Transparent Fees, Competitive Teacher Salaries
Global Teaching Partners provides complete transparency about educator compensation and program costs - with no application or sponsor fees.
Our Commitment: No Hidden Costs, Complete Transparency
At Global Teaching Partners, we believe international educators deserve honest, upfront information about compensation and expenses. That's why we charge $0 application fees, $0 sponsor fees, and $0 third-party partner fees. Global Educators earn competitive salaries on the same scale as U.S. teachers, with monthly earnings between $3,600 and $6,155 based on education, experience, and location.
Global Educator Salary & Compensation
Competitive Teacher Salaries
Global Educators earn $3,600-$6,155 per month (before taxes) on the same salary scale as U.S. teachers in their districts.
Salary Determined By Experience & Education
Your compensation depends on your years of teaching experience, degree level, and the school district where you're placed.
Understanding Net vs. Gross Salary
Federal and state taxes are withheld from your monthly salary. See our example breakdown to understand your take-home pay.
FICA Taxes After Two Years
After two tax years in the U.S., you'll pay 7.65% in FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare) as a resident alien.
Same Benefits as U.S. Teachers
You'll receive commensurate benefits including health insurance options, professional development, and union membership opportunities.
Trusted by 25+ School Districts Across North Carolina
Required Fees for Program Participation
J-1 Visa Application Fee: $220
One-time fee paid to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate when applying for your J-1 Cultural Exchange Visa.
SEVIS I-901 Fee: $220
One-time fee paid to the Department of Homeland Security to maintain the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.
State Teaching License: $50-$200
Varies by state. Global handles the application process; you may need to reimburse renewal costs during your program.
Background Check & Transcripts: $25-$150
Costs for police background checks and official university transcripts vary by country. Translations may incur additional fees.
Health Insurance: $150-$300/month
Required by law for J-1 visa holders and J-2 dependents. Your school district may offer health insurance as a benefit, reach out to Global to ensure compliance.
Sample Net Monthly Salary Breakdown
Understanding your take-home pay is essential for budgeting. Below is an example based on a $45,720 annual salary paid over 10 months. Your actual salary and tax withholdings will vary based on your experience, location, and personal circumstances.
**Monthly Gross Salary:** $4,572
**(-) Federal Tax Withholding (approx. 12%):** $549
**(-) State Tax Withholding (approx. 4.5%):** $206
**= Monthly Net Salary:** $3,817
*Note: After two tax years, FICA taxes (7.65%) will also be withheld. This example is for illustration purposes only.*
Estimated Monthly Living Expenses in North Carolina
Housing: $800-$1,500
Rent varies by location and apartment size. Global provides housing assistance to help you find affordable options.
Utilities: $100-$200
Includes electricity, water, internet, and heating/cooling. Costs fluctuate seasonally.
Groceries: $250-$400
Food costs depend on dietary preferences and household size. North Carolina offers diverse grocery options.
Transportation: $300-$500
Includes car payment, insurance, gas, and maintenance. All Global Educators must have reliable transportation.
Cell Phone: $40-$80
Monthly phone plans with major carriers. Many educators choose prepaid or group plan options for savings.
Entertainment & Personal: $100-$300
Budget for dining out, activities, clothing, and personal items to enjoy North Carolina's vibrant culture.
Unlike other programs, Global Teaching Partners never charges application fees, sponsor fees, or third-party partner fees. We provide comprehensive support services included in your program participation: one-way airfare for first-year educators, credential evaluation services, teaching license application assistance, access to Educator Success Coaches and Transitional Advisors, professional development through TalentLMS, and connection to our Global Champions mentorship network.
Preparing Financially for Your U.S. Teaching Journey
Global recommends arriving with at least $3,500 to cover initial expenses like housing deposits and furniture.
Initial expenses include security deposits, furniture, kitchen supplies, and setting up utilities before your first paycheck.
If bringing a family, budget for additional visa fees, health insurance, airfare, and increased living expenses.
Cost of Living Resources
Research livability ratings, cost of living data, and community information for cities across the United States.
Compare expenses across different U.S. cities to understand housing, transportation, and general living costs.
Explore attractions, activities, and lifestyle information about living in beautiful North Carolina.
Complete Fee & Expense Breakdown
This comprehensive table outlines all required fees and estimated expenses for Global Educator program participation. Costs are for single J-1 visa holders; expenses increase with J-2 dependents.
**REQUIRED ONE-TIME FEES**
| Fee Type | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| J-1 Visa Application Fee | $220 | U.S. Embassy/Consulate fee |
| SEVIS I-901 Fee | $220 | Homeland Security system maintenance |
| Police Background Check | $25-$75 | Varies by home country |
| Official Transcripts | $10-$50 | University transcript request fees |
| Document Translation (if needed) | $25-$100 | Certified translation services |
| State Teaching License | $50-$200 | Varies by state; renewals may apply |
| J-2 Dependent Visa (per person) | $220 | If bringing spouse/children |
| J-2 Work Authorization (optional)* | $410-$470 | Only if dependent seeks employment |
*Only required if J-2 dependent applies for work authorization
**MONTHLY LIVING EXPENSES (Estimated)**
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent) | $800-$1,500 | Varies by location and size |
| Utilities | $100-$200 | Electric, water, internet, heating/cooling |
| Groceries | $250-$400 | Household food costs |
| Transportation | $300-$500 | Car payment, insurance, gas, maintenance |
| Health Insurance* | $150-$300 | Required for J-1 and J-2 visa holders |
| Cell Phone | $40-$80 | Monthly service plan |
| Clothing | $50-$150 | Personal/professional wardrobe |
| Entertainment | $50-$200 | Dining, activities, personal expenses |
*Health insurance is a legal requirement for maintaining valid J-1 visa status
**ESTIMATED TOTAL FIRST-YEAR COSTS**
- Required One-Time Fees: $525-$665 (single educator)
- Recommended Starting Funds: $3,500 minimum
- Average Monthly Expenses: $1,690-$3,330
Frequently Asked Questions About Fees & Salary
Does Global Teaching Partners charge application or sponsor fees?
No. Global Teaching Partners charges $0 application fees, $0 sponsor fees, and $0 third-party partner fees. We believe in complete transparency and never charge educators to participate in our program. You will only pay for required government fees (J-1 visa, SEVIS), state teaching license fees, and personal living expenses.
How much will I earn as a Global Educator?
Global Educators earn between $3,600 and $6,155 per month (before taxes), depending on educational background, years of teaching experience, and school district location. You are paid on the same salary scale as U.S. teachers in your district, ensuring fair and competitive compensation.
What taxes will be withheld from my salary?
Federal income tax (approximately 12%) and state income tax (approximately 4.5%) are withheld from your monthly salary. After spending two tax calendar years in the U.S., you'll also pay FICA taxes at 7.65% (Social Security and Medicare). Actual tax rates vary based on your income and personal circumstances.
Is health insurance required for J-1 visa holders?
Yes. U.S. law requires all J-1 visa holders and J-2 dependents to maintain health insurance throughout their entire program participation. Most school districts offer health insurance benefits commensurate with U.S. teachers. Monthly costs typically range from $150-$300 depending on coverage level.
How much money should I bring when I arrive in the U.S.?
Global Teaching Partners recommends bringing a minimum of $3,500 to cover initial relocation expenses. This includes housing deposits, furniture, utilities setup, and living costs before you receive your first paycheck. Having adequate funds ensures a smooth transition.
Does Global provide housing for educators?
Global Teaching Partners provides housing assistance but does not provide housing directly. Our Community Development team helps you find affordable housing near your school and assists with the rental application process. You are responsible for rent payments and securing your own housing.
Are there any hidden fees I should know about?
No. Global is committed to complete transparency. All required fees are outlined clearly before you accept a teaching position. Beyond the required government and state fees, you are only responsible for personal living expenses like housing, food, transportation, and entertainment—just like any resident.
Can J-2 dependents work in the United States?
Yes. J-2 dependents can apply for work authorization by filing Form I-765 with USCIS and paying a $410-$470 application fee. Work authorization is not automatic and must be approved before your dependent can seek employment.
What expenses does Global Teaching Partners cover?
Global provides one-way airfare for first-year educators, covers credential evaluation services, processes your teaching license application, and provides comprehensive support services at no charge. We never charge application, sponsor, or partnership fees. You are responsible for visa fees, personal living expenses, and your dependents' airfare.
How does my salary compare to other international teacher programs?
Global Educators earn the same salary as U.S. teachers in their districts - not a reduced "international teacher" rate. This means competitive compensation based on your qualifications and experience, along with commensurate benefits including professional development, health insurance options, and union membership opportunities.
Ready to Begin Your Global Educator Journey?
Review our minimum requirements, explore our program benefits, and start your application today. We're here to support you every step of the way.
