I am writing on behalf of GeoVisions, a Department of State designated J-1 visa sponsor for the BridgeUSA programs, dedicated to facilitating international teachers, interns, and trainees' participation in Educational Exchange Programs. Our collaborative efforts extend to business transactions with i-RISE USA, LLC, specifically through our Educational Teaching Assistant Program and the J-1 Intern and Trainee programs.
I am pleased to inform you that GeoVisions has recently established a direct partnership with i RISE USA, LLC. In my interactions with the co-founders, Drs. Vilma Bethea, Ireneo Rios Jr, and Claire Torrefranca, conducted via email and video meetings, their professionalism, integrity, and commitment to transparent business practices have left a lasting impression. These shared organizational values seamlessly align with GeoVisions' standards of conduct, further solidifying the trust and confidence we place in our partnership.
Hannah Gilman
Intern and Trainee Program Lead | ARO
GeoVisions
I would like to express my sincerest appreciation for your unwavering guidance and support throughout my application process to become a teacher in the US. With your help, I have secured a position as a PE and Health teacher at a well-reputed school with a salary that far exceeded my expectations. The Personal Development Trainings you provided have equipped me with the necessary tools to thrive in my new role. Additionally, your assistance with obtaining my MSDE certificates and many other aspects has been invaluable. Your expertise and qualifications are evident in the exceptional level of assistance you provided. In just four months, everything has fallen into place, setting the stage for my dreams to become a reality in a distant land. Thank you for everything, i-Rise USA, for being my partner in the pursuit of my dreams.
Gauden Cabatas (Philippines)
Health & PE Teacher
The Children's Guild PG County
Maryland
My experience with i-Rise USA as an Autism classroom educator in the United States has been incredibly rewarding. Right from the beginning, i-Rise USA showcased unmatched expertise in the cultural exchange program process. Their comprehensive professional development programs not only equipped me and my colleagues for the complexities of the US education system but also ensured a seamless transition.
One aspect that particularly impressed me was i-Rise USA's ability to place us with reputable visa sponsorship agencies, leading to a successful visa acquisition process for the entire cohort with approved visas
I highly recommend i-Rise USA to anyone seeking assistance in securing educational job opportunities and navigating the US job market. Their commitment to client success and the exceptional quality of their services are truly commendable.
Emmanuel Taylor (Ghana)
Special Education Teacher
The Children's Guild Transformational Academy
Maryland
The very first step I took was to contact I-Rise USA on March 1, 2024, and tada! I landed in the United States on July 27, 2024. My nearly five-month preparation for coming to my dream country as a para-educator was a fantastic experience with I-Rise USA, and I can't recommend them highly enough. Not only did they ensure that I received the best training and program, but they also supported me throughout my journey by providing professional training while I was still in the Philippines. Indeed, their professionalism and knowledge have helped me become a better teacher and will continue to support my professional growth here in the USA!
Jhoanna Mae Waban (Philippines)
Paraeducator
The Children's Guild Transformation Academy
Maryland
According to Einstein, “Everything should be made as simple as possible but not simpler.”
In all honesty, I don’t know what I want from the world. So many ideas go through my brain, that I get little bit frustrated with myself. I want to find a way to the path that is true to who I am. And I believe that the career exploration program helps me find this path. I almost give up and stopped my application journey to U.S. last year. Good friends of mine are always contacting me if I was contacted by the same agency they had applied. And my answer is no. Months later my friends in Maryland Baltimore had a call on me to apply to this new agency named I-RISE USA and quickly I submitted my partial documents which is my letter of application and resume’. It’s never on my mind the focus of this because I almost not to pursue in this type of dream and give up. Luckily, days after I submitted my application I-RISE USA, LLC had a quick email on my side, I was totally shocked and wondering why it’s so fast and, in my mind, it’s almost to end the month of March. The process of my application and interview is very straight all night, it somehow made me cry, praying and praising the Lord about these signs, and question myself, Am I ready to these? Am I this strong person again to pursue? I think only a week of my application I was hired by I-RISE USA. God give me the reason to walk and run through this journey I was hired on the memorable day, and it was “Palm Sunday”. During the whole month of April, I built my new me rushing to get all my requirements to be submitted before the deadline. I am very thankful that team I-RISE USA, LLC had so much grace and trust that I can do it and I can submit it on time with their supports and fine follow up of my requirements, and the process is very fast, until I reach the finish line of my partial requirements of documents. In a day, here it comes finding the financial support, I-RISE USA, LLC find ways for us to look forward and I have doubts. And those doubts vanished because my family is there, giving me the opportunity to pursue giving some advice and funding my financial needs. So as the cliché’ the show must go and trust the process. I-RISE USA, LLC helps us to connect with the financing agencies, gives us the opportunity to proceed and it gives me a reason to think that I am almost there. They provide us with the service with the best of the best information, a quick sending of requirements and forms needed by the MSDE and all support for our PD sessions. Even though it is very tiring for me to sleep late at night, my heart is very happy after all. I am not looking for a bright future of myself, but it’s all about brighter world of my family, and It’s all about the love and passion of teaching, a call of teaching to the young minds of today’s generation all over the world. I-RISE USA, LLC raises our high hopes and motivates us through this journey with love and support more than we call family and creating a big impact for us who have dreams and challenge us to have a meaningful life as a teacher. Giving us the sense to feel the love and passion of teaching to the needs of our students when we get there. We need to carry the torch of light towards teaching, because learning does not only happen in the four corners of the classroom, but also let love of our hearts, hands and shoulders to lean on. Thank you and God Bless America!
Bryan Ymbong (Philippines)
Health & PE Teacher
The Children's Guild Baltimore and TA Campuses
Maryland
i-RISE USA has played a critical role in supporting teachers and paraprofessionals seeking foreign employment. They provide professional development seminars through Zoom on subjects including classroom management, VISA processing, financial literacy and inclusive educational techniques. Participants receive certifications on professional developments and access to recorded sessions for reference. I-Rise also aids with travel plans, communicates with VISA sponsors on a regular basis and resolves issues quickly. They also organise teaching license certification, accommodations and cultural presentation training for schools around the United States. Their multichannel communication techniques, which includes email, WhatsApp, Facebook messaging and phone calls, keeps members up to date and supported. I-RISA USA attention to detail has helped prepare teachers for teaching opportunities worldwide.
Peter Namasaka (Kenya)
Special Education Teacher
The Children's Guild PG County
Maryland
If it’s His will, it will happen. God's plan is the best. My US journey began in January 2024. I searched for schools and agencies to apply for a teaching job. Despite initial setbacks with various agencies, I found hope with i-RISE USA. In February, i-RISE USA endorsed me to a school in Washington for an interview, but I didn't get the job. Still, i-RISE USA supported me with constant encouragement to keep trying. In May, they informed me about an opportunity in Alaska. On May 21, I missed an interview email, but with God's plan, the school district gave me another chance on May 24. I was interviewed, and on May 25, I was hired as a teacher. The joy was overwhelming. i-RISE USA played a crucial role in making my dream come true, welcoming me into their community of newly hired teachers and providing professional development sessions. With just two months of processing, i-RISE USA has been incredibly supportive throughout the journey. Now, as we prepare to leave the Philippines, we owe our gratitude to God, our families, and the i-RISE USA family for their unwavering support. Thank you, Doc Vilma, Doc Claire, and Doc Jun. We’re excited to meet you in person. For those pursuing their US dreams, I highly recommend I Rise USA. They’re more than just an agency; they’re friends. Thank you, i-RISE USA family.
Joisie Butaya (Philippines)
Elementary Teacher
Lower Yukon School District
Alaska
I am a public school teacher for 5 years, and just got promoted to Teacher III. I also applied for transfer of station to a school close to our house but got rejected not just once but TWICE! But then I just said to myself if I don't make it, I'll apply for the US! So fast forward, I did my application with i-RISE USA, the first agency who trusted my skills to be able to teach in the US. They helped me scheduled an interview with the visa sponsor and luckily, I PASSED! Then after few days, my very first ever panel interview with the principal, and School HR. It was so nerve-wracking indeed, but good thing I was also able to get HIRED and received a job offer days after the interview! I was so happy that time that I wanted to shout out loud! Days have passed, few things needed to get settled. Up to the last step, getting the CFO. August 5th was my flight scheduled going to CALIFORNIA, yes, it is happening! Finally, after all the processes, hardships, getting clearances and everything, I could now pursue my American dream! i-RISE USA welcomed me in the Airport. I was so happy that everything still doesn't seem real! But yes, this is real now! I was able to arrive safe and sound. They have guided me with few things, the house, own US phone number, and all. Thank you so much God for making the way to where I am now. I will be forever grateful for all of your amazing work! I know this is just the start of my new journey. And I am so excited of what's ahead me. I know God has prepared me for this and I'm ready to conquer the challenges! So go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. Rejection is merely a redirection; a course correction to your destiny. This is Arvin Gutang, SpEd Teacher, from DepEd Philippines to Concord, California USA
Arvin Gutang (Philippines)
Special Teacher
Spectrum Valley School
Concord, California
I will forever be grateful to be part of i-RISE USA family. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. I started my journey, January 2024 and got my JO April 2024. A lot of challenges happened along the way, but they didn't let me go. They did not treat me as an applicant, instead they treated me as a family.
To those who are asking me how I get here, let i-RISE USA guide you along the way.
If I can, You can!
Just Pray, Believe, and Persevere!!!
Hanneylin Seminiano (Philippines)
MS ELA Teacher
Lower Yukon School District
Alaska
A heartfelt thank you to the incredible team at i-RISE USA. The power of 3—Doc Vilma, Doc Claire, and Doc Jun —for their tireless efforts, dedication, and commitment in guiding us toward a brighter future in the USA. Despite the unavoidable challenges we faced like gathering documents, securing appointments, clearing certifications, and more—your unwavering support and guidance made the journey smooth and successful. As the i-RISE USA first batch of teachers to secure employment in the USA, we are a living proof of your hard work, teamwork, and hands-on assistance. You made us all feel secure and guided every step of the way. Thank you for helping us reach our dreams and for touching not only our lives but also the lives of our families.
More power to you, and may God bless our i-RISE USA Family.
Team LYSD Alaska
Felmar Maloto (Philippines)
MS/HS Science Teacher
Lower Yukon School District
Alaska
As one of the J1 teachers under i-rise USA, LLC, I can confidently say that the agency is dedicated to providing exceptional service that goes beyond the scope of traditional work. Dr. Vilma Bethea, Dr. Claire Torrefranca, and Dr. Jun Rios are all highly professional and knowledgeable individuals who always go above and beyond to ensure the best possible experience for their clients. Their commitment to treating their clients like family and genuinely caring about their well-being sets them apart from other agencies. With i-rise, you can trust that you will receive top-notch service with a personal touch.
Mark Anthony Chavez (Philippines)
HS Math Teacher
Lower Yukon School District
Alaska
My journey with I-RISE USA has been exceptional. From the moment I reached out for visa sponsorship, they immediately took action by connecting me with GeoVisions, ensuring that I had the right support for my visa process. What truly stood out was how fast everything moved—within no time, a meeting between I-RISE USA, GeoVisions, and my school- Gila Crossing Community School was arranged, showing their efficiency. The teacher cohort at I-RISE USA was equally impressive. They were not only professional but also genuinely supportive, guiding me through each step and making the entire process much more manageable. I felt part of a community that was invested in my success. Special mention to Bryan, Fabia, Nelia, Rowena and Arvin for their insights. Another special mention to Ms. Claire, whose role as a facilitator was invaluable. Her quick responses, organizational skills, and clear communication helped me navigate the process with ease. Her dedication ensured that everything was handled with speed and precision. I-RISE USA goes above and beyond in their support for teachers, and I’m truly grateful for their help in making my dreams a reality. I highly recommend them to any educator looking for a trusted agency in their international teaching journey.
Ruby Ann Vismanos (Philippines)
Special Education Teacher
Gila Community Crossing School
Arizona
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