IAG program fees are covered by cooperating host school districts’ program fees. These fees cover IAG administrative costs for screening, orientation, and supervising participants, as well as the participant’s supplementary medical insurance (from departure from the home country to when you transfer to your school’s medical insurance coverage, including repatriation and evacuation coverage throughout your program).

Beyond the program fees paid by the host school, IAG will not charge participants any additional program fees, except for collecting and paying direct costs on behalf of the applicant.

The exact cost of living may vary depending on the location of the teaching assignment. More specific information for each area is available in the FAQ section and in the IAG Handbook, provided to all program participants upon acceptance.

Costs that participants may incur while in the United States include:

• U.S. Government fees:
  • Visa application fee: $185
  • SEVIS fee: $220
• Union fees: Typically range from $100 to $500 per year, depending on the location and membership status. Participation in the union is optional, allowing individuals to decide whether to join.
• Retirement benefits: $50–$100 (options vary by individual). Participants can choose how much they wish to contribute to their private retirement plan.
• Childcare expenses: $150–$250 per week for full-time care. (Varies by state and participant.)
• Licensure exams: $100–$300, depending on location and participant.
• Foreign credential evaluation fees: Estimated at $250. AZICE is recommended for transcript evaluation if seeking employment in Arizona or Texas. For other states, IAG recommends:
  • SpanTran Application: $190 (International Alliance Group fee).
  • WES Evaluation: $225 (recommended for California).
  • Teaching requirements: Background check, teaching certification, fingerprinting, etc., estimated at $200. IAG may collect these fees from you to pay on your behalf and guide you through the necessary processes.
• Travel to host school: Airfare or bus to the U.S. host school (varies by participant).
• Housing: Rent, housing deposits, utilities (varies by location and participant).
• Transportation: (Varies by location and participant.)
• Personal expenses: Mobile phone, travel, savings, and entertainment.
• Medical insurance premiums or out-of-pocket expenses: Not covered by the medical insurance policy (insurance is included in the IAG program). “See the FAQ on insurance for details.”
• Taxes: Estimated at 10% for federal taxes, 3–4.4% for state taxes (varies by state), and 7.65% for FICA.
• Food: (Varies by location and participant.)
• J-2 spouse/dependent visa fees: $500 for one J-2 visa and $250 for any additional J-2 visas. The J-1 participant will be responsible for J-2 insurance enrollment and associated costs.

*See budget exercise for estimates/ranges for these costs: Sample Budget Exercise