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Participant Handbook Insurance ID Card and Brochure Exchange Visitor Flyer Acknowledgment Form

Participant Handbook Insurance ID Card and Brochure Exchange Visitor Flyer Acknowledgment Form Top Facts to Remember SEVIS Flyer I-94 Instructions Social Security Information and Form. Your Orientation Package:. Before you log off today:

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Participant Handbook Insurance ID Card and Brochure Exchange Visitor Flyer Acknowledgment Form

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  1. Participant Handbook Insurance ID Card and Brochure Exchange Visitor Flyer Acknowledgment Form Top Facts to Remember SEVIS Flyer I-94 Instructions Social Security Information and Form Your Orientation Package:

  2. Before you log off today: Confirm that you have completed this required orientation!! Click on the “orientation acknowledgment form” link in your email, and fill out the required information. Don’t forget to click “I certify” in each of the indicated sections on the page. Contact your Outreach Coordinator with any questions you have about the Internship program!

  3. Purpose of the J-1 Intern/Trainee program: 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. To improve participants' knowledge of American techniques, methodologies, and expertise. To increase participants' understanding of American culture and society and to enhance Americans' knowledge of foreign cultures and skills through an open interchange of ideas between participants and their American associates. Program Overview

  4. Program Objectives • Bridge the gap between formal education and practical work experience and gain substantive cross-cultural experience • Foster mutual understanding and respect • Gain new skill sets • Expose Americans to different cultures and cross-cultural differences • Build friendships and networks across borders

  5. Intern must either Be enrolled in and pursuing studies in a degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary institution outside the United States OR Have graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to their prospective program start date. INTERN: Programs can last up to 12 months. They can be as short as 3 months, though the shorter the program, the more difficult the placement (as a general rule). Rules and Regulations

  6. Rules and Regulations Trainee must either: • Have either a degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution • AND at least one year of prior related work experience acquired outside the United States OR • Have at least five years of work experience outside of the United State in their occupational field. • TRAINEE: Programs can last up to 18 months, with the exception of training programs in hospitality/tourism, which are limited to 12 months.

  7. Home Country Physical Presence Requirement Home-country physical presence requirement means the requirement that an exchange visitor who is within the purview of section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (substantially quoted in §62.44) must reside and be physically present in the country of nationality or last legal permanent residence for an aggregate of at least two years following departure from the United States before the exchange visitor is eligible to apply for an immigrant visa or permanent residence, a nonimmigrant H visa as a temporary worker or trainee, or a nonimmigrant L visa as an intra-company transferee, or a nonimmigrant H or L visa as the spouse or minor child of a person who is a temporary worker or trainee or an intra-company transferee.

  8. Internship placement secured prior to arrival or verification of internship opportunity if self-arranged Paperwork coordination: J-1 Visa documentation. Detailed training plan Health/Travel Insurance Orientation in the USA Housing assistance 24 hours a day/7 days a week personal support An Emergency 24-hour Assistance telephone number: 1 866 IM IN USA. Detailed participant handbook that contains all information relative to the program One month to travel within the USA after the training placement has been completed Program Fees Cover:

  9. Budget your time and money Costs upon arrival to the U.S.: Initial $500, Transportation to jobsite, 1st month’s rent & housing deposit Other housing costs Utilities, telephone service & cable T.V. Living costs Meals, toiletries, laundry & entertainment Independent Living Penny 1 cent Dime 10 cents Nickel5 cents Quarter25 cents Participant Handbook - Pages 23 -24

  10. Partner Agency Exchange program in your country Sponsor Agency Alliance Abroad Group (AAG) Host Company Company where you will train in U.S. SEVIS Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Outreach Coordinator AAG Representative Terms

  11. Contact Information Alliance Abroad Group, L.P. 1221 South Mopac Expressway, Suite #100, Austin, Texas 78746 - USA Tel: 1.512.457.8062 - Fax: 1.413.460.3502 Toll Free Number: 1.866.IM IN USA - (1.866.464.6872) www.allianceabroad.com Responsible Officer: Rachel Anthony Tel: 512-904-1140 Alternate Responsible Officer: Dave Lanfrankie Tel: 512-904-1110 U.S. Department of State Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation ECA/EC/PS - SA-44, Room 734 301  4th Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20547 Telephone:  202 203-5096 Email: jvisas@state.gov Participant Handbook - Page 7

  12. Culture Shock: Expect the Unexpected! Be Prepared to Adjust: • Most people face cultural shock upon arrival. It’s normal! • Allow time to adjust & to miss family and friends. • It’s COLD in the winter and HOT in the summer! • Research your location in the United States to get a • feel for the culture and climate in your home away from home! Cultural Shock Advice: • The program is what you make of it… Get involved! • Be independent, but seek help if you need it. • Keep a journal/diary of your memories. • Check out our website for cultural components:www.allianceabroad.com Participant Handbook - Page 22

  13. You are lost upon arrival. You are arrested. You are hospitalized with a serious injury. You are the victim of a violent crime or in immediate danger - CALL 911 FIRST! Another participant needs immediate help. Emergencies: 1-866-IM IN USA (1-866-464-6872) Call us at any hour if…

  14. Your Outreach Coordinator Call us during business hours if… • You lose your passport or other documents. • You have concerns about housing. • You have host company concerns or your training is terminated. • When you leave a message, be sure to speak slowly & include: your name, AAG ID • number, training location & telephone number. If you do not leave a message, we cannot help you! 1 (866) IM IN USA or 1 (866) 464 - 6872

  15. SEVIS Check-in • Register your U.S. home address and training site address within 7 days of your program start date. To do so please email your name with confirmation that you have arrived in the US and include BOTH your US home address and your training site address to supportinfo@allianceabroad.com. • This registration is required to maintain good status with the U.S. Government. • SEVIS registration is necessary to apply for social security card. • You cannot register for SEVIS until the first date on your DS-2019 form. • Failure to register = Visa Cancellation and Program Termination Participant Handbook - Page 13

  16. Go to your assigned host company • Check training offer or training plan (DS-7002) for contact information, directions and arrival instructions. • Go straight to your host company and contact them before 9:00 p.m. on Monday-Friday only. • Update AAG with your flight and arrival informationbefore departure to the U.S. at: • www.allianceabroad.com/sevis • If your arrival information changes, • please inform your Outreach Coordinator. Participant Handbook - Page 13

  17. Don’t leave your training site! • Remember your commitment is to your Host Company who invited you to the U.S. Your visa does not allow you to secure a second training or job while in the US. • Remember! Problems can sometimes be a simple misunderstanding! • Communication is key! Resolve problems with your host company first; call your AAG Outreach Coordinator if you cannot resolve it. • Don’t put your visa status at risk! Participant Handbook - Page 13

  18. Housing • Read the training offer. • If your position includes housing, you must accept the housing offered. You may not • find your own housing. • Pay rent on time and stay for your entire contract. • Alliance Abroad Group is not your landlord. Look on your job offer or ask your employer to find out the name and contact information of your landlord. • Bring enough money for your deposit and first month’s rent to pay upon arrival to prevent problems! • Provide your landlord with your address in your home country. Participant Handbook - Pages 24 - 26

  19. This means YOU are responsible for finding housing! Email or call housing leads NOW, so your housing is available when you arrive! If you arrive to the training site and do no have housing, it is NOT your host company’s responsibility. Failure to arrange housing prior to arrival could delay your training start date, SEVIS registration, and could put your training at risk!!! Participant Arranged Housing

  20. Housing You must leave your housing in CLEAN CONDITION or… • Your deposit will NOT be refunded. • Your last paycheck will go toward • paying for damages. • If there are additional charges, AAG • will contact your family. Participant Handbook - Page 13

  21. Rules, Laws & Regulations Stay out of trouble! • NO SEX, NO DRUGS, NO ALCOHOL…But be sure to have some FUN! • STAY SAFE: stay out of lonely and dark areas, don’t take big risks. • STAY LEGAL: know the laws of the U.S.: Drugs, shoplifting, drinking under the age of 21, driving under the influence of alcohol can all get you arrested, fired and will definitely get you sent home! Participant Handbook - Page 31

  22. Rules, Laws & Regulations • NO SHOPLIFTING! There are cameras watching you at all times. If you take something that is not yours, you WILL GET CAUGHT! • NO DRINKING: American laws are very strong. You must be 21 years old to drink alcohol! Your passport/ID will always be checked when you buy alcohol. DO NOT GIVE alcohol to people who are not 21 years old, you could go to jail! • NO DRUGS: Drugs are not allowed in the United States! Do not buy, sell, or use drugs, or you will be caught. • If you are arrested, you could ruin your program, and it will cost you a lot of money. Participant Handbook - Page 31

  23. Social Security Card What is it? • Social security is issued by the local Social Security Administration. • Wait at least 10 days to apply after registering with SEVIS. • Keep your Social Security application receipt and show it to your employer. • Apply for social security at the beginning of your program! If you apply in the last month of your program, you will be rejected! 123 - 45 - 6789 Participant Handbook – Pages 17 - 18

  24. Social Security Card How to get it: • Register with SEVIS at www.allianceabroad.com/sevis. • You will need to have 2 copies of each document below: • Social Security Application form • I-94 form (front & back) • J-1 visa, training plan (DS-7002) and Sponsor letter • Birth certificate or official picture ID that is at least one year old For more information visit our website. • DS 2019 form (front & back) • Passport (photo/signature page) Participant Handbook – Page 20

  25. Completing The Social Security Form CHAOWAT JITKAEW Host Company name & address Nov 3 1984 Bangkok, Thailand URAI PATTIMA SANTITRAKUL X X MANAT PANU JITKAEW

  26. Completing the Social Security Form X X X March 30, 2008 YOUR HOST COMPANY’S TEL. Chaowat Jitkaew

  27. Federal, State, Local Taxes = 15% – 20% of your paycheck Do NOT pay Social Security or Medicare/Medicaid taxes W-4 tax form Employee’s Withholding W-2 tax form sent to you in January Leave your address with employer Taxes W-4 and W-2 Forms: • File for refund online before April 15 of next year • Go to the AAG website for help with your taxes! Participant Handbook - Pages 15 - 16

  28. Health Insurance – CORIS USA 1-800-358-9105 ALWAYS CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY BEFORE RECEIVING TREATMENT! What is covered: • Deductible: • $50 USD first visit • $25 for each follow-up for same illness • $250 deductible for Emergency Room visits • Medical treatment, inpatient/outpatient • Medical Evacuation and Repatriation • Period of Coverage: DS 2019 Start Date – DS 2019 End Date • CORIS USA – Assistance Center • 6713 MAIN ST Suite # 240 • Miami Lakes, FL 33014 • Toll free (USA) : 1-800-358-9105 • Tel : 1 305 698 7757 • assistance@corisamerica.com Participant Handbook - Pages 17

  29. What is NOT covered: Health Insurance • Pre-existing conditions or illnesses prior to arrival • Asthma, diabetes, toothaches are not covered! • Routine medical check-ups • Pregnancy and childbirth, elective abortion • Dental and eye care • Injuries from hazardous activities including: sailing, diving, and skiing • Psychiatric care • Physical therapy • Cash, Personal Papers, flight tickets, computers and bicycles are not covered under your baggage insurance. • For more information www.allianceabroad.com/participants/insurance.htm • and read the insurance brochure on your orientation cd Participant Handbook - Pages 17

  30. Don’t Forget… Participant HandbookRead it before you leave home! • How to contact AAG & the State Department • Training site Protocol • Internship program regulations • Insurance • Social Security cards • Taxes and W-2 forms • Life and customs in the U.S. • Safety and much more!

  31. Documents to bring with you: Don’t Forget… • Travel & entry into the U.S. • DS 2019 form • I-94 form • Passport with J-1 stamp/sticker • AAG Sponsor letter • CORIS insurance card • Training Plan (DS-7002) • Birth certificate (or other official picture ID at least 1 year old) US VISIT Program: New procedures require that you be fingerprinted when applying for your visa & when entering the U.S.

  32. If you have questions, please email your Outreach Coordinator and ask! We are always here to help! Go to www.allianceabroad.com/participants and learn helpful tips and information about: Insurance (don’t forget to purchase your ski insurance!) Taxes (and tax refunds!) Cultural activities in your town Hostels SEVIS information Regulations Contact information And much, much more!! QUESTIONS?

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