Internship & Trainee FAQs

 

 

• How long can I stay in the U.S.?

 

You can stay for as long as the training/internship period lasts. Internships are between 4-12 months and Trainees are between 4-18 months in duration. After your program is completed, you can travel in the U.S. for up to 30 days.

 

• How much does it cost?

 

Please contact your local AmerEx Agent for information on program fees. Please note that consular fees, SEVIS processing fee, as well as air travel to the work site are not included in the program fee unless otherwise noted in your program rules.

 

• Can I receive college credit for an internship?

 

This can vary by university. Please contact your University Academic Advisor to determine whether your AmerEx Internship experience can be translated into credits toward your field of study.

 

• What is the difference between an Internship and a Trainee Program?

 

Internship Program:

 

• Programs up to 12 months.

• Formal, written internship program outline.

• Program outline is tailored to the Participant's major and is an entry-level positions.

• Intern position is in a specially occupation.

• Participant has English skills enabling him/her to function in a business setting.

• Participant is currently enrolled in a university or college outside the U.S. or has recently been rewarded a degree related to the internship within the past year.

 

Trainee Program:

 

• Programs up to 18 months.

• Formal, written trainee program outline.

• Position is in a non-specialty occupation and is in a professional-level position.

• Participant has English skills enabling him/her to function in a business setting.

• Participants are college and/or university graduates from foreign institutions and have one year relevant work experience outside the U.S. or have five years of work experience outside the U.S.

 

• Can I choose where I will live/work?

 

During the application process, you will have the opportunity to identify the types of employers and geographical regions that you prefer. AmerEx does their best to find a position with the right internship/training plan for your course of study, but cannot guarantee placement into your first choice employer/location. It is a good idea to stay in contact with your local AmerEx Agent and consider various job offers in the event that your first choice is not available.

 

• What if I already have an Employer arranged?

 

In some cases, Participants are able to contact and obtain an invitation to work as an intern/trainee for a specific company on their own. AmerEx is happy to contact the Employer and act as Sponsor in this situation. In addition to providing Sponsorship, AmerEx provides medical and travel insurance, coordinates arrivals, and provides support during the program.

 

• What kinds of Internships are available?

 

Internship Participants can select a professional placement from one of the following categories:

 

• Hospitality/Tourism

• Engineering

• General Business

• Information Technology

 

Or, a Participant may request a category.

 

• Can I choose my own internship?

 

Yes. Please contact your local AmerEx Agent for more information.

 

• What is included in the Internship/Trainee Program?

 

• Professional, paid internship/trainee program lasting 4-18 months (depending on program)

• Identification of affordable housing near the Employer's work site internship location or public transportation.

• DS-2019 to support the application for a J-1 Work/Travel Visa

• Comprehensive medical and travel insurance

• 24-hour emergency support