Transcript Document

Your Orientation Package:
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Participant Handbook
Insurance ID Card and Brochure
Exchange Visitor Flyer
Acknowledgment Form
Top Facts to Remember
SEVIS Flyer
I-94 Instructions
Social Security Information and
Form
Before you log off today:
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Confirm that you have completed this required orientation!!
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Click on the “orientation acknowledgment form” link in your email, and fill out
the required information.
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Don’t forget to click “I certify” in each of the indicated sections on the page.
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Contact your Outreach Coordinator with any questions you have about the
Internship program!
Program Overview
Purpose of the J-1 Intern/Trainee program:
• 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.
• To improve participants' knowledge of American techniques, methodologies, and
expertise.
• To increase participants' understanding of American culture and society and to
enhance Americans' knowledge of foreign cultures and skills through an open
interchange of ideas between participants and their American associates.
Program Objectives
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Bridge the gap between formal education and practical work experience and
gain substantive cross-cultural
experience
Foster mutual understanding and respect
Gain new skill sets
Expose Americans to different cultures and cross-cultural differences
Build friendships and networks across borders
Rules and Regulations
Intern must either
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Be enrolled in and pursuing studies in a degree- or certificate-granting postsecondary institution
outside the United States OR
Have graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to their
prospective program start date.
INTERN: Programs can last up to 12 months. They can be as short as 3 months,
though the shorter the program, the more difficult the placement (as a general
rule).
Rules and Regulations
Trainee must either:
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Have either a degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary
academic institution
AND at least one year of prior related work experience acquired outside the
United States OR
Have at least five years of work experience outside of the United State in their
occupational field.
TRAINEE: Programs can last up to 18 months, with the exception of training
programs in hospitality/tourism, which are limited to 12 months.
Home Country Physical Presence
Requirement
Home-country physical presence requirement means the requirement that an
exchange visitor who is within the purview of section 212(e) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act (substantially quoted in §62.44) must reside and be
physically present in the country of nationality or last legal permanent residence
for an aggregate of at least two years following departure from the United States
before the exchange visitor is eligible to apply for an immigrant visa or
permanent residence, a nonimmigrant H visa as a temporary worker or trainee,
or a nonimmigrant L visa as an intra-company transferee, or a nonimmigrant H
or L visa as the spouse or minor child of a person who is a temporary worker or
trainee or an intra-company transferee.
Program Fees Cover:
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Internship placement secured prior to arrival or verification of internship
opportunity if self-arranged
Paperwork coordination: J-1 Visa documentation.
Detailed training plan
Health/Travel Insurance
Orientation in the USA
Housing assistance
24 hours a day/7 days a week personal support
An Emergency 24-hour Assistance telephone number: 1 866 IM IN USA.
Detailed participant handbook that contains all information relative to the program
One month to travel within the USA after the training placement has been
completed
Independent Living
Budget your time and money
• Costs upon arrival to the U.S.:
Initial $500, Transportation to jobsite, 1st month’s rent
& housing deposit
• Other housing costs
Utilities, telephone service & cable T.V.
• Living costs
Meals, toiletries, laundry & entertainment
Participant Handbook - Pages 23 -24
Penny
1 cent
Dime
10 cents
Nickel
5 cents
Quarter
25 cents
Terms
Partner Agency
Exchange program in your country
Sponsor Agency
Alliance Abroad Group (AAG)
Host Company
Company where you will train in U.S.
SEVIS
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
Outreach Coordinator
AAG Representative
Contact Information
Alliance Abroad Group, L.P.
1221 South Mopac Expressway, Suite #100, Austin, Texas 78746 - USA
Tel: 1.512.457.8062 - Fax: 1.413.460.3502
Toll Free Number: 1.866.IM IN USA - (1.866.464.6872)
www.allianceabroad.com
Responsible Officer: Rachel Anthony
Tel: 512-904-1140
Alternate Responsible Officer: Dave Lanfrankie
Tel: 512-904-1110
U.S. Department of State
Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation
ECA/EC/PS - SA-44, Room 734
301 4th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20547
Telephone: 202 203-5096
Email: [email protected]
Participant Handbook - Page 7
Culture Shock:
Expect the Unexpected!
Be Prepared to Adjust:
• Most people face cultural shock upon arrival. It’s normal!
• Allow time to adjust & to miss family and friends.
• It’s COLD in the winter and HOT in the summer!
•Research your location in the United States to get a
feel for the culture and climate in your home away from home!
Cultural Shock Advice:
• The program is what you make of it… Get involved!
• Be independent, but seek help if you need it.
• Keep a journal/diary of your memories.
• Check out our website for cultural components:
www.allianceabroad.com
Participant Handbook - Page 22
Emergencies: 1-866-IM IN USA
(1-866-464-6872)
Call us at any hour if…
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You are lost upon arrival.
You are arrested.
You are hospitalized with a serious injury.
You are the victim of a violent crime or in
immediate danger - CALL 911 FIRST!
• Another participant needs immediate help.
Your Outreach
Coordinator
Call us during business hours if…
• You lose your passport or other documents.
• You have concerns about housing.
• You have host company concerns or your training is terminated.
• When you leave a message, be sure to speak slowly & include: your name, AAG ID
number, training location & telephone number. If you do not leave a message, we
cannot help you!
1 (866) IM IN USA or 1 (866) 464 - 6872
SEVIS Check-in
• Register your U.S. home address and training site address within 7 days of
your program start date. To do so please email your name with confirmation
that you have arrived in the US and include BOTH your US home address and
your training site address to [email protected].
• This registration is required to maintain
good status with the U.S. Government.
• SEVIS registration is necessary
to apply for social security card.
• You cannot register for SEVIS until
the first date on your DS-2019 form.
• Failure to register = Visa Cancellation
and Program Termination
Participant Handbook - Page 13
Go to your assigned host company
• Check training offer or training plan (DS-7002) for contact information,
directions and arrival instructions.
• Go straight to your host company and contact them before 9:00 p.m. on
Monday-Friday only.
• Update AAG with your
flight and arrival information
before departure to the U.S. at:
www.allianceabroad.com/sevis
• If your arrival information changes,
please inform your Outreach Coordinator.
Participant Handbook - Page 13
Don’t leave your training site!
• Remember your commitment is to your
Host Company who invited you to the U.S.
Your visa does not allow you to secure a
second training or job while in the US.
• Remember! Problems can sometimes be
a simple misunderstanding!
• Communication is key! Resolve problems
with your host company first; call your AAG
Outreach Coordinator if you cannot resolve
it.
• Don’t put your visa status at risk!
Participant Handbook - Page 13
Housing
• Read the training offer.
• If your position includes housing, you must accept the housing offered. You may not
find your own housing.
• Pay rent on time and stay for your entire contract.
• Alliance Abroad Group is not your landlord. Look on your job offer or ask your
employer to find out the name and contact information of your landlord.
• Bring enough money for your deposit and first month’s rent to pay upon arrival to
prevent problems!
• Provide your landlord with your address in your home country.
Participant Handbook - Pages 24 - 26
Participant Arranged Housing
• This means YOU are responsible for
finding housing!
• Email or call housing leads NOW, so
your housing is available when you
arrive!
• If you arrive to the training site and
do no have housing, it is NOT your
host company’s responsibility.
Failure to arrange housing prior to
arrival could delay your training
start date, SEVIS registration, and
could put your training at risk!!!
Housing
You must leave your housing
in CLEAN CONDITION or…
• Your deposit will NOT be refunded.
• Your last paycheck will go toward
paying for damages.
• If there are additional charges, AAG
will contact your family.
Participant Handbook - Page 13
Rules, Laws & Regulations
Stay out of trouble!
• NO SEX, NO DRUGS, NO ALCOHOL…
But be sure to have some FUN!
• STAY SAFE: stay out of lonely and dark
areas, don’t take big risks.
• STAY LEGAL: know the laws of the U.S.: Drugs, shoplifting, drinking
under the age of 21, driving under the influence of alcohol can all get
you arrested, fired and will definitely get you sent home!
Participant Handbook - Page 31
Rules, Laws & Regulations
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NO SHOPLIFTING! There are cameras watching you at
all times. If you take something that is not yours, you
WILL GET CAUGHT!
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NO DRINKING: American laws are very strong. You
must be 21 years old to drink alcohol! Your passport/ID
will always be checked when you buy alcohol. DO NOT
GIVE alcohol to people who are not 21 years old, you
could go to jail!
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NO DRUGS: Drugs are not allowed in the United States!
Do not buy, sell, or use drugs, or you will be caught.
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If you are arrested, you could ruin your program, and it
will cost you a lot of money.
Participant Handbook - Page 31
Social Security Card
What is it?
• Social security is issued by the local Social Security Administration.
• Wait at least 10 days to apply after
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registering with SEVIS.
Keep your Social Security
application receipt and show it to
your employer.
• Apply for social security at the
beginning of your program! If
you apply in the last month of
your program, you will be
rejected!
Participant Handbook – Pages 17 - 18
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Social Security Card
How to get it:
• Register with SEVIS at www.allianceabroad.com/sevis.
• You will need to have 2 copies of each document below:
 DS 2019 form (front & back)
 Social Security Application form
 I-94 form (front & back)
 Passport (photo/signature page)
 J-1 visa, training plan (DS-7002) and Sponsor letter
 Birth certificate or official picture ID that is at least one year old
For more information visit our website.
Participant Handbook – Page 20
CHAOWAT
JITKAEW
Host Company name & address
Nov 3 1984
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Bangkok, Thailand
URAI
MANAT
PATTIMA
PANU
Completing The Social Security Form
SANTITRAKUL
JITKAEW
Completing the Social Security Form
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March 30, 2008
Chaowat Jitkaew
YOUR HOST COMPANY’S TEL.
Taxes
W-4 and W-2 Forms:
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Federal, State, Local Taxes = 15% –
20% of your paycheck
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Do NOT pay Social Security or
Medicare/Medicaid taxes
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W-4 tax form Employee’s Withholding
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W-2 tax form sent to you in January
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Leave your address with employer
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File for refund online before April 15 of next year
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Go to the AAG website for help with your taxes!
Participant Handbook - Pages 15 - 16
Health Insurance – CORIS USA
1-800-358-9105
ALWAYS CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY BEFORE RECEIVING TREATMENT!
What is covered:
• Medical treatment, inpatient/outpatient
• Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
Deductible:
•$50 USD first visit
•$25 for each follow-up for same illness
•$250 deductible for Emergency Room
visits
• Period of Coverage: DS 2019 Start Date – DS 2019 End Date
CORIS USA – Assistance Center
6713 MAIN ST Suite # 240
Miami Lakes, FL 33014
Toll free (USA) : 1-800-358-9105
Tel : 1 305 698 7757
[email protected]
Participant Handbook - Pages 17
Planning to Ski or Snowboard this Winter?
Don’t take an extra risk…
BUY SKI INSURANCE!!
•Your Alliance Abroad Group travel insurance plan does NOT cover skiing or
snowboarding, so if you think that there is a chance that you will be doing these
activities during your program, we strongly encourage you to buy this low-cost
insurance.
•A broken arm or broken leg can cost up to $3,000 or more without insurance.
•You can purchase this Ski Insurance at the Alliance Abroad Group website (credit
card required). A quick & easy step-by-step process is included:
www.allianceabroad.com/participants/insurance_Bulstrad.htm#ski
•Cost: Only $15 USD per month
•If you have questions, please contact your Outreach Coordinator!
Health Insurance
What is NOT covered:
• Pre-existing conditions or illnesses prior to arrival
• Asthma, diabetes, toothaches are not covered!
• Routine medical check-ups
• Pregnancy and childbirth, elective abortion
• Dental and eye care
• Injuries from hazardous activities including: sailing, diving, and skiing
• Psychiatric care
• Physical therapy
• Cash, Personal Papers, flight tickets, computers and bicycles are not covered
under your baggage insurance.
• For more information www.allianceabroad.com/participants/insurance.htm
and read the insurance brochure on your orientation cd
Participant Handbook - Pages 17
Don’t Forget…
Participant Handbook
Read it before you leave home!
• How to contact AAG & the State Department
• Training site Protocol
• Internship program regulations
• Insurance
• Social Security cards
• Taxes and W-2 forms
• Life and customs in the U.S.
• Safety and much more!
Don’t Forget…
Documents to bring with you:
Travel & entry into the U.S.
• DS 2019 form
• I-94 form
US VISIT Program:
New procedures require that you
• Passport with J-1 stamp/sticker
be fingerprinted when applying for
• AAG Sponsor letter
your visa & when entering the U.S.
• CORIS insurance card
• Training Plan (DS-7002)
• Birth certificate (or other official picture ID at least 1 year old)
QUESTIONS?
• If you have questions, please email your Outreach
Coordinator and ask! We are always here to help!
• Go to www.allianceabroad.com/participants and learn
helpful tips and information about:
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Insurance (don’t forget to purchase your ski insurance!)
Taxes (and tax refunds!)
Cultural activities in your town
Hostels
SEVIS information
Regulations
Contact information
And much, much more!!