Map to Washington: Best Views in Seattle

Best Views in Seattle
Jan 13 2019

Welcome to Seattle! Home of the Space Needle, three major league sport franchises including the former Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks, Starbucks Coffee, Amazon, and The Center for International Career Development (CICD). CICD sponsors nearly 3,000 participants on our programs each year. We pride ourselves on helping our participants take part in exciting cultural activities… Continue reading »

Transportation in the USA on your J-1 Program

Transportation Tips in the USA
Jan 04 2019

Congratulations on securing your J-1 internship! It’s time to start thinking about your everyday life in the U.S. While you are in the U.S. on your J-1 program, you will have many different options for navigating your new city! Arriving on-time to your training, especially on the first day, is expected and impressive! To help… Continue reading »

What is CICD’s Work and Travel Program?

J-1 Work and Travel Participants
Jan 01 2019

There are few things more valuable than an international experience! With CICD’s Work & Travel program, international students (like you!) can spend their university summer break traveling, improving their English, and developing professional skills, all while learning about the people and way of life in the United States. The Work & Travel program allows university… Continue reading »

How to Handle Reverse Culture Shock

J-1 Work & Travel Participant, 2016
Dec 21 2018

All travels eventually come to an end. You are probably catching your flight home after the end of your J-1 program feeling bittersweet. Like most independent travelers, you may be thinking about the homemade meal you have been craving, or about finally seeing your beloved pet again. But once you have survived your long 10-hour… Continue reading »

Choosing your J-1 Visa Sponsor

CICD as your Visa Sponsor
Dec 19 2018

Students and professionals increasingly rely on internship opportunities to strengthen their resumes and showcase hands-on, professional experience or international work and cultural experience. International candidates seeking experience in the U.S. face the challenging task of finding both an internship opportunity and a visa to support them. For those who qualify, the J-1 Intern/Trainee visa program… Continue reading »

What is Thanksgiving in the USA?

Thanksgiving in the USA
Nov 15 2018

Thanksgiving in the USA is meant to bring family and friends together over a big meal to express gratitude and thanks. Historically, the holiday commemorates the unity of the Pilgrims and the Native Americans, who gathered together in 1621 for a feast symbolizing peace and goodwill between their cultures. This autumnal dinner became a tradition… Continue reading »

Medical Care in the USA while on the J-1 Program

J-1 Teaching Assistants take notes during CICD's annual presentation
Nov 14 2018

Medical care and insurance may not be the first thing on your mind as you prepare for your J-1 Internship, but it is extremely important to be prepared for an unexpected illness or emergency while traveling abroad. The U.S. is known for having high healthcare costs – it’s true!  Find a Medical Center That Accepts… Continue reading »

Qualify for the J-1 Internship and Training Visa

J-1 Interns gathered in Seattle for CICD's annual teaching intern conference
Nov 08 2018

Congratulations! You found an Internship or Training program in the U.S. Now what? Take CICD’s Qualify Quiz to see if you may qualify or read the below eligibility requirements. How to Qualify as a J-1 Intern Apply for the J-1 Intern program if you are a foreign national who is currently enrolled in and pursuing studies… Continue reading »

Traveling Outside of the USA on the J-1 Visa

Untitled-1
Nov 08 2018

So you’ve begun your program in the U.S. and are invited on a road trip to Niagara Falls in Canada? An international cruise to Mexico? Whale watching in Canada? Now what? CICD’s Coordinators are world travelers – just like you! We get it. Read how to gain travel authorization below: If you plan to take… Continue reading »

What is the J-1 Internship and Training Program?

CICD's J-1 Internship and Training Programs
Nov 05 2018

You have pursued your dream career for years. You have applied to universities, spent long hours studying or working entry-level jobs, and now you’re ready for the next step. Going to the United States was always a dream of yours – but how? You could be a candidate for the J-1 Internship and Training Program… Continue reading »