HOUSTON — Members of Smart Financial Credit Union's business development team recently traveled to Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico to provide financial assistance to Mexican citizens looking to become bilingual teachers in the United States. Through the CU's International Teacher Program, educators from Mexico and Spain are eligible for up to $3,000 in Signature and/or CreditLine loans to help them relocate to the U.S.

Smart Financial representatives, Melissa Hunt, Luis Rojas, and Gerardo Esparza, spoke with more than 100 teacher candidates who will be eligible for SFCU assistance when they arrive in July. International educators involved in the program often incur moving expenses and other costs associated with their teacher certification program and visa preparation.

"The individuals looking to make this move to the United States are seeking better opportunities for themselves and their families," said Melissa Hunt, vice president of business development for Smart Financial. "By providing them with financial assistance, we are able to help ease the financial burden and increase their chances for success in the program."