Visa Help, Teaching Tips, and Money Advice for International Educators
Maria Gemma Hilotin 
How to Build U.S. Credit as a J-1/H-1B Visa Holder If you’re a J-1 teacher in the U.S., one of the most confusing parts of settling in can be your credit score — or rather, the fact that you don’t have one yet. In the U.S., credit affects almost everything: from renting an apartment and … Read more
🇵🇭 Thinking of Going Home This Summer? 🟡 If You’re on a J-1 or H-1B Visa Be extra careful. If your visa is expired, you’ll need to apply for a new stamp at the U.S. Embassy before coming back — and sometimes, that process takes weeks or months. Talk to your sponsor before … Read more
J-1 vs. H-1B Visa: Which One’s Better for You in 2025? If you’re dreaming of teaching or working in the U.S., you’ve probably come across two popular visa options: the J-1 and H-1B. But what exactly do they offer—and which one fits your goals better? Let’s break them down in a simple, no-jargon way based … Read more
Classroom Management Hack: What to Do When a Student Refuses to Follow the Rules What If a Student Refuses to Follow a Class Rule? Setting clear expectations is essential, but what happens when a student refuses to follow a rule? Do you react immediately, or take a different approach? How Should … Read more
Not All Schools Qualify! How to Check If Your Host School Meets J-1 Visa Standards If you’re a teacher planning to work in the U.S. under a J-1 visa, it’s important to know that not all schools are eligible to host international teachers. Before signing a contract, you need to ensure that your prospective school … Read more
Classroom Management Hack: How to Keep Students On-Task During Independent Work What If a Group of Students Is Constantly Off-Task? Independent work time should be productive, but what if a group of students keeps getting distracted? Instead of working, they talk, play, or lose focus. How should you handle it? How Should You Respond? A) … Read more
Professional Improvement Plan (PIP): What Teachers Need to Know and Why You Should Be Wary What Is a Professional Improvement Plan (PIP)? A PIP is a structured plan designed to help teachers improve in specific areas where they may be struggling. While it may seem like a tool for professional growth, teachers should approach a … Read more
Teaching in the USA: The Visa Secret No One Talks About! So, you’ve set your sights on teaching in the U.S.? You’re excited, motivated, and ready to embrace the American dream. But wait—before you pack your bags, there’s a visa secret that no one seems to talk about! If you’re an international teacher, you’ve probably … Read more
Classroom Management Hack: What to Do When a Student Refuses to Work What If a Student Refuses to Do Their Work and Shuts Down? Many teachers, especially international educators adjusting to U.S. classrooms, face the challenge of students who completely disengage. When a student refuses to do their work and shuts down, how should you … Read more
Can You Teach in the U.S. with MA SPED Units but No SPED Experience? Many Filipino teachers ask, “I have an MA in SPED with at least 24 units, but I’m not currently teaching SPED students. Can I still qualify for a teaching job in the U.S.?” The short answer? Yes. But it depends on … Read more
What If a Student Constantly Interrupts Your Lesson? A student keeps shouting jokes during your lesson, and the class laughs, encouraging them. What should you do? How Should You Respond? ✅ Best Response: C Calling out a student in front of the class can make things worse. Instead, use a private redirection strategy: -Remind them … Read more
How to Teach English Online – Best Platforms & Requirements for Remote ESL Jobs ⚠️ Important Notice: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or professional advice. Always research accredited online teaching platforms and review contract terms before signing up. Introduction Teaching English online has become a popular … Read more
TESOL vs. TEFL vs. CELTA – Which Certification is Best for Teaching English? ⚠️ Important Notice: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal or professional advice. Always research accredited programs and consult relevant education authorities before making a certification decision. Introduction If you’re considering a career in … Read more
Best J-1 Visa Insurance Providers (Comparison Guide) If you’re a J-1 visa holder, having the right health insurance isn’t just recommended—it’s required by law. With so many options available, choosing the best plan can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll compare the top J-1 visa insurance providers to help you find the best coverage at … Read more
Can You Stay in the US After Your J1 Visa Ends? What You Need to Know ⚠️ Important Notice: Changing visa status is the sole responsibility and accountability of the J1 teacher. Any decisions made are at the teacher’s own risk. Pinoy Teacher’s Stories and Teach-USA are not liable for any outcomes resulting from visa … Read more
How to Build a Resume That Gets You Hired as a Teacher Abroad Dreaming of teaching in the US, Canada, or other countries? Your resume is the first impression you make on potential employers and visa sponsors. A well-crafted resume can open doors to your teaching career abroad. Why a Strong Resume Matters for International … Read more
How to Apply for a Teaching Job in the US (Step-by-Step Guide for International Teachers) Teaching in the US is a dream for many educators around the world. The salary, work environment, and opportunities for growth make it a top destination. But how do you actually apply? The process can seem confusing, but I’ll break … Read more
TESOL Certification for International Teachers – Is It Worth It? (Note: This guide includes links to accredited TESOL programs for reference.) Are you an international teacher dreaming of working abroad, especially in English-speaking countries like the US, Canada, or Australia? You may have heard about TESOL certification. But is it really necessary? And is it … Read more
Shield Yourself: Practical Ways J-1 Teachers Can Handle Tough Student Behavior Teaching in the United States as a J-1 teacher is an exciting and life-changing experience. But let’s be real—some days, it can feel like you’re walking into a battlefield instead of a classroom. For many international teachers, the struggle with student behavior is one … Read more
What to Do If You Lose Your Job as an H-1B Teacher Losing your job is never easy, and for H-1B teachers in the United States, it can feel even more overwhelming. Your visa is directly tied to your employment, so when your teaching position ends, your legal status is immediately affected. If you are … Read more