Since 1987, Participate Learning has been a leading cultural teacher exchange program, enhancing education by bringing teachers from around the globe to teach in the United States. Participants enroll in the program to learn about the U.S. education system, culture, and way of life. These teachers become cultural ambassadors for their home countries and, after a maximum of five years, return home to share their experiences and knowledge with their communities. Many educators from Belize have taken advantage of this opportunity. Anyone currently teaching and holding a bachelor’s degree in education can apply by visiting www.participatelearning.com.
Once accepted, the organization guides teachers through the process, assisting with logistics and moving to the USA, including finding a new home. The program also offers services like credential evaluation, visa sponsorship (J1 Visa), ongoing support for teacher success, strategy coaching, and opportunities for further education. Married teachers are encouraged to apply and can legally bring their spouses and children under 18 years of age to the USA. The children can attend school at no cost. Additional benefits include life, medical, and dental insurance.
Participate Learning collaborates with schools in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina in the northeastern United States. Ronald Ramirez, who oversees International Recruitment for Latin America at Participate Learning, explains that applicants must meet several requirements. In addition to holding a bachelor’s degree in preschool or primary education, candidates should have a passion for teaching, have at least two years of teaching experience after completing their studies, and be currently employed at a public or private school. They must also possess a driver’s license and be vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Participate Learning is an initiative endorsed by the United States Department of State,” said Ramirez. “I encourage interested teachers to apply, as the application process is straightforward once all requirements are fulfilled.” He emphasized that this is an excellent opportunity for educators.
In February of this year, the San Pedro Sun learned more about the prestigious program during a media tour in Woodbridge, Virginia, organized by Participate Learning. It was revealed that 20 Belizean teachers were participating in the exchange program. In Virginia, three Belizean teachers currently working at Potomac View Elementary shared their experiences. These educators—Clarisa Gongora and Laura Cantun from the Orange Walk District and Shellon Nuñez-Flowers from Belize City—expressed how the experience has enriched their teaching careers. They thanked Participate Learning for their support and guidance. The three teachers noted that while adapting to a new system can be challenging initially, the available support makes it easier for new participants to succeed as global educators.
One of the appealing features of this extraordinary program is that, besides teaching the core curriculum, teachers can introduce their students to their cultures. Gongora and Cantun proudly share their Mestizo heritage, while Nuñez-Flowers introduces her students to the Garifuna traditions, which are also part of Belizean culture.
Over the past weeks, several new teachers, including some from Belize, have arrived in the USA for orientation sessions before starting their teaching careers in American schools. These orientation sessions have taken place throughout the summer and fall. The program encourages qualified educators from Belize to apply and embark on a new phase in their careers in 2025. This exchange program provides a lasting experience that will benefit the teachers and their communities upon returning to their home countries.
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