PROGRAM FEES
Apply to GEC for free and only pay if accepted. We value transparency, so all costs are clear from the start. You'll also get tips on living expenses in the U.S. We’re committed to supporting your financial planning.
ADDITIONAL ON-PROGRAM FEES / GEC
| Host school/district transfer fee | $750 |
| J2 Dependent visa sponsorship | $ 550 / year |
| Travel validation | $30 |
| Program extension | $750 |
ADDITIONAL APPLICATIONS AND PRE-DEPARTURE EXPENSES
| I-901 SEVIS fee (U.S. Government) | $220 (Included in program fee) |
| Embassy Fee (payable when scheduling US Embassy appointment) | $185 |
| Foreign Credential Evaluation | $200–$350 |
| Exchange Visitor Insurance | $3/day |
FOREIGN OR DOMESTIC THIRD PARTY PARTNER EXPENSES
GEC does NOT work with foreign or domestic third parties or partners to accept participants in the program. All GEC participants must apply directly. GEC is committed to ensuring fair treatment and the best possible experiences for our international teachers in the United States, actively avoiding and combating any practices that exploit them financially or create negative living and working conditions.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
Cancellation of the program for any reason (including visa refusal) after application review and acceptance by the GEC will incur the following cancellation fees:
- If GEC is advised of the cancellation at least 28 days before the DS-2019 start date: $500.
- If GEC is advised of the cancellation 27 days to 1 day before the DS 2019 start date: $ 1000.
- If GEC is not advised until on or after the DS 2019 start date: The entire program fee.
- A $500 cancellation fee applies if a ”GEC Placement” program participant abandons the program before the end of the first school year.
- Cancellation/visa denial for J2 dependent visa: $300
POST ARRIVAL FEES
| State Certification/Licensure | Estimated range of $70 – $170 |
| State Licensure Exams | Estimated range of $90-$300 |
| Criminal Background Check | $60 – $160 |
*** Exchange visitor teachers in the U.S. must obtain a license or certification, pass licensure examinations, and pay varying fees depending on the state or school district.
Additional coursework or training may be required to meet state requirements, with costs varying based on the institution and program length.
Teachers often need to renew their licenses every few years, with renewal fees ranging from $50 to $200, and continuing education costs varying depending on the chosen courses or activities.
On average, an exchange visitor teacher might expect to incur costs ranging from a few hundred dollars if only minimal exams and fees are required, to several thousand dollars if extensive coursework, training, or multiple examinations are necessary.
POSSIBLE PAYCHECK DEDUCTIONS
| Federal taxes* | 10-15% |
| State taxes* | 0-10% |
| FICA taxes (Social Security/Medicare) * | 0-8% |
| Union dues (if applicable): | $50-75 |
| Retirement deductions (if applicable): | 0–15% |
| School Insurance (single vs. dependents): | $50-1000 |
* Tax treaties between your country and the government, as well as whether you file as a resident or non-resident, may affect the amount or exemptions available to you.
POSSIBLE MONTHLY EXPENSES IN THE USA (single teacher)
| Housing: | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Local transportation: | $500 – $800 |
| Food: | $600 – $1,000 |
| Utilities: | $150 – $300 |
| Cell phone: | $50 – $100 |
| Clothing: | $100 – $500 |
| Travel and Entertainment: | $250 – $500 |
| Medical including insurance deductibles: | $300 – $600 |
| Cable and Internet: | $50 – $300 |
| Childcare: | $600 – $1,500 (per child) |
**Most categories will incur greater expenses when dependents are included.
ADDITIONAL BUDGETING RESOURCES
Here are some websites that provide cost of living information to help you estimate how much you should budget for each field. Please feel free to perform extra web research to obtain price estimates in the area where you will be residing.
Economic Policy Institute – Family Budget Calculator
https://www.epi.org/resources/budget/budget-factsheets/
NerdWallet
https://www.nerdwallet.com/cost-of-living-calculator
Living Wage / Calculator
https://livingwage.mit.edu/
Sample Teacher Budget Calculator
https://gecexchanges.com/teach-usa/gec-sample-budget-calculation/