support: assistance with obtaining Social Security numbers and opening U.S. bank accounts; housing and roommate assistance and transportation planning; visa application and monitoring; cultural‑integration guidance and orientation to local services; evidence‑based well‑being training covering resilience and mental health; professional development workshops and mentor pairing; and health‑insurance coverage that includes telemedicine and mental‑wellness counselling. Teachers also have access to 24‑hour live support for any questions.

Who can I contact for more support during the program?

When you get selected to join the Wonderlink program, you will have access to a dedicated team that will be able to answer your questions and provide you with the guidance you need to make the most of your experience.  From basic questions on navigating your new home to more nuanced discussions on mastering the American classroom, we will ensure you have people to turn to at every step of the journey.

What if I struggle in the classroom or feel homesick?

You won’t be alone. Wonderlink creates a community of exchange teachers – you’ll be surrounded by colleagues going through the same experience. We organize regular check-ins, virtual meetups, and group chats where you can share experiences, ask questions, and solicit advice. Our team of former educators can coach you through classroom challenges, and cultural exchange activities provide you with the opportunity to share your home traditions with your students and your community. We hope to make you feel valued in your new home to make your acclimation as easy as possible.

Is it important to have a driver’s license?

In many U.S. communities, especially suburban or rural areas, having access to a car can be very helpful. If your living accommodations are far away from school or if you want to have the more flexibility, a car and drivers license may be beneficial. Ideally, housing will be reasonably close to your school - we will support you with your apartment search and suggest safe, geographically desirable neighborhoods. If you are within walking or biking distance of school, great! If not, you can consider public transportation, driving, or carpooling options. 

Will I need an American credit card or will a debit card suffice?

Opening a U.S. bank account and obtaining a debit card is usually sufficient for day‑to‑day purchases and salary deposits. You can also apply for a credit card once you have a Social Security number - building a credit history may help with renting housing and other financial arrangements. Orientation sessions will cover debit and credit cards and all required identification for the American financial system

What if I don’t adapt to the US culture?

Adapting to a new culture is a process, and it's completely normal to have concerns about it. It’s important to be patient with yourself, as culture shock—the feeling of disorientation when leaving a familiar environment—is a common experience. To help with the transition, you can take a few proactive steps. Try to embrace cultural differences with curiosity rather than judgment, actively seek out social connections with both fellow international teachers and American colleagues, and participate in community events to get a better feel for local life. 

Remember that you don't have to change who you are; you can share your country’s culture with your new community, which enriches the experience for everyone.

We provide tips for adapting to American culture and how to seek help if you feel overwhelmed. Our teacher support resources will be available to you throughout your exchange, and you are encouraged to reach out for any support you may need.

How long is the exchange program?

The standard program length is up to three years, with the possibility of extending for one or two additional years if approved. We generally prefer candidates who are excited about the possibility of a five-year exchange. 

What happens after the program? Can I stay longer?

The J-1 program is designed as a temporary cultural exchange, and teachers must return to their home country for two years after completing the program. This requirement is part of what makes our program an exchange and not an immigration pathway. With that said, you’ll return home with valuable international teaching experience — often opening doors to leadership roles, new opportunities, or recognition in your country’s schools. Many alumni also stay connected through networks that keep the international community alive long after the exchange ends.

What about the visa and legal paperwork? It sounds complicated. 

The paperwork might sound overwhelming, but that’s where Wonderlink comes in. Lattice will handle the heavy lifting on the J-1 Visa process. We guide you step by step through the visa application, SEVIS fee, and embassy interview, making the process as straightforward as possible and ensuring full compliance with U.S. regulations. Don’t worry about the bureaucracy - we are experts at it. 

Can I be part of the program more than once?

After completing your exchange program, you may become eligible for another J-1 teacher program in the future. However, U.S. regulations require that you reside in your home country for at least two years before starting a new J-1 teacher program. This rule encourages you to return home to share the knowledge gained before potentially coming back on a new exchange.

Will I be guaranteed employment for at least three years?

Your continued employment as an exchange teacher is largely your responsibility and depends on your ability to perform successfully in the classroom, according to the requirements set by your host school district and/or as evaluated by Lattice personnel.

We can't guarantee employment for a specific duration, but we are committed to providing you with the support you need to quickly adjust to your new community and achieve success in your classroom.

The detailed terms for program participation—including reasons for early departure like resignations, terminations, or non-renewal of contracts—are fully outlined in the Lattice Educator Agreement provided to all participants before the program begins.