J-1 Faculty Program
Purpose of the International Faculty Program at ISI
The United States of America (USA)’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is responsible for the teacher exchange program which most of the teachers in our international faculty program are a part of. The purpose of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ mission is to, “increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange that assist in the development of peaceful relations.” (Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs).
The International School of Indiana (ISI)’s mission is, “to provide our students with a world-class education that prepares them to be responsible citizens and effective leaders in a rapidly globalizing and interdependent world.” By taking part in ISI’s international faculty program, we expect you to share your cultural background with your colleagues, students and their parents, and challenge them to expand their understanding of the world. Similarly, we hope that as you grow as an inquirer in this role at our school, you learn about your students’ cultural backgrounds and expand your understanding of the world.
ISI is a J-1 visa designated sponsor organization. ISI only provides J-1 visa sponsorships to teachers employed at the International School of Indiana, as such, we are unable to assist with sponsorships for teachers seeking to work in schools other than ISI. To read more about what is entailed in the J-1 visa exchange program, please visit the Teacher Program Resource webpage run by the Department of State.
Program Disclosure
As a J-1 visa holder at ISI, there are certain expenses that you may anticipate. We strongly recommend reviewing the 3 sources of information below:
- The Program Disclosure Table (found below)
- Living Expenses Worksheet, which allows you to interactively predict what your take-home pay will be while employed with ISI
- International Faculty Program Handbook, which you would have received from HR prior to receiving your offer of employment.
|
Description of Cost |
Applicable to ISI Employees? |
Estimated Cost |
Notes |
|
Sponsor Fee |
No |
$0 |
ISI does not charge a sponsor fee to prospective employees. |
|
Foreign or Domestic Third Party or Partner Fees |
No |
$0 |
ISI does not work with any third parties in the hiring process and therefore does not charge this fee to prospective employees. |
|
Expected Work-Related Deductions - union dues |
No |
$0 |
ISI does not have a union for teachers. |
|
Program Related Costs - Foreign credential evaluation, licensure/certification and licensure exams |
No |
$0 |
There is not a cost to prospective employees for our credential evaluation, licensure/certification nor licensure exams. |
|
Expected Work-Related Deductions - ISI-admitted child tuition |
Optional |
$1,730 |
Please see our 'living expenses worksheet' for more information |
|
Expected Work-Related Deductions - lunch plan |
Optional |
$42 for 10 lunches |
You may purchase school lunches if you would like, or you may bring your own lunch to school. |
|
Program Related Costs - Background Check |
Yes |
$0 |
While a background check is required, ISI covers the cost of this background check. |
|
SEVIS Fee |
Yes |
$185 |
While you will pay for your SEVIS fee, we ask you to save and submit your receipt, and we will reimburse you for this cost. |
|
Visa Fee |
Yes |
$220 |
While you will pay for your visa fee, we ask you to save and submit your receipt, and we will reimburse you for this cost. |
|
Salary Information |
Yes |
Please see 'notes' and your offer of employment |
J-1 and J-2 Teachers are paid over a 12-month period according to the same salary scale as US teachers. The faculty scale is built on relevant teaching experience and highest degree earned. Salaries are commensurate with training and experience providing for a comfortable lifestyle. Specific salary information will be communicated during the interview process. |
|
Gas for Car |
Yes |
$100-400 |
Please see our 'living expenses worksheet' for more information |
|
Insurance Costs |
Yes |
Ranges between ~$128-200 per individual |
Please see our 'living expenses worksheet' for more information |
|
Monthly Car Payments |
Yes |
$400-800 |
Please see our 'living expenses worksheet' for more information Please also see our International Faculty Handbook for more information about purchasing or leasing a car in the USA. |
|
Groceries |
Yes |
$400-800 |
Please see our 'living expenses worksheet' for more information |
|
Housing |
Yes |
$800-2000 |
Please see our 'living expenses worksheet' for more information |
|
Expected Work-Related Deductions - taxes - federal |
Yes |
Federal Tax Rate falls between 0%-22% depending on residency and filing status |
Please see page 23 of the International Faculty Program Handbook for more information. |
| Expected Work-Related Deductions - taxes - state | Yes |
Indiana State Tax Rate is 3.08% |
|
| Expected Work-Related Deductions - taxes - FICA | Yes |
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) is 7.65% |
|
|
Expected Work-Related Deductions - retirement benefits |
Yes |
The 403(b) savings plan allows you to elect how much salary you want to contribute and direct the investment of your plan account, so you can tailor your own retirement package to meet your individual needs. After two consecutive years of service, employees may be eligible to participate in the pension plan. |
At the discretion of The Board of Directors (BOD), an annual contribution may be allocated to all eligible participants who are actively employed on the last day of the plan year (June 30). Historically, the BOD has approved contributions equal to 4% of salary |