J-1 Internships are skills-based training programs and participants qualify based on academic or professional experience in their field of training outside of the USA. Hospitality internships are amazing opportunities for future Hotel Managers, Chefs, and Entrepreneurs! So, what makes a great hospitality internship?

1. Skilled Learning

A hospitality program should include skilled learning at top restaurants or hotels across the USA. Participants should be trained alongside industry professionals who will help them enhance their existing skill set and become familiar with American hospitality practices. These should be experiences that you can only get in America!

2. Rotations

To ensure that you’re getting the most out of your program, hospitality internships should include at least 3 rotations through different departments. For restaurants, this might include different stations such as Saucier, Sautee, Grill, Garde Manger, or Pastry. At a hotel or resort, we often see rotations through Management, Accounting, Human Resources, and Front Desk Operations.

3. Supervision

The best way to learn is by shadowing experienced hospitality professionals. A great training will include hands-on supervision, observation of staff members in their roles, and opportunities to complete tasks and activities with plenty of support. Interns on the J-1 Visa should not be responsible for managing a particular department by themselves; rather, they should work alongside their supervisors to learn how to manage the day-to-day operations of the business.

Intern/Trainee programs under the J-1 Visa should not be used to fill a staffing need.
The U.S. Department of State prohibits placements in positions such as:

-Busser
-Housekeeper/Cleaner
-Line Cook
-Groundskeeper
-Cashier
-Server
-Secretary
-Bartender

As an official U.S. Department of State-designated J-1 Visa Program Sponsor, CICD is authorized to issue the DS-2019 and DS-7002 forms that are necessary to apply for the J-1 Training/Internship Visa. Our team looks forward to helping you throughout your Internship or Training Program, from successful start to successful finish.

Ready to get started?

If you’re looking for a great hospitality program, we have opportunities available on our CICD Full Placement program. If you’re not sure whether you qualify, take our Qualification Quiz!

Questions?
Visit our FAQ’s, email us at cicd@cicdgo.com, or call +1 (206) 985-2115