USA Exchange Programs

USA Exchange Programs

Internship programs are designed to allow foreign college and university students or recent graduates to come to the United States to gain exposure to U.S. culture and to receive hands-on experience in U.S. business practices in their chosen occupational field.

Overview

US J1 Exchange Visitor Program - Intern

Internship programs are designed to allow foreign college and university students or recent graduates to come to the United States to gain exposure to U.S. culture and to receive hands-on experience in U.S. business practices in their chosen occupational field.

Benefits

Practical Experience: The program bridges the gap between formal education and practical work experience.

US J1 Exchange Visitor Program - Trainee

Training programs are designed to allow foreign professionals to come to the United States to gain exposure to U.S. culture and to receive training in U.S. business practices in their chosen occupational field.

Benefits

Practical Experience: Enhance the skills and expertise of exchange visitors in their academic or occupational fields through participation in a structure and guided training-based program.

Placement fields

Rotational placements within hotels and resorts may incorporate training in; housekeeping, kitchen; food and beverages, restaurant management, reception, facility management, hotel administration and marketing.

Rotational placements with business may incorporate training in; business organisation, design, planning, production, purchasing, sales, marketing, maintenance, stores and human resources.

Placement Locations

Placements are normally made in 3 to 5 star hotels and resorts for both hotel and business students. The companies are located throughout the USA.

Placement Duration

Placements are available for a minimum of 6 months to 18 months maximum and may not be extended beyond the 18 month period. The maximum period of hospitality related placements is 12 months.

Placement Visa Type

J1 Exchange Visa

Placement Particulars

Stipend rates vary but participants can expect to receive about $10.00 per hour for 35-40 hours per week. This may vary between different establishments. Overtime rates also vary and may be available during busy periods. Tips are normally shared between employees.

Accommodation and meals: The vast majority of placements offer live-in accommodation where participants are housed in staff housing or rooms within the hotel itself that offer all the standard facilities expected. The deduction for accommodation and meals is $400.00 USD per month and upwards which is paid monthly by salary deduction.

Health & Accident Insurance is mandatory and must be purchased in the applicant’s mother country and cover the entire duration of the visa.

Income Tax is deducted at about 20% of monthly stipend. Students may claim taxback.

The figures outlined above may be subject to charge.

Travel particulars

Airport Transfers from the nearest airport or train station are sometimes offers by host properties, but participants should calculate approximately $50.00-100.00 cost.

Flights & Visas are payable by the participant.

Uniforms are not normally provided by the host property.

Program Eligibility

Education: US J1 Exchange Visitor Program – Intern

Interns must be foreign nationals:

• Who are currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a foreign degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States;
• or
• Who have graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to their exchange visitor program start date.

US J1 Exchange Visitor Program - Trainee

A trainee must be a foreign national who:

• Has a degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution and at least one year of prior related work experience in his or her occupational field outside the United States; or
• Has five years of work experience outside the United States in the occupational field in which they are seeking training

Age: Normally participants will be aged between 18 and 35.

Previous work experience: Preferred but not essential

English Language skills: The participant must have an understanding of the English language to at least intermediate level.

Other language skills: Participants must also detail knowledge and understanding of any other languages in their CV that may be of use to the host property.

Timeframe

Placement should normally be approved within 4 weeks from registration.

Work Permit should normally be secured within 4 weeks from placement.

Visa should normally be secured within 4 weeks from work permit approval.

Safety Money / Emergency maintenance funds

We suggest that you hold $1,000.00 emergency funds at any given time.

Internship Verification

Your college or university may assign an internship verifier. The supervisor of your internship with is detailed on the training plan. Together you will be able to complete tasks in line with the program requirements.

Program Services include the following:

• Confirmation of participant eligibility for the program
• Documentation guidance
• Placement in a host property
• Arrangement of a training plan
• Arrangement of a work permit.
• Visa guidance.
• Travel plan guidance.
• Arrival orientation package.
• Ongoing help and support during the program.