There is a range of educational and cultural
exchange opportunities available in the United
States, but you must be well-informed...
The United States offers a wide range of educational and cultural exchange opportunities including
professional internship programs, high school and university study, training, and short-term
programs.
SHORT-TERM AC ADEMIC PROGRAMS IN THE UNITED STATES
• Secondary School Programs: Read the EducationUSA guide to secondary school exchanges
to get started.
• Short-Term University Study: Contact the office responsible for international programs and
linkages at your home institution to ask if your school or university has exchange agreements
with the United States. In addition, many U.S. universities open summer session classes (between
May and August) to the outside public, and they sometimes make available on-campus dormitory
accommodations. For detailed information about how to choose and apply to U.S. universities,
see Undergraduate Study and Graduate and Professional Study and Research.
• English Language Programs: Would you like to improve your English language skills? Search
for high-quality programs with a professionally trained faculty, an excellent curriculum, and
superior facilities for study – www.IntensiveEnglishUSA.com. EducationUSA advisers can help
you find an accredited English Language Program (ELP).
Plan ahead: Talk to an Check accreditation of academic programs: Academic accreditation is a process of external
EducationUSA adviser quality review. Contact your adviser and be sure your program in the U.S. is accredited. Ask if your
to define your goals and credits will be recognized in your home country upon your return.
begin your research. If you
are interested in short- Funding from universities, scholarship organizations, or grant-giving bodies may be difficult to obtain
term academic programs for academic study in the United States. Your home university may have an existing exchange
or internships, you will relationship with a U.S. institution. These programs are often ‘cost neutral’. Internships and Optional
need to give yourself 6 Practical Training may also help to reduce costs while providing academic and professional
to 12 months to prepare development opportunities (see OPT and internships below).
your applications.
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NEW: F VISA NOW PERMITS UP TO 29 MONTHS OF OPTIONAL PRACTIC AL
TRAINING IN THE UNITED STATES
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an outstanding professional and academic benefit of completing a
full degree program in the United States. OPT allows up to 12 months of practical training to foreign
students enrolled and participating full-time in a U.S. college or university on an F visa, the most
common visa type for academic studies.
After being enrolled one full academic year, a student may be authorized to participate in pre-
completion OPT on a part-time basis while school is in session, or full-time when school is not in
session or upon completion of studies. Authorized employment may be paid or unpaid. A Designated
School Official (DSO) at the United States college or university where you are enrolled must approve
OPT before you can receive your Employment Authorization Document.
Students of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) may apply for an
additional 17 months of OPT for a total of 29 months. That is more than two years! STEM fields are:
• Computer Science • Biological and Medical Sciences • Science Technologies
• Chemical Engineering • Mathematics and Statistics • Health Professions and
• Engineering • Military Technologies Related Clinical Sciences
• Engineering Technologies • Physical Sciences • Actuarial Science
Consider the lifelong benefits of completing a Master’s or other full degree program in the United
States. The international student office at your U.S. university or college can assist you with practical
training opportunities in your field of study.
INTERNSHIPS: WORK-BASED LEARNING
“The J student intern category, in An intern on an exchange visitor program must be a foreign national who is:
our opinion, is the most (a) currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary
appropriate status for visiting academic institution outside the United States, or
students (particularly
(b) has graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to his or her exchange visitor
undergraduates) to conduct
research either paid or unpaid program start date. Additional requirements are listed below.
on our campus.” How do I find an internship?
– JAMES DORSETT , Most students find their own internships (see the tips and resources section and talk to your
Iowa State University
EducationUSA adviser). Students who have studied or had a previous exchange experience in the
United States often have developed contacts that will lead to an internship. In addition, U.S. companies
working in your country may have interest in hosting interns in the United States.
Do I need an exchange visitor program sponsor?
With few exceptions, all foreign nationals must be sponsored by a U.S. Department of State designated
exchange visitor program sponsor to receive the needed documents and programmatic support for
their internship.
• NEW: In addition, any post-secondary academic institution in the U.S. which is a designated
sponsor in the College/ University Student category may sponsor “student interns” (see page 6).
• Visit the websites of several sponsors to compare costs and services.
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“INTENT TO RETURN ABROAD” Tips:
Most nonimmigrant visa
applicants are required to • Search by field of study and find 10–20 institutions/departments of interest. Graduate students
establish that they intend to may prefer to use www.scholar.google.com or other websites to learn about professors and their
return abroad after their time research activities.
in the U.S. (INA Section 214(b)). • For off-campus internships, you may also like to research online at FastWeb or InternWeb.com.
Documents that prove this
See the last page of this brochure for a sample of organizations that have accepted internship
could be: applications from foreign nationals in the past.*
• Proof of continued • Designated exchange visitor program sponsors for interns provide the necessary program appli-
enrollment in a study prog- cation form and other paperwork, assist with placements or give guidance on how to locate an
ram outside the U.S.; internship in the U.S., ensure that participants have U.S. health insurance, and provide support for
• Continuing lease for an interns as needed during the program (see page 6).
apartment; • Keep in mind that finding an internship can be a highly competitive process requiring thorough
• Spouse/children staying research and hard work. Your EducationUSA adviser has additional reference materials about how
outside the U.S.; to prepare an effective application and find the best program for you.
• Property you own;
• Career plans for after your Background and excerpt of additional requirements for interns:
return from the U.S.
• A primary objective of the exchange visitor program for interns is to enhance the skills and expertise of
Each person’s situation is
exchange visitors in their academic or occupational fields and to improve participants’ knowledge
different. Consular officers are
of American techniques, methodologies, and expertise.
aware of this diversity and look
at each application individually. • The internship must build on the student’s academic experience by developing practical skills.
It is up to them to determine • Payment and hands-on work are permitted as defined in the DS-2019. The DS-2019 is the Certificate
what documentation can be of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Program (J-1) Status issued by a designated sponsor.
accepted. For more information • Important: As with all exchange visitor programs, interns must have verifiable English language
about this requirement, see: skills sufficient to function on a day-to-day basis in their internship environment.
What constitutes “strong ties”? • The maximum duration of a student internship in any occupational field is 12 months. Internships
must be full-time; i.e. consist of a minimum of 32 hours per week.
• Interns must prove their intent to depart the United States. A key goal of the Fulbright-Hays Act,
which authorizes the program, is that participants will return to their home countries and share
* External links to other their experiences with their countrymen.
Internet sites should not be • Internship placements may be on or off campus and many, but not all interns, are paid.
construed as an endorsement • Interns must have sufficient finances to support themselves for their entire stay in the U.S.
of the views or privacy • Visit your EducationUSA advising center for reference materials and educational advising.
policies contained therein. The resources below are a sample to help you ‘find the best fit’.
TRAINEE PROGRAMS
“Trainees” have different eligibility requirements and sponsors. The regulations for trainees are designed to distinguish between
A trainee means a foreign national who has either: bona fide training, which is permitted, and merely gaining additional
(a) a degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary work experience, which is not permitted.
academic institution and at least one year of prior related work With few exceptions, training programs may last up to 18 months.
experience in his/her occupational field acquired outside the For training programs in the field of agriculture and in the
United States, or “Hospitality and Tourism” occupational category, the maximum
(b) five years of work experience outside the United States in his/ duration is 12 months. Select a designated exchange visitor prog-
her occupational field, and who enters the United States to ram sponsor for “trainees” and apply for sponsorship.
participate in a structured and guided work-based training
program in his/her specific occupational field.
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SUMMER WORK TRAVEL PROGRAMS
Summer Work Travel Programs: Summer work travel programs provide foreign post-secondary students the opportunity to work and
travel in the United States for up to four months during their summer vacation. Participants must be enrolled in and pursuing a degree at
an accredited post-secondary academic institution outside the United States, or have graduated from such an institution no more than
12 months prior to his or her exchange visitor program start date. Students must work with a Department of State designated exchange
visitor program sponsor to participate in this program. Students may locate their own jobs and/or housing, or sponsors will locate jobs
and housing for them.
C AMP COUNSELORS
Camp counselors: The Department of State designates exchange sponsors to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals to serve as
counselors in camps for up to four months during the U.S. summer.
Participants must be bona fide youth workers, students, teachers, or individuals with specialized skills and at least 18 years of age. Camp
counselors receive financial compensation for their service. Select an exchange visitor program sponsor and learn more about life as a
U.S. camp counselor.
TRAINING ON A B-1
au PAIR PROGRAM
(VISITOR) VISA OR
THE VISA WAIVER PROGRAM:
Au pairs: Foreign nationals are afforded the opportunity to live with an American host family in exchange You may be able to enter
for child care for up to one year, with a possible second year extension. All au pair participants receive the U.S. temporarily on a
room and board and are paid to provide child care services to the host family. Au pair participants visitor visa (B-1) or with
the Visa Waiver Program for
provide up to forty-five hours of child care services per week and pursue not less than six semester
training or for independent
hours of academic credit or its equivalent during their year of program participation. Au pairs must research. You may not receive
be: (a) between the ages of 18 and 26; (b) a secondary school graduate, or equivalent; (c) proficient in a salary or remuneration other
spoken English; and (d) capable of fully participating in the program as evidenced by the satisfactory than an allowance or other
completion of a physical. Au pairs participating in the EduCare program (care for school-age children) reimbursement for expenses
provide up to thirty hours of child care services per week and pursue not less than twelve semester incidental to your stay
in the United States.
hours of academic credit or its equivalent during their year of program participation.
See: acceptable B-1 activities.
Select an exchange visitor program sponsor and learn more about participation requirements.
Resources
Designated Exchange Visitor Program Sponsors
For additional information about visas, please visit www.travel.state.gov. Keep in mind that in certain External links to other
instances, exchange visitors may be subject to a two-year foreign residency requirement. Internet sites should not be
Short-Term Study, English Language Programs, Distance Education and Accreditation from the series construed as an endorsement
If You Want to Study in the United States. of the views or privacy policies
contained therein. Contact
• FastWeb – Guide to Jobs, Internships and Careers
EducationUSA for additional
• InternWeb.com – Internship Search Tools for Students
links and resources.
• Peterson’s Internships – Find the right internship for you (Peterson’s, published annually)
• Princeton Review: America’s Top Internships. Mark Oldman and Samer Hamadeh. Random House,
New York (published annually) – www.princetonreview.com
• Vault Guide to Top Internships
Talk to an EducationUSA adviser about additional reference materials and resources available in your
local advising center.
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SAMPLE OF U.S. INSTITUTIONS THAT ACCEPTED APPLIC ATIONS
FROM FOREIGN INTERNS IN 2008 *
TIPS FOR INTERNSHIPS
• Plan ahead! Be sure your
Talk to an EducationUSA adviser about additional reference materials and resources available
in your local advising center. goals, financial situation and
timeline are clear before
Amelia Island Plantation (Hospitality; Tourism/Recreation)
American Geographical Society (Environmental; Science/Research) formally applying.
Arab American Institute (Government; Law) • Contact EducationUSA. Your
BalletMet Columbus (Theater/Performing Arts) adviser has free and unbiased
Brick Wall Management (Broadcast & Entertainment; Health Care; Nonprofit) resources to assist you.
Capitol Music Group (Broadcast & Entertainment; Music/Records) • Update and proofread your
Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles (Art/Museum)
resume or CV.
Discovery Communications (Broadcast & Entertainment; Education; New/Interactive Media; Publishing)
• Include a succinct, upbeat
Dow Chemical Company (Chemicals; Science/Research)
Emerson (Energy) cover letter with your
Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting (Journalism; Nonprofit) application, stating why
FAO Schwarz (Toys/Retail) you are interested in the
Farm Sanctuary (Nonprofit; Animal Welfare/Animal Rights) institution and why you hope
Ford Models (Broadcast & Entertainment; Fashion; Public Relations) they will decide to hire you.
Getty Foundation (Art/Museum; Education)
• Contact a designated exchange
Global Volunteers (Education; Environmental; Health Care; Nonprofit)
Google Inc. (Technology)
visitor program sponsor to
Hallmark (Consumer Products; Retail) apply for sponsorship.
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (Education; Environmental; Science/Research) • Ensure your passport is valid
Marvel Comics (Broadcast & Entertainment; New/Interactive Media; Publishing) six months beyond the date
National Association of College Broadcasters (Broadcast & Entertainment; Nonprofit) you expect to depart the U.S.
Pro-Found Software, Inc. (Software; Technology)
• Finding an internship is a
Rodale Institute Experimental Farm (Environmental; Science/Research)
competitive process requiring
Roll Call (Government; Journalism)
San Francisco Bay Guardian (Journalism) thorough research and hard
San Francisco Opera (Music/Records; Theater/Performing Arts) work.
Schlumberger Limited (Energy; Technology) Good luck!
Sesame Workshop (Broadcast & Entertainment; Education; Nonprofit)
Sotheby’s (Art/Museum)
Source Theatre Company (Theater/Performing Arts)
Source, The (Broadcast & Entertainment; Journalism; Publishing)
Southern Center for International Studies (Education; International Relations; Public Relations)
Southwestern Company (Publishing/Retail)
Special Olympics International (Nonprofit; Sports)
Steppenwolf Theatre Company (Nonprofit; Theater/Performing Arts) (Source: Vault Guide
Student Works Painting (Management & Strategy Consulting) to Top Internships,
Turner Broadcasting System (Broadcast & Entertainment; Journalism; New/Interactive Media; Sports) 2008 )
Tyco Toys (Consumer Products; Manufacturing)
* External links to other
United Nations Association of the United States of America (Government; Law)
Internet sites should not be
United Talent Agency (Broadcast & Entertainment; Music; Digital Media; Philanthropy) construed as an endorsement
Voice of America (Broadcast & Entertainment; Journalism) of the views or privacy
Westwood One Radio Network (Broadcast & Entertainment) policies contained therein.
Wired (Journalism; Publishing; Technology)
Women Express/Teen Voices (Journalism; Nonprofit; Publishing)
Women Make Movies (Broadcast & Entertainment; Film; Nonprofit)
Women’s Sports Foundation (Education; Sports)
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (Education; Government; International Relations; History)
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Designated exchange visitor program sponsors for interns provide the necessary program application
form and other paperwork, assist with placements or give guidance on how to locate an internship in
the U.S., ensure that participants have U.S. health insurance, and provide support for interns as needed
during the program. Participants pay sponsors a program fee for these services. All such organizations
have been approved to run the program by the U.S. Department of State and must abide by the State
Department’s program regulations.
THE FOLLOWING ALLIANCE MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS SPONSOR INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS:
AIESEC United States Association for International French-American Chamber
www.aiesec.org Practical Training of Commerce
www.aipt.org www.faccnyc.org
Alliance Abroad Group
www.allianceabroad.com CDS International German American Chamber
www.cdsintl.org of Commerce
American Council on
International Personnel Communicating for Agriculture www.gaccny.com
www.acip.com www.caep.org InterExchange
American Immigration Council for Educational Travel, USA www.interexchange.org
Law Foundation www.cetusa.org
Intrax
www.ailf.org
Council on International www.intraxinc.com
American-Scandinavian Educational Exchange
Foundation MAST International
www.ciee.org
www.asf.org http://mast.cfans.umn.edu
Council of International Programs
AMIDEAST The Ohio Program
www.cipusa.org
www.amideast.org www.ohioprogram.org
Cultural Exchange Network
ASSE International Student YMCA International Programs
Exchange Programs www.cenet.us
www.internationalymca.org
www.asse.com Cultural Homestay International
www.chinet.org
“STUDENT INTERNS” – A NEW OPTION
• Any post-secondary academic institution in the U.S. which is designated as a sponsor in the College/University Student category
may now sponsor “student interns”. The program requirements are slightly different than the separate “Intern” category, which most
students use (see page 2 and the links above for additional program requirements).
• A student intern on an exchange visitor program must be a foreign national who is enrolled in and pursuing a degree at an accredited
post-secondary academic institution outside the United States and is participating in a student internship program in the United
States that will fulfill the educational objectives for his or her current degree program at his or her home institution. The
designated exchange visitor program sponsor will inform you of other program requirements.
• Find an internship: For either category, use the search engines and the full range of resources above to find and apply for an internship.
Whether you are looking for opportunities on or off campus and paid or unpaid, EducationUSA advisers can help you find the right fit.
EducationUSA advisers in 170 countries provide accurate, unbiased information about all accredited U.S. higher
education institutions. Find your EducationUSA center at: www.educationUSA.state.gov/centers.
