Welcome to Dual Language Immersion

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:

  1. One English
  2. 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.

Contact Us

Karl Bowman
Specialist
Phone: (801) 538-7743 |  E-mail

Brenda McMurtrey
Executive Secretary
Phone: (801) 538-7891 |  E-mail

Educator Endorsements

For information on endorsement options and requirements, please refer to the following: 

 Dual Language Immersion Endorsement Application and Specifications

Contact Us

Karl Bowman
Specialist
Phone: (801) 538-7743 |  E-mail

Brenda McMurtrey
Executive Secretary
Phone: (801) 538-7891 |  E-mail 

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 MOU.  

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

Responsible Officer:

Robert Austin - robert.austin@schools.utah.gov

 

Alternate Responsible Officer:

Brenda McMurtrey - brenda.mcmurtrey@schools.utah.gov