This document provides an overview of an intern/trainee program organized by Alliance Abroad Group to meet U.S. Department of State regulations. It describes the program purposes and partnerships, outlines participant and sponsor obligations, and provides important contact information. The presentation is the first of three parts to help prepare participants for their cultural exchange program in the United States.
2. Alliance Abroad Group, (AAG) has prepared the following presentation in
order to meet and exceed the U.S. Department of State J-1 visa regulations
found in section {62.10} Program Administration.
This is Part I of III presentations that will help prepare you as you embark on
your cultural exchange program in the U.S.
Presentation Part I Overview:
Program Purposes & Descriptions
Key Program Partnerships
Important Contact Information
Program Welcome Brochure & Important Letters
Proceed with Part II of Pre-Departure Orientation Program
Congratulations!
3. Intern/Trainee Program
The primary objectives of the
program offered under these
regulations are to enhance the skills
and expertise of exchange visitors in
their academic or occupational fields
through participation in structured
and guided work-based training and
internship programs and to improve
participants knowledge of American
techniques, methodologies and
expertise.
{62.22 (b)} Trainees and Interns.
4. Intern/Trainee Program Description
Participants must:
Have verifiable English language skills sufficient to function on
a day-to-day basis in their training environment;
Meet the eligibility requirement for either program;
Have a minimum of 32 hours of training shifts per week;
Have only 20% of the program be clerical in nature;
Immediate and effective supervision with regular
evaluations as defined by the Department of State
Regulations;
Program duration is dependent on whether the
participant is an Intern or a Trainee
The maximum duration of a training program is 18
months (with the exception for hospitality placements)
The maximum duration of an internship program is 12
months
5. Intern/Trainee Program Description
Interns cannot work in unskilled or casual labor positions, in
positions that require or involve childcare or elder
care or in any kind of position that involves medical
patient care or contact.
Examples of Unskilled Positions:
Attendants
Bartenders
Bookkeepers
Cashiers
Cleaners
Clerks
Dining Room Attendants
Groundskeepers
Housekeepers
Receptionists
Telephone Operators
Ushers
The complete Department of State list can be found here.
6. Designated Sponsor Obligations
Comply with and educate all parties on Department of State Program
Regulations,
Adequately staff, train and provide support to all program participants,
Monitor the safety, health and welfare of each AAG sponsored
participant,
Provide effective 24 hours support to all program participants.
7. Key Program Partnerships
Department of State: Governing body for all J-1 Visa Programs
Alliance Abroad Group: Your Designated Visa Sponsor
Partner Agency: Your Home Country Agency or Program Enroller
Host Company: Your Training Employer on the Program
Outreach Coordinator: Your assigned AAG employee dedicated team
member who will support you during your program
8. AAG Provides Support 24 Hours/7 Days a Week
Toll Free Number: 1 866 622-7623
Email: supportinfo@allianceabroad.com
Address: 1221 South Mopac Expressway, Suite 100
Austin, Texas 78746
Normal Business Hours: 8:30am 5:30pm Central Standard Time
All safety, health or welfare emergencies will be patched
through to an AAG On Call Representative after Normal
Business Hours.
Messages will be taken for non-emergencies and will be
responded to the next business day.
Responsible Officer: John McNamara
Alternative Responsible Officer: Laurie Moxley
9. U.S. Department of State Contact Information
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Street Address: 2200 C Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20522
Website: exchanges.state.gov/jexchangesjvisas@state.com
Toll Free Help Line: 1-866-283-9090
Email: jvisas@state.gov
Important Reminders
First Point of Contact: Your Designated Sponsor, AAG
10. Intern/Trainee Important Reminders
1. Be Prepared Before You Depart:
Contact your Host Company
Provide your Sponsor with your arrival details
Ensure you have planned your travel from the airport to
your destination
Have enough money to cover your expenses
Study all pre-arrival materials
Contact your sponsor with any additional questions
Research and learn about your new city &
neighborhood
2. Your Designated Sponsor (AAG) is Your First Point of Contact
3. Department of State should be contacted if your concerns
are unresolved by your Host Company and AAG
12. AAG Participant Program Handbook
Participant Handbook
Includes 40 plus pages of helpful
information as you prepare for
your program experience,
including key participant
regulatory obligations, safety tips,
American customers and
employer work expectations.
13. Next Steps
Review Part II of III
Presented by Alliance Abroad Group
Your designated visa sponsor
Final Version
Revised 01/16/2014