For emergencies only, contact the Department of State at their Emergency Hotline: 1-866-283-9090. For all other issues, please email the Department at: jvisas@state.gov

For emergencies only, contact the Department of State at their Emergency Hotline: 1-866-283-9090. For all other issues, please email the Department at: jvisas@state.gov

It depends upon what information we may need to verify your qualifications to participate. Your CICD Program Coordinator will let you know.

CICD does not require the applicant or the company to pay all of the fees: we can accept payment from the applicant, the host company, a third party, or an agreed upon combination of any of these.

The Mentor Teacher normally guides, supervises, and evaluates the intern on a daily basis on key aspects of the training plan such as lesson planning, curriculum evaluation and development, relevant school-related activities, as well as introducing the intern to the school staff and community. The Mentor Teacher might also play a role helping locate a… Continue reading »

Most likely. The precise amount of tax you might need to pay depends upon how much compensation you receive, as well as your nationality. More information about taxes.

Your university ultimately has to decide whether you will “get credit” at that university for your Teaching Internship. Make sure to discuss how to get university credit with your university as part of your timely pre-departure preparation for the program. Upon successful completion of the program, CICD and your American host school will provide you… Continue reading »

Your first responsibility is to participate in your training activities at your host school as described in your Training Plan (DS-7002). In your spare time, we encourage everyone to travel locally and also experience other parts of the US during the holidays and your grace period. International travel is permitted if you receive a multiple… Continue reading »

J-1 Interns must participate in training activities for a minimum of 32 hours/week, as described in their official Training Plans (DS-7002). Internship activities can vary depending upon factors like the host school, mentor teacher, interests, goals and abilities of the intern, etc. Check with CICD directly for suggested training activities. Please note: Failure to participate… Continue reading »

Internships may be extended at CICD’s sole discretion and upon CICD reviewing extension requests. If granted, extensions can only comprise programs such that the entire program duration is no greater than 10 months (including the original program duration + the extended period of time).

Minimum program duration is approximately 2 months. Maximum program duration is 10 months (an academic year). Most schools begin in August or September and end in May or June. Some schools run on trimester systems, others by semesters. In advance of interns departing for the USA, CICD will coordinate appropriate start and end dates for… Continue reading »

All participants must have health insurance that complies with requirements of the U.S. Department of State for the duration of their J-1 programs. CICD can arrange this for you, or you can purchase it privately in conjunction with CICD. To satisfy the minimum requirements of the Department of State, your insurance coverage must: Provide medical… Continue reading »

Yes. Non-US citizens need to apply for and receive the J-1 internship visa to participate in the ITIP program. CICD provides all necessary documentation, preparation and procedural aspects to enable participants to apply to the US Embassy or consulate. CICD cannot guarantee the outcome of your J-1 visa interview, as that is a decision resting… Continue reading »

Click here for CICD’s refund policy.

The “Grace Period” is a 30-day travel status period that immediately follows successful completion of your J-1 program. The US Immigration Service (USCIS) allows participants to travel in the U.S. and/or to prepare for and depart the United States. This period is NOT to be included in the program dates entered on the DS-2019 form,… Continue reading »

Teaching Internships may be unpaid or paid. This varies depending upon the circumstances of the individual host schools and interns. CICD strongly recommends that, if possible, host schools assist with housing if they cannot pay interns a stipend. The typical stipend for a paid internship is approximately $500 – $1000 per month, but may vary.

Aside from travel and program costs, personal tastes and needs differ widely between individuals. In general, you should expect to spend at least the same amount of money per month that you would at home while participating in the program.

CICD may consider program fee reductions on a merit and needs-based basis only. Interested interns should inquire directly with CICD.

CICD’s ITIP program fee starts at US$995, depending upon duration, plus a non-refundable $300 application fee. CICD’s program fee becomes non-refundable the day the intern starts his or her program according to CICD’s refund policy.

Fluently. Your host school will expect you to be able to converse on a complex level with faculty, staff, and students. If your English is not adequate, we recommend that you take the necessary steps to improve your English, and only then apply for this program.

Most communication will occur via email, webcam, and phone. We require that candidates, as well as selected participants, check their email frequently and respond promptly to all communications.

Host schools are located all over the USA. Though we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your preferred region, city or school, we cannot guarantee that your request can be fulfilled. If you “must” be placed in a particular location, we recommend that you apply for a “self-placed” teaching internship, research that area, and… Continue reading »

It is the interns’ responsibility to communicate with their host school to find housing. Your host school and CICD can be of assistance in finding affordable housing. We can provide you useful links to online housing resources. Each intern must “check in” with CICD upon arrival in the US and whenever any contact information changes.

“Teaching Abroad”, “Teaching in the USA” and “Teaching Visa” are terms that almost always imply “full time teaching” exchanges that are reserved for professional teachers with at least 3 years of teaching experience. So that there is no confusion, CICD’s International Teaching Internship Program is NOT meant for professional teachers with at least 3 years… Continue reading »

Depending upon factors at the host school and with the applicant, the speed with which placement can occur may vary greatly – from just a few weeks up to a few months.

You may apply for a position listed on our website or submit your own host school and potential position. To speed up the process, we strongly suggest that you contact (via email AND phone) potential host schools on your own and provide them CICD’s contact information. We will follow up with those host schools on… Continue reading »

This depends upon your major course(s) of study and the written agreement you have with the host school. You will student teach in the major subject area(s) you studied during university. Please contact CICD for specific information.

Our services include: J-1 visa internship sponsorship in an American host school Useful J-1 Visa Program information for host schools and J-1 Teaching Interns Professional evaluations and feedback for Student Teachers and their Mentors. Workshops and seminars Intern and host school vetting Pre-departure orientation materials Helpful guidance and tips to apply for the J-1 visa… Continue reading »

You can find general information about our application process at http://www.cicdgo.com/internships-in-the-usa/.

Contact CICD directly by phone at (206) 985-2115 or inquire online. We look forward to working with you!

Follow all CICD program rules and US Department of State regulations for the duration of your program. Please visit our Staying in Status page for more information.

After you have successfully completed your J-1 program, you are permitted to remain in the U.S. for thirty (30) days past the program end date indicated on your DS-2019 form. During this 30-day “Grace Period”, you are no longer considered “on the program”, and you are under the jurisdiction of the USCIS. You must no… Continue reading »

Many host organizations provide their trainees/interns with a monthly stipend that helps them pay for rent and other living expenses. Whether or not your training/internship is paid or unpaid, it is your responsibility to have sufficient funds to cover all living expenses for the duration of your program in the U.S., pay for round-trip air… Continue reading »

Yes. If you need general health and accident insurance coverage, you can purchase the CICD provided health insurance plan. This plan insures for: Up to 100,000 U.S. dollars of regular and customary medical expenses per accident or sickness Up to 50,000 U.S. dollars in case of medical evacuation Up to 25,000 U.S. dollars in case… Continue reading »

Yes. It is required. All trainees and their dependents on the J Visa must be covered by a qualified health insurance plan that complies with the insurance coverage requirements of the U.S. Department of State for the entire duration of the training program. Before CICD can approve sponsorship, you and your dependents must show evidence… Continue reading »

No. The conditions of the J-1 intern/trainee visa strictly prohibited you from accepting any employment in the U.S not described in your raining/internship T/IPP, and/or performing any work in the U.S. If you engage in unauthorized employment and/or work, you will be in violation of program regulations, and subject to immediate program termination. There is… Continue reading »

You should immediately contact CICD’s coordinators during normal business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. For very urgent situations and emergencies only, you should contact CICD’s 24-hour phone line. For life-threatening emergencies, call ‘911’ immediately. As your J-1 Visa sponsor, CICD acts as your advisor and liaison between you and your host organization.… Continue reading »

If you have appropriately applied for the program and not previously violated U.S. visa regulations and your J-1 Visa application is denied by the U.S. embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over your place of permanent residence, you may be eligible for a partial refund (of your payment of the total application fee) after CICD has… Continue reading »

Yes. Applicants who have previously participated in a traineeship may be eligible to participate in additional training and internship programs under the following conditions: Additional training and internship programs must address the development of new and/or more advanced skills or a qualifying different field of expertise. Interns may participate in additional internship programs as long… Continue reading »

If your original training program lasts less than 18 months and if your host organization supports your request for additional training, it may be possible to extend your program up to a maximum program duration of 18 months. Please contact CICD well in advance of any extension request. If your original internship program lasts less… Continue reading »

Your spouse and/or children may apply for the J-2 Visa to accompany you to the U.S. or join you later. Each dependent (spouse and/or unmarried child who is under the age of 21) wishing to enter the U.S. together with you should apply to CICD for J-2 Visa sponsorship at the same time you are… Continue reading »

CICD has been very successful in providing host companies with great international participants. Please contact us  about our individually tailored intern/trainee placement service or post your position(s) directly on our website.

Potentially. Check out our Available Positions page for our current list of  available J-1 training and internship positions.

Training on the J-1 Visa Program may last up to 18 months. Internships may last up to12 months.

Normally, yes. You can apply for the J-1 Visa only at a U.S. consulate or embassy outside the U.S. If you have secured documents for CICD sponsorship for the J-1 Visa but are unable or unwilling to apply for your visa in your home country, you may be able to do so in another (third)… Continue reading »

Offer to you a qualified internship for up to twelve (12) months or training for up to eighteen (18) months in one of the following subject fields: Information, Media, Communications, Management, Business, Commerce, Finance, the Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, Industrial Occupations, Public Administration or Law. Click here for more information about the subject fields CICD… Continue reading »

Have secured a training or internship position with a host company in the USA, or Choose from our training/internship listings to apply for positions CICD offers. Have qualifications for Training or Internship according to FAQ #1 above regarding university-level education and previous work experience in a field directly related to the proposed program. Know English… Continue reading »

T/IPP means “Training/Internship Placement Plan,” normally called a “Training Plan”. The T/IPP is the framework and summary of the activities you and your host company follow for the duration of your program. Host organizations cooperate with CICD to complete and sign a Form DS–7002 to verify that your training activities are appropriate and consistent with… Continue reading »

Click here for more information about the subject fields CICD sponsors.

Yes, but only if you otherwise comply with Department of State regulations and meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for becoming a Trainee or Intern.

Whenever there is a change in your U.S. contact information or in your program or visa status you are required to immediately contact CICD to update your SEVIS record. Failure to do so could result in a significantly early end to you program. If your J-1 Visa Program is terminated, your SEVIS record will reflect… Continue reading »

SEVIS means: “Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.” This system tracks participants in the J-1 (as well as other) Visa categories during their stay in the U.S. As part of the sponsorship process, and to issue to you the DS-2019 Form, CICD registers you in SEVIS. When you submit your J-1 Visa application including your… Continue reading »

The total time required to process your J-1 sponsorship application depends on how quickly you and your host company provide CICD with all necessary materials and information – as well as how busy the Visa Section is in your local US Embassy or Consulate. Once you receive the necessary documents from CICD, you will need… Continue reading »

Only U.S. Department of State-designated J-1 visa sponsors like CICD are authorized to issue and send you the DS-2019 Form, also called Certificate of Eligibility. You need the DS2019 form to apply for the J-1 visa, which allows you to be a trainee/intern in the USA. J-1 Visa Sponsors help ensure that your internship: Matches… Continue reading »

Apply as an Intern if you are foreign national who (1) is currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside of the United States or (2) graduated from such an institution no more than twelve (12) months prior to the program begin date, and intend to enter the… Continue reading »

Yes. We will contact you at least monthly to check in and see how you are doing. If you do not respond to our repeated attempts to check in and/or communicate with you, we are required to terminate your program. CICD is required to ensure that your activities are consistent with the cultural and other… Continue reading »

Yes. All exchange visitors and their dependents, regardless of their program category, are required to have medical insurance that meets or exceeds US Department of State requirements** during their time in the U.S. on the Program. We require each participant to have insurance in effect that covers sickness or accident during the entire period of… Continue reading »

CICD ensures that Summer Work/Travel students receive appropriate pay and the required workman’s comp coverage in their jobs. Host employers are required to fairly compensate participants for their work, and “shall compensate participants with pay and benefits commensurate with those offered to their American counterparts”. CICD is also required to inform program participants about the… Continue reading »

Usually. However, you must FIRST get approval from CICD. Poor performance and attitude, inappropriate behavior and activities that affect your primary job as well as what affect a second job might have on your primary job will influence CICD’s decision.

You cannot travel outside the USA during the 30-day grace period and expect to return to the USA during that time. However, if you do plan to travel internationally, even to somewhere as close as Canada or Mexico, you can only do so while your J-1 visa is valid, and you first need to take… Continue reading »

If you lose your job, the first thing to do is call us immediately! CICD handles such situations on a case-by-case basis. Failure to report getting fired from you job, as well as other significant events may cause your program termination.

Contact us immediately to discuss the situation. Students are only allowed to change jobs with prior approval from CICD. Students who break this rule will experience immediate program termination (new Department of State regulation).

This depends on the host company and the specific individual situation. This is usually allowed, but please understand that your Summer Work and Travel Program contract is with the host company, not with your friend.

The US Immigration Service (USCIS) provides J-1 program participants the option of a 30-day travel period immediately following the successful completion of the working portion of their SWT programs. This is called the “Grace Period.” The grace period allows participants to travel in the U.S. and/or to prepare for and depart the United States. It… Continue reading »

No. CICD may make a minor adjustment to the start and/or end dates on your DS-2019 Form to indicate your actual date of arrival (for example, moving both the start and end dates two days earlier or one day later) only if those dates correspond to the official vacation dates of your university in your country,… Continue reading »

Orientation for exchange visitors should include, but not be limited to, information on: Life and customs in the United States Local community resources (e.g., public transportation, medical centers, schools, libraries, recreation centers, and banks) to the extent possible Available health care, emergency assistance, and insurance coverage A description of the program in which the exchange… Continue reading »

CICD will provide the following information to all participants who have secured employment (are pre-placed) before their departure for the United States: Job offer/Employment Verification (The name, location and contact information of the employer) All contractual documents related to acceptance of paid employment in the United States Cultural activity information related to your employer and… Continue reading »

CICD works with its international network of partner organizations to screen and accept applications and to conduct in-person interviews with our students. These procedures help us determine your qualifications, background, needs and experience for job placement, and confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria below: Student Status Eligible program participants must be bona fide post-secondary… Continue reading »

Yes. The following is a list of examples of prohibited types of jobs: Participants may not be employed as: domestic employees in U.S. households (child care, chauffeurs, gardeners, etc.), in positions that require them to invest their own monies to provide themselves with inventory for the purpose of door-to-door sales, in any employment involving any… Continue reading »

Universities, colleges, technical institutes and other accredited post-secondary academic institutions.

Foreign nationals who are full-time college or university students in their home countries may participate in the Summer Work and Travel program only during their university’s official summer vacation. It is not possible for students to participate in this program during time periods other than their school’s summer vacations.

No. You can only work for a host company that CICD has officially vetted and allowed you to work for. You may not transfer to a new host company or begin working for a new host company other than your original host company without CICD’s prior permission (this is also a Department of State regulation.)

The Summer Work and Travel program lasts up to a maximum of four (4) months. Participants may not work at any other time except during the period indicated on their DS-2019 form. Extensions are not permitted beyond the 4-month maximum program duration.

The Summer Work and Travel program provides foreign post-secondary students the opportunity to work and travel in the United States during their university summer vacations.