Pinoy Teacher's Stories

“If it’s for you, you don’t need to force it to happen.”.     Before I started in TeachUSA agency, I was offered an H1B in a school district in South Carolina but weeks later, they cancelled it for some reasons, it was so heartbreaking.     I am certain, it was God who led … Read more

Context: My TeachUSA journey began last September 2022.  Through the guidance of ma’am Gemma Defeo Hilotin and ma’am LeZah A Alignam, I processed all documents needed (like FCE, reference letters and the like) prior to sending out applications to schools para #LagingHanda.      I figured it would be much easy this way so that … Read more

“EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED” I started entertaining the thought of applying for the USA as a J1 teacher with the vision in mind of providing myself and my family a future with better options. Though I am no stranger of how difficult it would take as I have witnessed friends and colleagues took longer period to … Read more

“My Teach-USA Journey”   I started fulfilling my American dream last June of 2022. I was hesitant at first to pursue this dream because I know how hard it is to go to the US, let alone getting a job there. The pandemic really made living in the Philippines more difficult. The cost of living … Read more

BECAUSE OF ITS DUAL INTENT, the H-1B visa is still the golden opportunity for anyone to access permanent residency in the U.S.   The road to securing the visa could be rough and tough. It takes work. It is the road less traveled.  Not EVERYONE will get in, that’s the TRUTH.  But you will never … Read more

Nothing is guaranteed in your US applications.   Even if you apply for jobs, it is not guaranteed that you will be chosen for interviews.     Even if you get to be interviewed, it is not guaranteed that you will be chosen and given a job offer.     Even if you have your visa … Read more

A famous Henry Ford quote, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right,” emphasizes how much attitude determines success or failure.   If being successful or winning matters to you, then do what you must do, wherever you are, with whatever you have.   If not, that’s OK too!    … Read more

Reality bites.   Let’s fully understand the situation:   Competition: Remember, you are not the only one vying for the position. You compete with all the other teachers (be it coming from an agency or independent, and not just Filipinos but teachers from all over the world) plus US citizens or residents! So, if you get … Read more

  Do not underestimate the power of 100% mental preparation. One day soon, the seeds you plant will take root and grow! Keep on doing the best you can.   Do not stop.   You will only get better and wiser in the process.   Keep the faith!        

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

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

If you dream of changing your life for the BETTER, then FINISH the work you have started.   Don’t wait for the “just the right time!” – it will never come!   How can you SAVE the money you do not have (that’s… weird!)? Do what you must to make your dream happen, no ifs … 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

If you dream of teaching in the US to help your family, Believe in prayer that you have already received it. And it will be yours!   And as you pray and believe, align your thoughts, words, and actions to the fulfillment of your dream.   To align means to be conscious – of your … 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