Benefits of Visitor Exchange Program
Exchange program is an excellent way for foreign nationals to come to the United States for a short period of time to experience the American way of life. Through educational and cultural exchange programs, participants can learn new skills to take back to their home countries. Everyone benefits through the development of lasting relationships and a better understanding of different countries. Indeed, the friendships that form as a result of exchange programs can last a lifetime.
In addition, an internship offers you the chance to learn by working in a setting where you are supervised by a work-place professional, and have the opportunity to achieve your own learning goals, without the responsibilities of being a permanent employee.
Benefits of Internship:
- Help you learn about a career field from the inside
- Help you decide if this is the right career field for you
- Enable you to work alongside a professional in your chosen career area
- Give you new skills and add to your knowledge base
- Give you confidence in your own abilities
- Let you apply some of the ideas you've learned in school
- Give you the opportunity to practice your communication and teamwork skills
- Allow you to meet new people and practice your networking skills
- Provide evidence that you have initiative, are reliable and have a sense of responsibility
- Provide a bridge between school and the professional world
- Make a valuable addition to your resume
- Enhance your application to graduate School
- Open the door to a job offer or a recommendation about the next steps you should take on your career path
ICEF’s cultural exchange program is an opportunity for young adults from different countries to travel to the United States and take part in a structured internship/training program. ICEF provides professional and educational exchange experiences that enhance cross-cultural communication, leadership, social skills, personal strengths, mutual acceptance, and a better overall understanding of the American culture.
The American host companies value the excitement, professionalism, and new ideas that international trainees offer to their business. Hosting intelligent, motivated, and multilingual trainees provides companies with better opportunities for developing the business relationships that are vital for successful international cooperation with foreign markets.
Opportunities for J-Visa Interns/trainees
Learn English
Here in U.S., you will find many ESL Institutes and English Language Schools and programs offering English as a Second Language courses for International Students and Professionals. You will have an opportunity to learn English at the conveniently located ESL language institutes. Our goal is to provide you with the information and assistance you need to prepare for your studies or professional development in the United States.
Experience American Culture
Many exciting activities such as sports, cultural, and social activities are available for the participant during the internship. The following are some recommended cross-cultural activities that would acquaint participants with American society, culture, and institutions.
- Attend sporting Events
- Visit world class musical events/museums
- Visit National Parks
- Visit historical sites
- Participate Arts & crafts fair
Travel & Explore United States
As J-1 exchange visitor, you are permitted to remain in the country up to 30 days past the end date of your Form DS-2019. The 30 days will give you an additional month to explore the country on your own or with your friends. Please refer to the useful resources section of this website http://www.usatourist.com/
Qualification & Requirement
What is Internship Program?
It is the structured and guided work-based learning program as set forth in an individualized Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP) that reinforces a student’s or recent graduate’s academic study, recognizes the need for work based experience, provides on-the-job exposure to American techniques, methodologies, and expertise, and enhances the Intern’s knowledge of American culture and society.
Who is an intern?
A foreign national who either (1) Is currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States or (2) Graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to his/her exchange visitor program begin date, and who enters the United States to participate in a structured and guided work-based internship program in his/ her specific academic field.
Who is a trainee?
A foreign national who has either:(1) A degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution and at least one year of prior related work experience in his/her occupational field acquired outside the United States, or (2) Five years of work experience outside the United States in his/her occupational field, and who enters the United States to participate in a structured and guided work-based training program in his/her specific occupational field.
What are the common requirements?
(1) English proficiency - Participants must demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the English language to enable them to participate in our program and to function effectively in an English-speaking environment. Participants must score 7.0 or better on our English proficiency interview evaluation form.
(2) Career goal oriented - Participants must demonstrate that intended internship will be in line with career path he/she is pursuing.
(3) Financial support - Participants must demonstrate that they have sufficient finances to support themselves for their entire stay in the United States, including housing and living expenses. (i.e. bank statement)
| 
