2. • 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!
3. 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.
4. Intern/Trainee Program Description
Participants 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
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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
8. AAG Provides Support 24 Hours/7 Days a Week
Toll Free Number: 1 – 866 622-7623
Email: supportinfo@allianceabroad.com
Address: 1221 South Mopac Expressway, Suite 100
Austin, Texas 78746
Normal 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 McNamara
Alternative Responsible Officer: Laurie Moxley
9. 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
10. 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
12. 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.
13. Next Steps…
Review Part II of III
Presented by Alliance Abroad Group
Your designated visa sponsor
Final Version
Revised 01/16/2014
