Work and Travel

We expect all CHI partners to share our belief in the power of international work exchange, to understand our mission and work for the development and success of the USA Work & Travel Program.

The CHI Partners include agencies specialized in work exchange programs, organizations with a background in the area of educational exchange and other non-profit organizations. We expect our partners to be very well acquainted with the student communities in their countries, with the university regulations and educational system, with the embassy requirements, specific market features, etc. We want your country expertise and we will hear and trust your opinion!

It is a great advantage for a partner to have staff members who have participated in the USA Work & Travel Program. We encourage this practice for our partners and they realize the benefits, such as providing the participants with realistic expectations, proper orientation and invaluable assistance with recruitment and screening.

We expect our partners to manage the USA Work & Travel Program in compliance with the CHI policy, Agent's Manual and government regulations. We strongly believe that mutual respect and trust are essential factors for a successful partnership.

Our Partner Agents are actively involved in every step of the USA Work & Travel program. From recruitment to the visa application, from the orientation and the support during the period of the program to the return of the students, as a CHI partner you will be managing the USA Work & Travel Program. Together we will make a difference, not only for a summer, but for a lifetime, for many university students from your country.

As a USA Work & Travel Program partner you will be responsible for:

Step 1: Promoting the USA Work & Travel Program among university students.

Step 2: Recruiting potential participants, including:

• Collecting application documents
• Verifying student status
• Testing English language ability
• Verifying proof of financial responsibility
• Reviewing the job confirmation for the self-placed participants.

Step 3: Organizing a home country orientation for all USA Work & Travel applicants. CHI representatives will attend this orientation meeting. Required topics include:

• Program Rules
• DS-2019 and J-1 visa regulations
• Arrival procedures
• Work expectations, employee responsibilities
• Housing options, rules and guidelines
• Financial responsibilities, taxation and documentation
• US Laws

Step 4: Providing assistance with the visa application process, traveling arrangements and pre- departure orientation for the USA Work & Travel participants.

Step 5: Staying in constant communication with CHI and provide support for the participants while they are in the USA.

Step 6: Welcoming the students at the end of the USA Work & Travel Program; assist with collecting feedback and evaluation of their experience! In this way CHI and our partners help each other in improving the program every year!

Cultural Homestay International provides our Partner Agents with all necessary information, materials and support for promoting and successfully managing the USA Work & Travel Program. Our partners can rely on receiving assistance in the following areas:

• Operational support: we provide you with a detailed Agent's Manual, operations guidelines, and day-to-day advice and counseling. Through constant training and two- way communication we ensure the growth of the USA Work & Travel Program and our successful partnership.
• Orientation support: you receive all necessary information for the proper orientation of the participants. Representatives of the USA Work & Travel Program will come to your country for an on-site full program orientation. In addition we provide all participants with the USA Work & Travel handbook containing important information and program rules.
• Information and updates: we provide you with all needed information, job offers and available positions, program requirements and changes, government regulations, etc.

If you are interested in the USA Work & Travel Program and you wish to apply or get more information, please contact one of our partners in your home country. CHI works side by side with all the partners to provide quality service and support for all participants.

If CHI does not have a partner in your home country, you may contact the Work and Travel Department directly and we will assist you.