Training

Cultural Homestay International (CHI) would like to invite you, young professionals to consider the many benefits of the CHI Training Program. The practical experience in an American Host Business gives you the opportunity to put your educational knowledge and your related work experience "to work" in your chosen professional field. In the process you will gain an in-depth understanding of the American business, society and culture. The Training experience will contribute significantly to the realization of your future career goals.

CHI offers two Training Program options:

1) Self-arranged Training Program
2) CHI-arranged Training Program

Requirements:

• Must have completed a degree or professional certificate outside the US and 1 year related work experience outside the US.

OR

• 5 years of related work experience

AND

• Verifiable English Language skills by an English test or documentation by an academic institution's English instructor.
• Personal interview conducted by a CHI partner either in person or via webcam.
• This program is a maximum 18 months with the exception of Hospitality and Agriculture. There are no extensions.

To apply to the program, contact CHI's Partner agencies. Click on the map to find them.

The business world is rapidly globalizing. Have your company be one of the first to bring an international perspective into your office.

CHI invites your company to become one of the many businesses benefiting from hosting a well educated and motivated international Trainee in their workplace. Your company offers the Trainee the opportunity to gain practical knowledge in their specific professional field of interest while, at the same time, building an international and multi-cultural business climate.

Trainees are expected to learn through different methods employed by your individual business and its practices. Because the American business spectrum is so diverse there is a great deal to offer a
Trainee who may not have had the opportunity to experience the variety of business styles offered in the US. At the same time the Trainee can bring to your company a perspective that may be new and fresh to your way of doing business.

Hosting an international Trainee is a rewarding experience for both the business and for the Trainee.

Your Company's Benefits:

• Trainees offer valuable professional experience while sharing business practices from their home countries.
• International Trainees bring cultural diversity to your work environment creating a culture-sharing atmosphere and promoting global understanding.
• CHI operates with partners and coordinators who screen all participants. All are highly skilled, motivated, focused and committed to their training experience.
• They are bilingual and professional, characteristics that will be very helpful too.

What CHI Provides:

• Screening of candidates.
• Referring candidate profiles for your review.
• Arranging appropriate J1 visa documentation.
• Arranging and presenting a Trainee Orientation upon arrival.
• Supervision and support by experienced CHI coordinators.

I want to become a Host Business

CHI has developed lasting relationships with families in communities throughout the United States.

CHI's host families have often hosted students and participants from many of our other programs. Host families generally have an interest in international travel and culture, and love to learn about the participants they host. Host families provide half board on the weekdays, and full board on the weekends for the participants.

I want to become a Host Family

What are my company's responsibilities during the Trainee's program?

Your company completes a Training/Internship Placement Plan (TIPP) syllabus specifically outlining the goals and the objective of the Training Program. The purpose of the TIPP is to ensure that your company and the Trainee have a mutual understanding of the Trainee's duties and expectations. Your company will need to provide a mid-term and final evaluation based on the Trainee accomplishing the TIPP objectives.

Are we obligated to pay the Trainee?

Students come from wide variety of countries and these countries face different socio-economic realities, because of this our students apply for paid position mostly.

The Trainee is paid or stipend starting from $1200 a month to assist with cost of living in U.S.

Will my company be responsible for the Trainee's housing and transportation?

Providing housing, meals, and/or transportation is completely at the discretion of your company. While the Trainee and CHI welcome and appreciate any assistance you may offer, you are not obligated to provide room and board or transportation.

Does CHI provide background information on the Trainee?

All CHI Trainee applicants are required to thoroughly complete an application form as well as submit a letter of intent, resume, three letters of recommendation, and verification of English language proficiency. All this information is available for your review. Also, if there are additional corporate requirements such as Trainee's school transcripts, sample work and/or request for a phone interview, CHI is able to furnish and arrange these requests.

What is a J-1 visa?

The J-1 visa is issued to overseas visitors for educational and cultural exchange purposes only. It is not a work visa. CHI is a designated sponsor to oversee exchange visitors including Trainees in the Training Program (TP) and to provide required paperwork for exchange visitors to apply for the J-1 visa. The J-1 visa category was established by the U.S. government through the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 in order to promote the foreign policy objectives of the U.S. and to increase mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other countries through educational and cultural activities.

What career fields are accepted under CHI's J-1 Training visa?

CHI is designated to sponsor Trainees in the following 6 general occupational categories:

• Arts and Culture
• Information Media and Communications
• Education, Social Sciences, Library Science, Counseling and Social Services
• Management, Business, Commerce and Finance (including Hospitality and Hotel Management)
• The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, and Industrial Occupations
• Public Administration and Law

Can I work while on CHIs J-1 visa?

Extra-curricular employment outside the participant's CHI J-1 Training program is strictly prohibited.

What is SEVIS?

The Department of State has implemented a system called SEVIS, which keeps a record of international students who are participating on exchange programs. SEVIS enables sponsors to transmit participant information to the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and DOS (the Department of State). Only sponsor agencies are allowed to enter the SEVIS system and validate participants' visas.

Are there any visa limitations regarding the length of stay in the U.S.?

You will be issued a J-1 visa for the exact dates listed on your DS-2019 form (e.g. your legal training dates). Also, upon entry into the U.S., a Form I-94 will be attached to your passport. The I-94 indicates the last day you may be in the U.S. on this J-1 visa. Alternatively, "D/S" may be stamped on the I-94 card instead of an actual date. "D/S" is an abbreviation for "Duration of Status" which is equivalent to the specified time indicated on the DS-2019 form plus a 30- day "grace" period reserved for travel purposes only.

Can I continue my Training at the Host Business during the 30-day "grace" period?

NO. Once your DS dates have expired, you are no longer in a bona fide sponsored training program and cannot continue at the Host Business. You have the option of either returning home or staying in the U.S. an additional 30 days beyond the expired DS dates for the exclusive purpose of travel. If you wish to remain in the U.S. to travel longer than the 30 days allowed following the program, you need to contact the Office of Homeland Security and request a
change of status to a B-2 (tourist) visa. You will need to complete the OHS form I-539 and pay a fee of $75. The Office of Homeland Security recommends that the tourist visa application be submitted 45 days prior to the expiration of the participant's J-1 visa. As a reminder, you are responsible for purchasing appropriate insurance to cover the travel period following the training program.

Can I return to the U.S. on a second J-1 Training program?

There is a 2 year home residency requirement if you came on a Trainee visa and wish to return on a 2nd Trainee visa.

Can I transfer from CHI's J-1 visa internship program to another organization's J program?

NO. CHI cannot release you in the U.S. from its J-1 program in order for you to transfer to another J program.

Can I transfer from an F visa to a J visa?

CHI is unable to transfer a participant who is currently on an F-1 student visa in the U.S. to CHI's J-1 visa. The participant MUST return home in order to apply for CHI's IP.