International Applicants

International teachers applying for Initial Certification must meet the same requirements as a local teacher and must submit a completed application as indicated below. International applicants are individuals with appropriate immigration status or visa such as H-1B visa (work visa), lawful permanent resident (Green Card) etc.

• Application Instructions

International Visiting Teachers Program

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is designated as a sponsor of an Exchange Visitor Program by the United States Department of State. Through this designation, the SCDE is able to sponsor teachers from other countries to teach in South Carolina in the International Visiting Teachers Program.

Participants are certified under the International certificate, a short term certificate for educators participating in J-1 programs. The SCDE will assist school districts in placing educators as participants in the International Visiting Teachers Program.

• Program Information and School District Procedures

Information on Private Programs for International Educators is also available.