tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64213965417892126872024-03-19T04:03:29.911-07:00J1VisaTeachExcBlog touching on subjects of Teacher Exchange Program for foreign K-12 teachers to teach in the United States from 1-5 years.Marianne Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753356783763529881noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6421396541789212687.post-40392462000903315572012-07-01T15:57:00.003-07:002020-01-07T18:01:36.870-08:00J-1 Visa Health Insurance Coverage<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Health-insurance coverage requirements of the J1 Teacher Exchange Visa were increased on May 15, 2015. The US government sets health insurance minimum coverage for the J-1 visa as part of its official exchange program established by the </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_10_0_1_1578448670792_305" style="background-color: white;">Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (PDF) (Public Law 87-256) as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2451:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> - Medical Benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> - Deductible not exceeding $500 per accident /illness </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> - Repatriation of Remains up to $25,000 <i>(CHF covers you)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> - Medical Evacuation expense to home country up to $50,000 <i>(CHF covers you)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The type of coverage required by J-1 regulations is satisfied by
the</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif";">Plan E Plus</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">health plan offered by Visit International Health Insurance. The cost of
the insurance by age (as of January 7, 2020) for $100,000 per accident or illness with $500 deductible is: </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span></span>
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<b>AGE</b></div>
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<b>DEDUCTIBLE ($500 MAX)</b></div>
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<b>PREMIUM</b></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid #5B9BD5 1.0pt; border-left: solid #5B9BD5 2.25pt; border-right: solid #5B9BD5 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid #5B9BD5 .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-left-alt: solid #5B9BD5 2.25pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-top-alt: solid #5B9BD5 .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 49.25pt;" valign="top" width="66"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>0-29</b></div>
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<td style="border-bottom: solid #5B9BD5 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid #5B9BD5 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid #5B9BD5 .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-left-alt: solid #5B9BD5 .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-right-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-themecolor: accent1; mso-border-top-alt: solid #5B9BD5 .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: accent1; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 67.5pt;" valign="top" width="90"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b>$500</b></div>
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<b>$43.50/month</b></div>
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<b>30-39</b></div>
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<b>$500</b></div>
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<b>$58.50/month</b></div>
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<b>40-49</b></div>
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<b>$500</b></div>
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<b>$91.80/month</b></div>
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<b>50-59</b></div>
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<b>$500</b></div>
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<b>$137.40/month</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You can charge to a credit card
and must obtain this insurance before arriving in the U.S if not immediately
covered by the school plan. If you buy it, repatriation and medical evacuation is included even though CHF covers you for those two planks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here is the link to buy online: <a href="http://visitinsurance.com/application_directions.html">http://visitinsurance.com/application_directions.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Please be advised that this
coverage is designed to be a temporary solution; special coverage for J-1
visaholders is less expensive, but it does not cover basic checkups that
might be required by your school and probably not shots or immunizations.
You must try to enroll in the school group health insurance policy as soon as
practicable if you think you will need health insurance for anything but a
serious accident or dire emergency. You can search the Internet and find many other companies that offer this insurance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Bear in mind that if your school or district coverage does not provide the minimums outlined in paragraph 1 above, you must purchase the additional coverage needed.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XO8FJDFBA5nffC3pY3wTP52gWO8WuPce3EoMMAXDWI5zsgFHcPOaMTSP3vXH9wgpvrJDoiS7k_xzo3ytU_uiJciVtNim4K3cq07IirCpbE6kWZjGLeKqQV2MIUW_mLyJID_IJqtC2K-r/s1600/FreeMedicalandHealthVectorIcons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XO8FJDFBA5nffC3pY3wTP52gWO8WuPce3EoMMAXDWI5zsgFHcPOaMTSP3vXH9wgpvrJDoiS7k_xzo3ytU_uiJciVtNim4K3cq07IirCpbE6kWZjGLeKqQV2MIUW_mLyJID_IJqtC2K-r/s200/FreeMedicalandHealthVectorIcons.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Cordell Hull Foundation covers every teacher and immediately family dependent (spouse or child) for:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1. Repatriation - transport of body back to home country in event of death</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2. Medical Evacuation - transport of body back to home country in event of severe illness or injury</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>IMPORTANT:</b>
Each J-1 teacher must be insured at the point that s/he first steps foot
on US soil throughout the full length of the J-1 tenure in Section 3 of
form DS-2019. You must choose a plan with a deductible no higher
than $500 and no less than the $100,000 maximum limit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Do not
inscribe until the school /district /state receives confirmation that
the teacher has paid the embassy fees to apply for their J-1 visa passport
stamps;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Form DS-160 = $160 + SEVIS Fee = $220 totaling $380.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For further information on the J-1 visa, see the Cordell Hull Foundation website: </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cordellhull.org/">http://www.cordellhull.org/</a> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and click on Teacher Exchange at the top of the page.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You can find links to a large number of instruction videos narrated by native speakers of English, French, Spanish and Mandarin on <a href="http://www.cordellhull.com/instruction-videos">http://www.cordellhull.com/instruction-videos</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Read the other CHF blog articles below that interest you!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Marianne Mason, President <br />Cordell Hull Foundation for International Education, New York</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">45 Rockefeller Plaza, Floor 20, NY, NY 10111 (by appointment only)</span></div>
</div>
Marianne Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753356783763529881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6421396541789212687.post-31339901608228284112012-07-01T15:01:00.000-07:002020-01-07T18:10:45.392-08:00Relocation Guide for Schools to host Foreign Teachers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><i>Cordell Hull Foundation for International Education</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">Most established international, immersion, and public schools with foreign language or immersion programs offer the services described here. This article is geared toward new schools accepting their first foreign teacher into the fold. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Providing relocation orientation and direct support to new foreign hires is essential to help quickly familiarize themselves with the new community, school, and feel welcome, softening the severity of Culture Shock.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The importance of creating an atmosphere of good will and support for a smooth and successful exchange experience cannot be underestimated.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">School staffs may not realize that the challenges ahead for the teacher may be daunting.</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A few simple steps can help avoid bewilderment and do much to help orient a new hire not familiar with the general area in the United States.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Experienced international schools appoint 1-2 buddy or mentor teachers for new foreign exchange teachers </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">before and immediately after their arrival. Much of the following information is covered in the Cordell Hull Foundation Pre-Arrival and Orientation Manual.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Cordell Hull Foundation requires schools to watch an 8-minute video and answer a checkup quiz in order to participate in our teacher exchange program. A few important points are summarized briefly in this checklist.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Social Security Card</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Provide practical assistance and transportation. Applying for a SSN should be one of the first tasks for the foreign teacher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nearest Social Security office is easily identified via Internet by going to </span><a href="http://www.socialsecurity.gov/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">http://www.socialsecurity.gov/</span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> and inputting the school zip code.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Immediately after the teacher arrives, s/he must inform the Cordell Hull Foundation immediately to “validate” the arrival in the S<stockticker>EVIS</stockticker> database.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">State Driver’s License</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ensure the foreign national is familiar with your state’s driver’s license rules and laws which may be accessed on DMV (Department of Motor Vehicle) websites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The template is </span><a href="http://www.dmv.__.gov/"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">www.dmv.<span style="background-color: yellow;">__</span>.gov/</span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Insert the two-letter abbreviation for the state to find the driving laws that pertain to your state, i.e. <state><place>California</place></state>: <cite><a href="http://www.dmv.ca.gov/">www.dmv.ca.gov/</a></cite>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> E</span>xplain that a driver’s license serves as the main ID in the <country -region="-region"><place>US</place></country> for opening bank accounts, renting housing, and other tasks that are difficult or impossible without it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you do not plan to drive, you can also apply for a US ID card at the same DMV location.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Accommodations</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Think about options to house the exchange visitor for the first few days after arrival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simple, inexpensive motels are one option. Extended stay hotel/apartments may be worth considering if finding a suitable apartment is expected to take some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some former exchange teachers receive excellent help from their schools or hiring districts such as a current list of nearby apartment offices (with respective business hours), lease range and deposit amount or real estate offices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is helpful to point out and write down convenient neighborhoods as far as prices, distance to your institution, transportation routes, plus also possible areas to avoid.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It is crucial to help the foreign teacher in locating decent living space. Schools and districts must understand that, while finding a place to live seems like the teacher's sole personal business, it will backfire on the school's work and success if it remains unsolved for too long. Inform the new hire about possible furniture leasing businesses, inexpensive furniture stores (i.e. IKEA), and explain garage sales as one</span> alternative.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Provide the address and business hours of Public Utilities Boards where the new teacher can apply for gas, water, and electricity hookup. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It is extremely helpful to give your new colleague an overview of existing carriers in your area, price plans, and inexpensive alternatives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While most exchange teachers are familiar with Skype for long-distance calling, you may have to point out the benefits (and possible implications) of cell-phone contracts and pay-as-you-go options (Net10 offering international calling).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A list of trustworthy second-hand dealers is incredibly valuable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some school districts work with their local teachers’ credit unions to help foreign exchange teachers finance cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Explain all transportation alternatives, especially during the first few days and weeks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Inform the foreign exchange visitors about options.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some banks have special offers and packages and may even reward you for bringing in new customers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not all foreign teachers are fully familiar with the <country -region="-region"><place>U.S.</place></country> system of debit vs. credit cards, personal checks, and online banking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let teachers know that establishing credit in the <country -region="-region"><place>US</place></country> can take up to six months, and advise them of local department stores or businesses that may give them credit to start the ball rolling. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ensure that direct deposit is an option for bank accounts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tax exemption</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Exchange teachers should know whether or not they are tax exempt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Make sure they complete </span>Form 8233 and give it to the school when they first arrive, then in January of each subsequent year, in order to qualify for a J-1 visa tax exemption.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All new J-1 teachers are eligible for exemption from Social Security and Medicare taxes for the first two years in the <country -region="-region"><place>US</place></country>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some countries have tax treaties with the <country -region="-region"><place>US</place></country> exempting J-1 visaholders for 2-3 years from federal (<place><placename>not</placename> s<placetype>tate</placetype></place>) income tax. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Detailed charts are provided in the Cordell Hull Foundation Orientation and Pre-Arrival Manual link provided in your initial J-1 visa instruction letter. Also see CHF's FAQs page: </span><span style="color: #0000ee; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u>http://cordellhull.com/are-teachers-sponsored-on-a-j-1-exchange-visitor-visa-tax-exempt/</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Health Insurance</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">J-1 visa Federal regulations require all exchange teachers to be insured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See the first article in this blog on how to obtain this insurance and the specific requirements. Some teachers are from countries that offer free medical coverage to all citizens, but teachers must buy an international rider for this insurance to be valid in the <country -region="-region"><place>U.S.</place></country></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9. </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Social Security, Teacher Retirement System, other deductions</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Please make sure that the foreign teacher understands all of these. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In many cases, contributions to state teacher systems can be refunded at the end of the exchange (after the three-year J-1 visa tenure).<br /><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10. </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Paychecks</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Provide information on cut-off days, and, most importantly, the new employee’s first pay day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be prepared to answer questions regarding your school’s relocation assistance if a stipend is offered as part of the contract.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sick Days / Personal Business Days</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Ensure that your new colleague understands your school and/or district policies on absences and tardiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> B</span>e sure to give the employee handbook to the foreign teachers when they first arrive or during orientation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Clubs, Pastime options, Ways to get involved in the community</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">CHF asks foreign exchange teachers to participate actively, get to know the <country -region="-region"><place>U.S.</place></country>, its way of life, and people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try to put yourself in the foreign visitor’s place and come up with some interesting offers of clubs, inside and outside the school community, and invite them to activities giving them a chance to mingle with American people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most foreign exchange visitors are eager to share with others information on their home countries and schools, beyond the scope of your school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They realize it is one of the purposes of the teacher exchange program but need your support and guidance on venues to share this valuable and enriching information.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Setup of school work </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Buddy teachers should also introduce the foreign national to important aspects of school life: S<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">chool administration hierarchy</span>, school districts, unions, role of the principal, daily routines, paperwork, professional development, classroom management rules, and grading system. While this info is usually provided in an official manner by the institution's administrators, it is not necessarily easy to follow and understand for speakers of other languages. When the appointed buddy teacher revisits these facts and regulations on a more casual, informal level through personal stories, explanations, and examples, it proves extremely helpful.
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14.<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Contact with the Cordell Hull Foundation</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The new exchange teacher must know how to contact the J-1 visa sponsor, the Cordell Hull Foundation, and requirements for keeping J-1 visa status in good standing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The email address is: pro@cordellhull.org After they participate in the CHF Equilibration seminar, encourage teachers to talk about their adjustment to life in the U.S.<br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> Taking these steps involves additional work but will pay off. New teachers can full focus attention on acclimating to teaching</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> rather than be preoccupied by relocation tasks. They need guidance to hep figure out how to take the necessary steps. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hiring a foreign national teacher to join your staff offers several advantages for your institution, including opportunities:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> - for </span></span></span>local educators to enrich their teaching expertise by learning about education in other countries;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Cordell Hull Foundation (CHF) has 60 years of vast experience in providing support to teachers and hiring institutions, sponsoring thousands of teacher State Department exchange visitor programs since the creation of the J-1 visa in 1962.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">J1VisaTeachExc</i></b> blog is a forum for expressing and sharing school and teachers experiences, or write directly to pro@cordellhull.org.</span></div>
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Marianne Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753356783763529881noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6421396541789212687.post-56351023736842197942011-10-01T13:05:00.000-07:002011-10-04T10:08:17.034-07:00The Famous 515-A - Missing DS-2019 form<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">All J-1 visa exchange teachers sponsored by the Cordell Hull Foundation know that CHF stresses the importance of folding and stapling the DS-2019 form into the passport. Most teachers remember and follow these instructions from our cultural workshop at the beginning of their first visa term.</div><div></div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Form DS-2019 for J-1 teachers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sometimes they forget to pass on this important step to family dependents. Teachers are responsible to explain to spouses and dependent children the importance of stapling the DS-2019 form in the passport every year they receive a renewal. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If the family member leaves the US without a DS-2019 form, scanning, faxing, or emailing the DS-2019 form left behind is in violation of the J-1 visa regulations. If a teacher has done that, it is a good idea to go to the airport on the day that the family member is scheduled to arrive in the US - making sure that the family member knows you are waiting outside with the original DS-2019 form in case the inspector demands it. If s/he does not know you are there, it will not help, of course.</div><div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
Teachers, please ... do not forget to instruct, then watch your family fold and staple both new and renewal DS-2019 forms in their passports. It is your responsibility to make sure they do it. They have no idea why it is so important unless you explain it to them and make them perform the task in front of you. That is why we make such an elaborate ceremony of doing the deed in front of you at the orientation.</div><div></div><div><br />
<strong>Possible Consequences</strong> ...</div><div></div><div>If you arrive at the airport and find that you do not have your DS-2019 form, you will probably not be allowed access to the US, and you may be held in a side waiting room for questioning by the US immigration officer before being allowed to cross the border.<br />
</div><div></div><div></div><div><div></div><div></div><div></div>Permission to enter the US is left up to the discretion of the individual USCIS (Homeland Security) immigration officer. If you are respectful, professional and presentable and can show good cause, most likely you will be admitted after being reprimanded and given Form I-515A. This may seem obvious, but some foreign nationals do not realize that a J-1 visa is a privilege, not a right. You are asking permission to enter - vs. exerting your right to enter. Hearing about democracy in the US, they may feel free to make demands that an American citizen might exercise.<br />
</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div>Most Exchange Visitors (J-1 or J-2 visaholders) will be given a Form I-515A to fill out and return to the address in Washington, DC on the form along with the original DS-2019 document. See:</div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.university-insider.com/international_students/traveling_to_USA/form_I-515A.php">http://www.university-insider.com/international_students/traveling_to_USA/form_I-515A.php</a></div>In this explanation, the word "student" is used, but it also applies to J-1 teachers and holders of J-1 visas in the other 13 categories: </div><ul><li>Elementary and Secondary Teachers </li>
<li>Trainees, Interns </li>
<li>College and university students, Secondary school students, and Short-term scholars </li>
<li>Professors and research scholars </li>
<li>Alien physicians </li>
<li>International and government visitors, Specialists </li>
<li>Camp counselors </li>
<li>Summer work/travel students </li>
<li>Au pairs</li>
</ul>Marianne Mason, Executive Director, Cordell Hull Foundation<br />
<a href="http://www.cordellhull.org/">http://www.cordellhull.org/</a><br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>Marianne Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753356783763529881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6421396541789212687.post-40738460189768240982011-08-01T11:52:00.000-07:002020-01-07T18:23:59.200-08:00CHF Cross-Cultural Annual J-1 Visa Orientation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Part of the Cordell Hull Foundation's responsibility to the State Department as J-1 visa sponsor is providing pre-arrival info to new teachers plus training on J-1 visa regulations and cultural adjustment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">William Arthur, Carlos Chubb, Betty Yu, Sebastien Pelletier and Marianne Mason moderated a series of cross-cultural workshops in New York, Washington, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Oregon, Chicago, and New Orleans in addition to noted International and Immersion school principals using videos, written and interactive video quizzes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">All written materials for these workshops may be accessed in my book, <i>J1 Visa Uncloaked--Complete Cultural Training Guide - Volume II </i>which was been updated in May 2015<i>, </i>available through Amazon.com, translated into six languages.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Cordell Hull Foundation New Program Guide on </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://cordellhull.com/step-by-step-set-up-guide/">http://cordellhull.com/step-by-step-set-up-guide/</a> details the simple steps for a school, state or district to become a partner in sponsoring J-1 visas for international teachers to work in US primary or secondary schools. Participation in the yearly CHF orientations is de rigueur for exchange teachers and often attended by school principals and Education Consuls from foreign governments, in groups of 10-50 teachers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We are grateful for the valuable participation and input of numerous talented, experienced, knowledgeable educators to the Cordell Hull Foundation's Cultural Orientation</span> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">workshops each year. Tom Gilbert, a British CHF Exchange Teacher from Bath, England, designed an interactive PowerPoint session on Culture Shock, including 5 animations depicting each step--Honeymoon, Rejection, Adjustment, Biculturalism, and Reverse--that have been enormously popular with teachers. CHF also produced a 45-minute video presentation with Tom expressing his unique take on how foreign-national teachers can cope with cultural adjustments that can be more of a strain than expected when they first arrive in the US and find it different from just visiting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Tom shares, <i>"Like many people, I suspect, when I was told of the stages of culture shock I was </i></span><i><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">convinced it wouldn’t happen to me. </span><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The whole thing sounded way to simplistic, surely an intelligent person’s reactions to </span></i></span><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>a new culture couldn’t be so easily codified?"</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Tom, being British, </span>really believed he would not be affected by culture shock. But he went through </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">every phase like clockwork. He says that </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">"<i>Culture Shock is a documented phenomenon.</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Accept it, plan for it, but don't believe you can avoid it."</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Marianne Mason, President, Cordell Hull Foundation for International Education</span><br />
<a href="http://www.cordellhull.org/"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">http://www.cordellhull.org/</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.cordellhull.net/"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">http://www.cordellhull.net/</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.cordell-hull.org/"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">http://www.cordell-hull.org/</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">45 Rockefeller Plaza, Floor 20 - By Appointment Only</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">New York, NY 10111 </span></div>
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Marianne Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753356783763529881noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6421396541789212687.post-24328628525405600112011-04-19T17:39:00.000-07:002020-01-07T18:18:53.246-08:00Greek-teacher 2-yr J1 visa extension<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In March 2010, I met with the State Department and obtained a special 2-year extension for Greek government-paid teachers in J1 visa status to continue teaching in the US to fulfill their five-year Greek government contracts. After continuing the push, in 2016, J-1 teacher visa sponsors were delighted that all J-1 teachers were also given the option to renew their terms for two additional years when new J-1 visa regulations were published.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyMzic_fFUd2QPydrun-CBKGxt1VMwGxalwinyU6tV41pUlfURTWmx85PdWyFm57tz5iVzTNvpVcmjMO9_5uPSRU-U6JztPsuZZ_PjhMdlwhSojBiz1rhyphenhyphendmsz2qurVz91HWr6YurXqcd/s1600/greek%252520flag1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyMzic_fFUd2QPydrun-CBKGxt1VMwGxalwinyU6tV41pUlfURTWmx85PdWyFm57tz5iVzTNvpVcmjMO9_5uPSRU-U6JztPsuZZ_PjhMdlwhSojBiz1rhyphenhyphendmsz2qurVz91HWr6YurXqcd/s1600/greek%252520flag1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><em><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I quoted </span></em></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">humorist </span><a href="http://www.billmaher.com/" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Bill Maher</a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;"> in my pitch for the Greek teachers: </span><em style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Besides democracy, philosophy, geometry,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>poetry, architecture and drama, what have the Greeks ever given us?</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">The Greek exchange teacher program was a special project for the <a href="http://www.cordellhull.org/english/Teacher_Programs/J-1_Teacher_Exchange_Program.asp">Cordell Hull Foundation</a> (CHF). Working closely with Georgios Vlikidis, Greek Government Education Director, and Greek Consulate General <span class="blueTxt" id="_ambassadorName"><a href="http://www.mfa.gr/www.mfa.gr/AuthoritiesAbroad/North+America/USA/GeneralConsulateNewYork/en-US/">Aglaia Balta</a></span>, we advocated for talented, highly intelligent Greek teachers to work in expanded educational venues. Most teach in New York area schools, where CHF can offer additional workshops and training during the year, primarily in teaching Greek as a Second Language. CHF also works closely with Greek-school principals in Florida and Chicago to sponsor J-1 visas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was privileged to meet Deputy Greek Minister of Education </span><a href="http://www.athensnews.gr/portal/10/36672"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fofi Gennimata</span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> on her visit to New York City February 21, 2011. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Greek government teachers are hand-picked by the Greek government. They are experienced, well-educated, generous and cheerful. Most belong to the Greek Orthodox Church. Orthodox Priests have a hand in running some parochial schools. They usually wear black robes and are colorful, brilliant, charismatic personalities. They are allowed to marry and have families.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4CmjOLwo8MterKktfxjwuTDK7Hs1WRvlVSFRO3SN0NCVMyuyITsOe4rmmiDXSJKuqSHzy8yeHXkTux0jV9IH1C1JFkugMibRVUkwxwkgDpE1Ei-divGQyjtHcu7M20Z0D0t5mRVo1JCx/s1600/Greek+Priest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4CmjOLwo8MterKktfxjwuTDK7Hs1WRvlVSFRO3SN0NCVMyuyITsOe4rmmiDXSJKuqSHzy8yeHXkTux0jV9IH1C1JFkugMibRVUkwxwkgDpE1Ei-divGQyjtHcu7M20Z0D0t5mRVo1JCx/s200/Greek+Priest.jpg" width="100" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To extend Greek teachers now in their third year of J-1 visa status for 2 additional years, <u>c</u></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u>opies of the following are needed for each J-1 teacher</u>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"> (1) DS-2019 form - original signed by American Embassy Consular Officer<br />
(2) I-94 card (both front and back sides of the card, even if the back has no writing) <br />
(3) Name page of passport (enlarged and light enough to read) <br />
(4) J-1 visa stamp in passport </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Please Xerox and enlarge the 3 passport documents, on a light setting, and fax to: 646-349-3455 - <u>all right side up</u> in the same direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u>Copies of the following are needed for each J-2 dependent</u>: </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">(1) DS-2019 forms signed by the American Embassy Consular Officer, (2) I-94 cards (both sides), (3) Name pages of the passports, (4) J-2 visa stamp(s) in passport(s).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A second offering letter is required on letterhead signed by the school principal, requesting that the teacher be allowed to continue teaching in J-1 visa status for two additional years.</span></div>
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An additional fee is due the State Department for extension of status. CHF submits the supporting documents above via email. After the approval is processed, CHF generates new DS-2019 form(s) and instruction letter(s).<br />
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I would express my deep appreciation, on behalf of CHF, to Greek journalists <a href="http://www.elekfrasi.com/cv-syriopoulou.html">Despina Syriopoulou</a>, correspondent for the United Nations, and <a href="http://www.plaxo.com/profile/show/158916052238?pk=57ecde66190020a2dfeacf59e3aae58d64db5f2f">Alexandros Stefanopoulos</a> of the <a href="http://greekamericannewsagency.blogspot.com/">Greek-American News Agency</a>, for their responsible reporting, professionalism and high ethical standards publishing the accurate story of how the Cordell Hull Foundation obtained permission for Greek teachers to extend J-1 visa terms to five years.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Greek teacher salaries are paid by their government. <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">They spend most of their earnings in the US in contrast to teachers from other countries, such as India and the Philippines, who send half their income back to their home countries. Greek teachers contribute to the US economy as well as greatly enhance the US educational system. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Cordell Hull Foundation has continued the special Greek teacher exchange program, which Greek Education Consultant Dr. George Melikokis oversees and liaises with the Greek government Department of Education.</span></span></div>
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Marianne Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753356783763529881noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6421396541789212687.post-24800134115302471982011-03-20T13:51:00.000-07:002020-01-07T18:33:57.169-08:00J1 visa teachers Extensions & Renewals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Cordell Hull Foundation (CHF) is currently accepting applications from public, private and charter schools to join our teacher exchange program, allowing CHF to sponsor foreign teachers to work for one to three years in US K-12 schools.<br />
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For an easy and concise synopsis of the process on how new schools can join, see our video: www.vimeo.com/262868031. CHF works with schools, school districts, and Conflucius Institutes directly, but not through third parties: not through attorneys nor recruitment agencies. Individual teachers or attorneys can refer the school principal or contact to CHF to explain the process directly. The first step is to click here to complete the New Exchange Program Application Form: <a href="https://zohodir102.zohocreatorportal.com/">https://zohodir102.zohocreatorportal.com/</a> <br /><br />
The deadline for extending teachers in their third year to a 4th and 5th year is the last week in March. A special application process must be submitted to the government. Teachers who are currently in their 1st or 2nd year may be renewed until the end of July of each school year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOYacGOCT0FO2oNR8hGEkVavH2EfBOvcBqWnRByqDh_UrMPL_Ja9wyIfD-FhyijuprCTwBcqJ4sooHmlFhI7tfI0GNe8ELmqKmfuEuP1o_CtVVtBU26uAzGL38xbX8LQo-APTbTEK_boz/s1600/confucius-smaller.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOYacGOCT0FO2oNR8hGEkVavH2EfBOvcBqWnRByqDh_UrMPL_Ja9wyIfD-FhyijuprCTwBcqJ4sooHmlFhI7tfI0GNe8ELmqKmfuEuP1o_CtVVtBU26uAzGL38xbX8LQo-APTbTEK_boz/s200/confucius-smaller.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Since 2010, CHF has annually increased the number of teachers in exchange J-1 visa teacher school programs to its current level of 700. The Chinese government "Han Ban" Education Bureau offers a teacher exchange through Confucius Institutes housed in many US universities: <a href="http://www.chinese.cn/%C2%A0">http://www.chinese.cn/ </a> which places teachers of Mandarin and Chinese culture in public and charter K-12 schools throughout the US and pays their salaries, living expenses, and round-trip transportation. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOpCYJ6GX1WcZXxlBfyTgjvQECFdQW-knQItYJz64TAMWroTFvbUGyXPzE9oYmAAYptpWLs098IbIeG82twdv1fPZUANwium5YYppH_jzAgkaDrtjFIlLQhMKQ1zlHP2tuYZjdzMcwf4g/s1600/ChineseTeacherphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOpCYJ6GX1WcZXxlBfyTgjvQECFdQW-knQItYJz64TAMWroTFvbUGyXPzE9oYmAAYptpWLs098IbIeG82twdv1fPZUANwium5YYppH_jzAgkaDrtjFIlLQhMKQ1zlHP2tuYZjdzMcwf4g/s200/ChineseTeacherphoto.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Han Ban Teacher Hui Li at post in Maryland</td></tr>
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For Han Ban teachers who wish to stay in the US over the summer and not return to China, CHF can extend their visa term for an additional year without their having to obtain an updated visa stamp. <br /><br />
There are fifteen categories of J-1 visa. See <a href="http://ukraine.usembassy.gov/exchange-visa.html#1">http://ukraine.usembassy.gov/exchange-visa.html#1</a> and click on the first link that takes you to the category list. A Hanban teacher who comes to the US in J-1 teacher status cannot work in a university without the necessary permission from the university's Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) overseeing J-1 visas.<br />
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One of the oft-misunderstood facts about J-1 visa renewal is that, if the J-1 visa in the passport is expiring in mid-June of the current year (for example, June 30, 2020), it is <u>not</u> necessary to update the passport visa IF the foreign teachers STAYS in the US. The updated DS-2019 form issued by the visa designation sponsor (the Cordell Hull Foundation), which lengthens the term of the J-1 teacher visa or offers an updated travel validation, is sufficient to keep the J-1 visitor in status.<br />
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A J-1 visa passport stamp that expires before the beginning of the new school year (for example September 1, 2020) does not pose a problem for the 15 categories of J-1 visas (of which "teacher" is one category) UNLESS the teacher leaves the US and tries to return to the US less than 2 weeks before the expiration date. Therefore, to stay in J-1 visa status, an updated stamp is only required to RE-ENTER the US (provided that the teacher has received a new DS-2019 form from the visa sponsor, the Cordell Hull Foundation).<br />
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You can also find a wealth of information about the J-1 teacher exchange program on our FAQs page: <a href="http://cordellhull.com/faqs/">http://cordellhull.com/faqs/</a><br />
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Marianne Mason, President, <br />
Cordell Hull Foundation for International Education, <br />
New York City</div>
Marianne Masonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12753356783763529881noreply@blogger.com