Benefits of employing J-1 Summer Work Travel (SWT) students

Work and Travel program employers have the chance to experience a foreign culture in their place of business. J-1 participants share many of the customs and traditions of their home countries. Interacting with SWT students at work allows employers to see those cultural components in action. The SWT program empowers employers to create real cultural exchange that crosses continents.Other great program benefits to employer and foreign Summer Work and Travel students in the U.S:

  • Receive seasonal and temporary staffing plus a cultural flair – with no fees.
  • Positively affect the lives of international students who desire to better know America.
  • Introduce eager Work and Travel students to American culture through work-based activities
  • Create and strengthen your company’s overseas network of connections.
  • Gain fresh energy and perspectives from abroad.
  • Enjoy CICD’s excellent J-1 Program support, supervision and service.

Purpose of the J-1 Summer Work and Travel Program

The J-1 Summer Work and Travel (SWT) Program allows participants to work and travel in the US for a maximum of four months during their official university summer vacation. The program provides foreign university students opportunities to experience American culture and daily life in the United States through temporary employment-based and travel-related activities. Students benefit from the cultural, personal, and professional growth that typically occurs on the SWT program at US companies. The SWT program is meant to be a mutually enriching experience for employers and students alike.

CICD Work and Travel Placement Options

Summer Work and Travel Participants arrive via two placement options: self-placed or full-placed. Self-Placed SWT Participants initiate their own placements/employment through contacts they or their home agency present to CICD for vetting. Full-Placed SWT Participants rely on placements initiated and provided by CICD.

CICD can help you find competent and qualified SWT students to work at your company. Please contact us to notify us of the types of positions your company would like to fill, and we will send you resumes and cover letters of qualified applicants from which to choose.

The Process

CICD will contact you directly to go over program expectations, rules, and regulations. We would like to get to know a little more about you, your company, what you do, and what your hopes are for your Summer Work and Travel participant(s). After this initial conversation, CICD will work with you to:

  1. Complete a Job Offer (also called Employment Verification) – an agreement between the host company and the Work & Travel applicant describing general terms of employment.
  2. Complete the Employer Interview: CICD will call you and conduct a 20 minute phone interview to verify information on the Employment Verification Form and make sure that all aspects are in line with program rules and Department of State regulations.
  3. Get a copy of your Business License: CICD will request a business license or other proof of legitimate business status.  We will let you know which document to supply during the interview based on the state in which you are located.
  4. Get proof of Workers Compensation Insurance: CICD is required to document the Workers Compensation Insurance provider for each employer including account number and expiration/renewal date.  If you are self-insured or are otherwise exempt from providing workers compensation insurance, CICD accepts such documentation.
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Work and Travel Program Requirements

  • All SWT participants must work through the dates that are agreed to with your company.
  • SWT participants must have prior approval from both your company and CICD to travel within work dates; travel outside of the United States MUST be pre-approved by CICD – and is strongly discouraged.
  • If the SWT participant intends to consider switching employers, such must be pre-approved by CICD prior to the switch. SWT participants may take a second job, but it MUST NOT interfere with their prior commitment to their primary host company.
  • All SWT participants must show up for work on time when expected, perform agreed-upon duties expected of them, dress appropriately, have a good attitude, and contribute to the company team spirit.
  • All SWT participants and employers MUST check in with CICD to validate their J-1 program as soon as possible after arrival in the US.

CICD’s Services to Host Companies

CICD is committed to ensuring a successful program and a positive experience for everyone involved. In cooperation with our overseas partners, we screen all applicants for appropriate J-1 visa-compliant backgrounds and requirements. We also vet Host Companies to ensure that their job offers qualify as appropriate temporary or seasonal employment opportunities. Your company receives personalized hands-on attention and service from the CICD team.

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