Take your AMI Montessori teacher training course in the US!
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- Join a cohort of your fellow international colleagues around the world
- M1 Visas available for qualifying academic year students.
- All written work can be submitted and reviewed in Spanish.
- Convenient blended online/in person classes broken into modules that allow for time to complete observation and practice teaching in the United States.
- Attend the entire year in person, or only attend for the required in person sessions.
- Not ready to take the full training? Learn more about our online Montessori Orientation Trainings
You are welcome to fill out the application in Spanish or English. Apply Directly to SIMS
Informational Videos
An American Experience
You’ll have the opportunity to make new friends, practice your English, and be immersed in American culture. We’re looking forward to helping you have an amazing experience at SIMS, and in the US!
Additionally, the cost of living in Phoenix is significantly lower than in most large American cities, making it a great option for students.
Discover Phoenix
The Phoenix Metropolitan area is home to a robust and respected Montessori community, allowing student teachers the opportunity to observe and practice teach in real schools while forming enduring relationships with experienced Montessori practitioners.
While attending training, you’ll enjoy great weather, a low cost of living in Phoenix and down-to-earth culture in a thriving city.
Paddle the Salt River past wild mustangs and blue herons. Hike the trails of South Mountain Park and Preserve. Explore the Heard Museum or the Phoenix Art Museum. Wander in America’s largest butterfly conservatory. Dine or dance the night away in downtown Phoenix. Take in a music or theater performance at the Herberger Theater Center or the historic Orpheum Theater. There’s something for everyone in Phoenix. It’s a place to explore your passion, while sticking to your budget.
Visit U.S. Attractions
While you’re in Arizona, you can make the most of your time in the Southwestern United States. Why not take a day trip to The Grand Canyon or spend a weekend in Las Vegas? Even Hollywood is just a few hours away by car!
Spanish Language Options
Though our teacher training courses are delivered in English, SIMS trainers Gaby Lopez and Ann Velasco are fluent in Spanish. Students enrolled in our Early Childhood and Elementary classes can complete their coursework (including albums), communicate with the trainer, and request to complete oral and written exams in Spanish. This is especially valuable if you work in a bilingual or immersion classroom setting, or if your first language is Spanish.
Cost of Training
Please review course costs for international students thoroughly before submitting your application:
- Total Tuition for Infant/Toddler: $11,500
- Total Tuition for Early Childhood: $13,500
- Total Tuition for Elementary: $14,250
- Application Fee: $150 (must be submitted with your Application, Non-refundable)
- International Student Fee: $400 (Non-refundable)
- Tuition Deposit: $1000
- Cost of Living: Approximately $1,500 USD per month or $14,250 for a 10-month academic year. Note: Students are fully responsible for all costs of travel, food, and housing throughout their course of study.
Applying for a Visa
Before we can begin the Visa process, you must be enrolled with SIMS. You can start by filling out your application here! After you have applied and been accepted, we will send you the enrollment agreement. With the return of the enrollment agreement, as well as your $1000 deposit and $400 international student fee, we can begin processing your Visa paperwork. If you would like to get a head start on your paperwork, you can download our International Student Information Form (2021) and begin collecting the necessary paperwork.
As you begin the Visa process, keep in mind the additional fees required for processing:
- Visa Application fee for M Visas – $160
- I-901 – $200
For a great walkthrough of the M1 visa process, check out stilt.com’s guide to M1 Visas in the U.S.
English Proficiency
International students from countries where English is not the primary language will need to demonstrate English proficiency to attend SIMS. One way to demonstrate English proficiency is by passing one of the exams listed below:
Minimum TOEFL scores required: Reading ‘intermediate’ score of 15; Listening ‘intermediate’ score of 15; Speaking ‘fair’ score of 18; Writing ‘fair’ score of 17.
Minimum IELTS scores required: Reading: ‘competent’ score of 6; Listening ‘competent’ score of 6; Speaking ‘Competent’ score of 6; Writing ‘competent’ score of 6
Duolingo English Test: Minimum score of 105
Additional ways to demonstrate English proficiency include:
- Showing proof of completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university in the U.S.
- Showing proof of completion four years of high school in the U.S. with four years of English.
- Showing proof of completion of the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher from an international institution where the sole medium of instruction for the program was in English.
