Arriving & Thriving as a Teacher in the U.S.
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the final stage of your journey—arriving in the U.S. and starting your teaching career.
This last part of the series will guide you through:
✅ What to expect at the airport & immigration process
✅ Your first week: Settling in & reporting to your school
✅ Building relationships & making the most of your cultural exchange experience
🛬 Arriving in the U.S.: Immigration & Customs Process
Upon arrival, you’ll go through immigration and customs at the airport. Here’s what you need to know:
1️⃣ U.S. Immigration Checkpoint
At passport control, you will:
✔️ Present your passport & J-1 visa
✔️ Show your DS-2019 form & job offer letter (if requested)
✔️ Answer a few questions about your stay (e.g., purpose of visit, where you’ll be teaching)
💡 Tip: Stay calm, answer questions clearly, and have your documents organized for easy access.
2️⃣ U.S. Customs Declaration
✔️ Fill out the Customs Declaration Form (if required)
✔️ Declare any large sums of money (if carrying more than $10,000)
✔️ Avoid bringing prohibited items like fresh food, seeds, or certain medications
💡 Tip: Check the U.S. Customs website before traveling to avoid any surprises.
Once cleared, collect your luggage and exit the airport!
🏠 Your First Week: Settling In & Reporting to Your School
The first week can feel overwhelming, but following these steps will help you adjust quickly.
1️⃣ Finding Your Way to Your Accommodation
✔️ If your school provides pickup, look for a staff member with a sign at the airport.
✔️ If arranging your own transport, use Uber, Lyft, or a taxi service to get to your housing.
✔️ If staying in a hotel or Airbnb, confirm your check-in details in advance.
💡 Tip: Keep your school’s contact details handy in case of emergencies.
2️⃣ Reporting to Your School
On your first day, you will likely:
✔️ Meet with your supervisor or HR representative
✔️ Complete any remaining paperwork
✔️ Get a tour of the school and your classroom
✔️ Receive details about class schedules, lesson plans, and school policies
💡 Tip: Be punctual and professional—this is your first impression with colleagues!
3️⃣ Setting Up Essentials (Bank Account, SIM Card, Transport)
✔️ Open a bank account (if you haven’t done so already)
✔️ Buy a U.S. SIM card for your phone (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon)
✔️ Learn about public transportation or consider getting a driver’s license if needed
💡 Tip: Ask colleagues for recommendations on affordable services in your area.
👥 Building Relationships & Thriving in Your New Environment
Adjusting to life in the U.S. is not just about work—it’s about creating connections and making the most of your experience.
1️⃣ Connecting with Fellow Teachers & Staff
✔️ Introduce yourself to colleagues and ask questions
✔️ Attend staff meetings & school events to get involved
✔️ Seek a mentor teacher who can guide you through your first months
💡 Tip: Be open to learning and adapting—it will help you gain respect from both students and teachers.
2️⃣ Adjusting to Classroom Culture
✔️ Get familiar with student behavior expectations
✔️ Use interactive teaching methods (U.S. schools emphasize student participation)
✔️ Learn about special education programs and how to support diverse learners
💡 Tip: Observe experienced teachers to understand classroom dynamics.
3️⃣ Embracing the Cultural Exchange Experience
✔️ Share your culture with students through lessons, activities, and discussions
✔️ Try American traditions like Thanksgiving, school sports events, or festivals
✔️ Travel during holidays to explore different U.S. cities and landmarks
💡 Tip: Take photos and document your journey—this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
🔚 Final Thoughts: Making the Most of This Opportunity
Your journey from Africa to the U.S. as a teacher is a significant achievement. To ensure you have a successful and fulfilling experience, remember:
✅ Stay organized with work and legal documentation
✅ Be open-minded and willing to adapt to new teaching methods
✅ Build strong connections with colleagues, students, and the community
✅ Take advantage of professional development and networking opportunities
✅ Enjoy the cultural exchange experience—you’re making a difference!
🌟 Wishing you success as you begin this exciting new chapter in your career!
This marks the end of our 7-part series on Teaching Opportunities for African-trained teachers in the U.S. Thank you for following along, and best of luck on your journey! 🚀
