PARTICIPANTPRE-DEPARTURE

ORIENTATIONPart I of III

Presented by Alliance Abroad Group

Your designated visa sponsor Final VersionRevised 01/16/2014

• Alliance Abroad Group, (AAG) has prepared the following presentation in order to meet and exceed the U.S. Department of State J-1 visa regulations found in section {62.10} Program Administration.

• This is Part I of III presentations that will help prepare you as you embark on your cultural exchange program in the U.S.

• Presentation Part I Overview:

• Program Purposes & Descriptions

• Key Program Partnerships

• Important Contact Information

• Program Welcome Brochure & Important Letters

• Proceed with Part II of Pre-Departure Orientation Program

Congratulations!

Intern/Trainee Program

“The primary objectives of the program offered under these

regulations are to enhance the skills and expertise of exchange visitors in

their academic or occupational fields through participation in structured

and guided work-based training and internship programs and to improve

participants’ knowledge of American techniques, methodologies and

expertise.”

{62.22 (b)} Trainees and Interns.

Intern/Trainee Program DescriptionParticipants must:

• Have verifiable English language skills sufficient to function on a day-to-day basis in their training environment;

• Meet the eligibility requirement for either program;

• Have a minimum of 32 hours of training shifts per week;

• Have only 20% of the program be clerical in nature;

• Immediate and effective supervision with regular evaluations as defined by the Department of State Regulations;

Program duration is dependent on whether the participant is an Intern or a Trainee

The maximum duration of a training program is 18 months (with the exception for hospitality placements)

The maximum duration of an internship program is 12 months

Intern/Trainee Program Description

• Interns cannot work in unskilled or casual labor positions, in positions that require or involve childcare or elder care or in any kind of position that involves medical patient care or contact.

Examples of Unskilled Positions:• Attendants• Bartenders• Bookkeepers• Cashiers• Cleaners• Clerks• Dining Room Attendants• Groundskeepers• Housekeepers• Receptionists• Telephone Operators• Ushers• The complete Department of State list can be found here.

Designated Sponsor Obligations

• Comply with and educate all parties on Department of State Program

Regulations,

• Adequately staff, train and provide support to all program participants,

• Monitor the safety, health and welfare of each AAG sponsored

participant,

• Provide effective 24 hours support to all program participants.

Key Program Partnerships

• Department of State: Governing body for all J-1 Visa Programs

• Alliance Abroad Group: Your Designated Visa Sponsor

• Partner Agency: Your Home Country Agency or Program Enroller

• Host Company: Your Training Employer on the Program

• Outreach Coordinator: Your assigned AAG employee dedicated team

member who will support you during your program

AAG Provides Support 24 Hours/7 Days a Week

Toll Free Number: 1 – 866 622-7623Email: supportinfo@allianceabroad.comAddress: 1221 South Mopac Expressway, Suite 100

Austin, Texas 78746Normal Business Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm Central Standard Time

All safety, health or welfare emergencies will be patched through to an AAG On Call Representative after Normal

Business Hours.Messages will be taken for non-emergencies and will be

responded to the next business day.

Responsible Officer: John McNamaraAlternative Responsible Officer: Laurie Moxley

U.S. Department of State Contact Information

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Street Address: 2200 C Street, N.W.

Washington, DC 20522

Website: exchanges.state.gov/jexchangesjvisas@state.com

Toll Free Help Line: 1-866-283-9090

Email: jvisas@state.gov

Important Reminders

• First Point of Contact: Your Designated Sponsor, AAG

Intern/Trainee Important Reminders

1. Be Prepared Before You Depart:• Contact your Host Company• Provide your Sponsor with your arrival details• Ensure you have planned your travel from the airport to

your destination• Have enough money to cover your expenses• Study all pre-arrival materials• Contact your sponsor with any additional questions• Research and learn about your new city &

neighborhood

2. Your Designated Sponsor (AAG) is Your First Point of Contact

3. Department of State should be contacted if your concerns

are unresolved by your Host Company and AAG

For Intern/Trainee Program

Sample Sponsor Letter

AAG Participant Program Handbook

• Participant Handbook

Includes 40 plus pages of helpful information as you prepare for your program experience, including key participant regulatory obligations, safety tips, American customers and employer work expectations.

Next Steps…

Review Part II of III

Presented by Alliance Abroad Group

Your designated visa sponsor

Final VersionRevised 01/16/2014