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Below you will find answers to questions
Experience America is frequently asked by foreign trainees
wanting more information on our programs.
1. What
fields are covered by your programs?
Training
placements are possible in any of the following fields:
- Management, Business, Commerce, and Finance
- The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture,
Mathematics, and Industrial Occupations
- Information
Media and Communications
- Public Administration and
Law
2. What are the basic requirements for
participation in the Experience America Program?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess
two years of education or experience in the field in which
they desire a training position. See Trainee Eligibility
Requirements under "To the U.S." page for more details.
3. What services does Experience America
provide?
Experience America provides participants
with: a training placement in a U.S. company; documentation
required for the IAP-66 visa application form which is used to
obtain a J-1 visa; a pre-arrival orientation manual to inform
participants of their intended visit to the U.S.; an arrival
orientation; assistance in obtaining health insurance; airport
pick-up and return; escort on the first day of work; support
and monitoring by a local Placement Coordinator throughout the
duration of the program.
4. How much does it
cost?
The cost of the program varies depending on
where you are applying, and whether you are applying for the
Personalized or Self-Arranged Training Program. For more
information, go to the "How to Apply" page.
5. What
is a J-1 visa?
The J-1 Exchange Visitor visa
provides for the exchange of students, scholars, trainees,
teachers, professors, researchers, specialists, leaders in a
specialized field of knowledge or skill. The main purpose of
the J-1 trainee visa is to provide individuals with bona fide
practical training in the U.S. in a specific professional
field.
6. How do I get a J-1 visa?
Experience America (or sponsoring organization)
prepares Form IAP-66 (Certificate of Eligibility) for
participants once a training placement is confirmed and full
payment for the program is received. Once participants receive
Form IAP-66, it is their responsibility to apply for the J-1
visa at the American Embassy or Consulate in their home
country. Application procedures differ from country to
country. See Visa Procedures under the "To the U.S." page for
more information.
7. Will you refund my program fee
if my J-1 visa is denied?
In the event your visa
is denied, you will receive a refund of your placement fee,
less the $250 non-refundable application and housing fee. In
order to collect your refund, you will need to return the
IAP-66 form, along with proof from the U.S. Embassy or
Consulate that your visa was denied.
8. What type
of insurance coverage is offered?
All participants
are required to purchase health and accident insurance, either
directly or through Experience America. Participants who buy
their own insurance must submit an Insurance Verification
Form.
9. Are training positions paid or unpaid?
Training positions arrranged by Experience America are
generally non-paid. Some training positions may include some
compensation for commuting costs. For self-arranged training
positions, it is the responsibility of the participant to
negotiate possible wages with the host company.
10.
Can one extend a training program or stay longer?
There are no extensions for the training program
beyond the maximum 12 month period. You must return home
within 30 days of the end of your program. Failure to return
home by that time will result in your being out of status, and
subject to arrest and deportation. Do not jeopardize your
future by breaking the law. Return home at the end of your
program.
11. Can I travel outside the U.S. during
my program?
If you are in good standing with the
program, have a multiple entry visa, and you are able to
obtain a visa for the country you wish to visit, you may
travel outside the U.S. during your program. You will need to
send the pink copy of your IAP-66 form, along with a copy of
your J-1 visa, and a note telling us when and where you are
going to travel, and we will sign the back of your IAP-66
giving you confirmation of your good standing with the program
so you can re-enter the country at the end of your trip. You
cannot re-enter the U.S. after your program end date listed in
section 3 of your IAP-66 form.
12. May I change
host companies?
Participants are generally not
permitted to change host companies except under extreme
circumstances. In these cases, participants cannot change
companies without written permission from Experience America.
Participants who change companies without permission will be
asked to return to their home country.
13. Where
does one live while in the U.S.?
Experience
America will make accommodation arrangements for participants
in the San Francisco Bay Area. Accommodation can either be
with host families or in residence clubs which typically
include a meal plan in the rental rate. Accommodation costs
are the responsibility of the trainee and are not included in
our program fee. All other destinations are the responsibility
of the participants to find accommodation.
14. Who
makes my travel arrangements?
All participants are
responsible for their own round-trip international
transportation as well as domestic transportation in the U.S.
Participants coming to the San Francisco Bay Area may fly into
San Francisco International Airport or Oakland International
Airport.
15. How do I apply?
If you are
interested in applying, make sure you read through all the
information provided here on our web site, or go directly to
the How to
Apply page.
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