Visa Help, Teaching Tips, and Money Advice for International Educators
Maria Gemma Hilotin 
For times when life seems to be off-track or spin too fast. or when your dreams seem to turn sour, pale, or blurry Switch tracks Give yourself a time-out And do know that I got you! And I am happy with the person you are becoming. Love, God. … Read more
US J1 Visa Sponsors require a Certification of Recognized English Test. There are different Recognized English test, such as: – Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT (TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition): minimum required test scores for each section are: Reading – 18 Listening – 17 Speaking – 20 Writing – … Read more
Do you ever wonder why others have already achieved their dreams and not you yet? The answer is you. Your decisions, intentions, and actions are critical factors in achieving your heart’s desires. So, WHAT DO YOU REALLY WANT?! When you wholeheartedly know what you want, brace yourself for your journey … Read more
Growing up, my mom (may she rest in peace) would always tell me to work hard in silence. She omitted the part about letting success be my noise. I thought because she wanted me to value humility. So ever since, if I have a goal or a dream, I’d allow no one to know … Read more
Meet Mr. & Mrs. T. Jayson and Maricel came to the US together in 2018. After a year, they brought their three children to the US. They are in their 5th year in the J1 program. Jayson holds the J1 visa, while Maricel is under the J2 visa. J2 visa holders can work … Read more
Here’s a reminder to all who dream, aspire, and want. And yet (weirdly) make excuses about its fulfillment. Questions to ponder: Is what you dream of, aspire to, or desire true? Do you want your goals bad enough? What do you “really” want? Invariably, when you do not know what you “really” … Read more
Some teachers will start the conversation with, “Ma’am Gemma, I have no money, but I really want to teach in the US!” Teachers, what you put your energy into is what you attract. When you declare that you have no money – you are already LIMITING what’s possible. You already give power to … Read more
I applied to this agency in 2007 without knowing how much the agency charges. I didn’t even ask HOW MUCH! I applied for a US job because I aspire to change my life – my children’s life, my husband’s! So, I was interviewed. I got the job. AND THEN, the agency asked … Read more
“I really, really want to teach in the US, but I have no money.” What I hear: I am poor. I have a dream. I have a dream, but I am poor, so my dream will remain a dream. I am poor, so I’ll set aside my dream. I am poor, and I … Read more
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. FB POST April 19, 2018 I am amazed by how God makes all things possible, in His perfect timing! I … Read more
I have a friend who does NOT want to teach in the US. And no matter what motivation I try to do, it doesn’t push her. Why? I can only think of two things: First, she’s happy and has accepted her life as it is. Second, she sees no reason to teach in … Read more
Are you thinking of transferring to another school district in another state? Here are some guidelines to help you in your decision-making: Find your valid reason. There must be something that the school district can do to help you in your situation. For example, if you are having difficulty adjusting to teaching middle … Read more
They say, if life gives you lemons, make lemonade!And why not? You may not deserve the lemons, but you know that anything that doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, better, and wiser! Plus, the lemonade is heart! Sharing some Q&A that may ignite a light and fire within you! Question #1: Is it … Read more
There are days like today when I wonder if I didn’t heed the voice telling me to change my life. What if I didn’t listen to that voice that keeps telling me I have to run for my dreams? Dennis, my husband, was a seaman* then, and although he received good money as one, … Read more
While browsing my contact forms, I saw an email from a particular HR Director asking if I could work in their state to bring in international teachers. I jumped to the opportunity at once and gave her a call. Unfortunately, she was out and left a message with the secretary. After about an hour, … Read more
Amazing times! If you answered YES to my two questions, let’s get you moving toward your US Dream! (If that’s your dream!) Related Questions: 1. I am a Head Teacher/Program Coordinator/College Professor/Supervisor. Can I apply? YES! 2. What is K-12 License? Kinder to Grade 12 teaching license. 3. Any … Read more
Teach-USA recommends securing your US teaching license early if you plan on teaching in the US. There’s no need to take any exams to apply for a license. But, you will need to have a Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) ready to start your application. TO KNOW MORE: Please send an email to: apply@teach-usa.net Subject … Read more
Doing the same things over and over is comforting and easy. I am safe, sound, and in my little box. True, it gets me nowhere. Nowhere I really, really, want to be! And it is making me crazy!!! I have three options: Stop dreaming. Stay where I am and ACCEPT … Read more
I started my journey 4 years ago when I was watching Z nation in Netflix. Dito ako nabigyan ng idea na kung gusto mo mag travel sa iba’t ibang states sa US you can do it using car/land transportation (salamat sa Zombies! haha). Ako po si Keith Angelo, Kate sa umaga, Andoy sa … Read more
