What to Expect

Your responsibilities as a teacher in the United States might be different than what you’re used to in your home country. We do our best to make sure you’re prepared before you go into the classroom. If you have questions once you get here, don’t worry, we’re here to support you!

Your responsibilities

Your responsiblities as a teacher in America might be a little different than what you're used to. In general, you'll be expected to: 

  • Conduct daily instruction according to the state and local curriculum
  • Regularly assess your students’ progress and maintaining a careful records of student grades
  • Communicate with parents about their child’s progress
  • Develop a clear and transparent method of formulating grades
  • Publish grades according to your school’s schedule
  • Engage students in meaningful activity in a way that lets them be responsible for their own education

Your schedule

If you’re accepted to teach in America with FACES, you’ll sign a 12 month contract. In South Carolina, most schools are in session between 7:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. from August until the end of May. Teachers work 200 days per year and students attend class for 180 days. You’ll have a break from classes during the summer months and for two weeks during Christmas. You’ll never be asked to work on Saturday or Sunday.

Contracts are for a 12 month school year, but can be renewed for a second or third year.

General summary of fees

Although there are no costs involved with applying to the FACES Exchange Visitor Program, you will incur expenses while an exchange visitor teacher. The only expenses you will incur prior to arrival in South Carolina is to obtain a course-by-course evaluation (average cost is $150 USD), obtaining a police clearance (cost varies per country) and the application fee for obtaining a Visa (form DS-160, a non-refundable $180 USD nonimmigrant application processing fee). Each exchange visitor who applies for a visa at a U.S. embassy, or consulate, must pay the current nonimmigrant visa $180 application processing fee. When applying for Exchange Visitor (J1 status), FACES pays the exchange visitor's SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitors Information System) fee of $220 USD. Read more about current fees for State Department services. Visit Bureau of Consular Affairs on how to apply for a J visa.

Anticipated cost of living

The following monthly expenses are approximate $USD depending on lifestyle choices and based on 1 person (no family members). Based on 12 months, FACES teachers can earn a $2,700 to $5,200 per month before any taxes, or withholdings. Salaries vary depending on verifiable experience and earned degrees.

  • Housing - $400 to $600 depending on location, number(s) of bedroom(s), amenities, etc. This expense can be reduced with sharing rent with a roommate. Some accommodations come furnished.
  • Food - $200 to $300 depending on your appetite
  • Utilities (electric and water) - $175 - $125 depending on amount of use. Some utility expenses are included in the housing rent.
  • Cell phone service - $50 - $175 depending on the usage and various carrier packages.
  • Automobile
    • $300 - $400 installment payments for financed loan repayments on used automobile costing $8,000 - $14,000.
    • Repair and fuel costs depend on vehicle use (approximately 10% of auto purchase).
    • $100 - $300 insurance premium depends on extent of coverage limits, type and age of vehicle acquired.
  • Income Taxes (Federal and State) - 16% of gross earned income.
  • Other Federal Taxes - 7.65% for Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) includes Social Security Tax and Medicare Tax for resident aliens. Upon arrival in the U.S. you are a nonresident alien. After approximately two years, your tax status changes to resident alien.
  • Health Insurance - $120 - $150 depending on insurance plan and coverage benefits. Medical/Accident insurance is provided at no cost by FACES.
  • Other expenses - Entertainment, clothes, personal hygiene and other "cannot do without" items are determined by individual needs, or desires.

In addition, should you invite any immediate family member(s) to come stay with you, consider the extra expenses you will likely incur.