Overview
Utah's Dual Language Immersion program offers a rich bilingual experience for young
learners when their minds are developmentally best able to acquire a second language.
Instruction is divided between two high-quality creative classrooms:
- One English
- One in the Second Language (Chinese, French, German, Portuguese, or Spanish)
Proven Benefits:
- Second Language Skills: Students achieve high proficiency in the immersion language.
- Improved Performance on Standardized Tests: Immersion students perform as well as
or better than non-immersion students on standardized tests of English and math administered
in English.
- Enhanced Cognitive Skills: Immersion students typically develop greater cognitive
flexibility, demonstrating increased attention control, better memory, and superior
problem-solving skills, as well as an enhanced understanding of their primary language.
- Increased Cultural Sensitivity: Immersion students are more aware of and show more
positive attitudes towards other cultures and an appreciation of other people.
- Long Term Benefits: Immersion students are better prepared for the global community
and job markets where a second language is an asset
Dual Immersion Informational Videos
J1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program
International Guest Teacher Program Disclosures
The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) oversees a J1 visa sponsorship program for
the purpose of hiring educators from abroad to come to Utah to teach in our dual language
immersion (DLI) program in schools throughout the state. The program utilizes memoranda
of understanding (MOU) to facilitate the placement of international teachers. Participation
in the program is contingent on cooperation with our partners per the conditions of
these MOUs.
Here is pertinent information for International guest teachers who participate in
the J1 visa program.
Program Fees
- Sponsor fee: USBE does not charge a fee for creating the DS2019 for J1 applicants
and any dependents who have been selected per the terms of the MOU.
- Foreign or domestic third party or partner fees: None.
- Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 Visa fee: $185.00 for J1 and J2s (subject to change)
- Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee: $220.00 for J1 only (subject to change)
- Estimates or ranges for all other fees charged for and significant general costs related to
participation in the teacher exchange program: The most significant general costs
for participation will be the general cost of travel to and relocation in the new
location, including the costs for personal transportation, as there are few cities
in Utah with comprehensive public transportation.
Other Related Costs: Comparative Example
- Insurance costs: These costs vary from one Local Education Agency (LEA) to another
in Utah, based on the agreements made between the LEA and their educators.
- Estimates for food, housing, and local transportation costs. The cost of living in
Utah varies from location to location, but here are some statistics that can help with these estimates.
- Expected work-related deductions: None.
USBE J1 Visa Program Contacts
Michaela Claus-Nix
Director of Dual Language Immersion and World Languages
Phone: (801) 538-7525 | Email
