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GeoVisions Program Handbook: Your Guide to Summer Work/Travel Orientation

Discover the essential information for a successful Summer Work/Travel program in the USA. Get insights into program rules, expectations, and problem-solving strategies. Enhance your cultural immersion, English skills, and CV while gaining invaluable experience and earning money. Collaborate with GeoVisions, your sponsor, and partners for a fulfilling cultural exchange. Understand responsibilities, benefits, and guidelines to ensure a smooth program experience. Reach out to dedicated contacts for assistance and emergency support.

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GeoVisions Program Handbook: Your Guide to Summer Work/Travel Orientation

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  1. April 2014

  2. welcomes you to the world of Summer Work/Travel

  3. Orientation Goals • Give you information for a good program • Help you go to the USA with realistic expectations • Know the program rules • Prepare you to solve possible problems • Get to know us better as your sponsor in the USA Check out GeoVisions Program Handbook for in-depth info on the topics in this orientation!

  4. Program Benefits • Cultural Immersion • Improve Your International English • Share YOUR Culture • Enhance your CV • Gain Valuable Experience • Earn Money to help cover some of your program costs • Meet people from all around the world • Travel

  5. Partners in a Successful Cultural Exchange • Our Local Partner • Your Employer • GeoVisions • YOU!

  6. Partners in a Successful Cultural Exchange • GeoVisions role is to make sure you are safe, healthy and discovering all about the United States . Our goal is for you to have a good experience in the USA • Program rules are designed to help you have a good, safe program • Employers, Students, our partners and GeoVisions all work together to solve problems…without removing you from your workplace • If you are flexible and open minded - the better your program will be

  7. Your In-Country Agent’s Responsibilities • Give you accurate information about the program • Prepare you for your trip • Assist you at the Embassy • Help with your travel • Coordinate with GeoVisions • Collect your Program Fees

  8. Employer Responsibilities • Provide good working conditions • Treat you the same as a similar-level American worker • Try to give you on averagethe hours estimated on your job offer • Pay you at least the minimum wage of US$7.25 per hour • Follow all state and federal labor laws • Keep GeoVisions informed about your program • Help you learn about your local area • Make sure you are working with Americans

  9. Responsibilities • We are your SPONSOR and your first & major point of contact in the USA • Be here to support YOU if you are having any problems. • Know how to contact you at all times • Be available when you need us - 24 hours a day if you have an emergency • Ensure you have good medical insurance • Contact you monthly & help you with suggestions about how to learn about the US and experience the cultural component of the Work/Travel program • Find you a good employer or research and approve an employer you found on your own

  10. Contacting GeoVisions RO: Kevin Morgan ARO: Amie Corliss TollFreePhoneNumber: 888.830.9455 (24 Hours/day) OfficePhone:603.363.4187 (Monday– Friday9:00 AM– 4:00 PM EST) Fax: 1-603-363-8446 Website: www.geovisions.org www.mygeovisions.org Email: support@geovisions.org Mail: GeoVisions PO Box 6580 Portsmouth,NH 03802

  11. GeoVisions is Designated by the U.S. Department of State In Case of Emergency: Contact GeoVisions! Exchange Visitor Program Emergency Contact Information: Department of State Emergency Hotline: 1.866.283.9090 National Human Trafficking Resource Center: 1.888.373.7888 Department of State Email Address: JVISAS@STATE.GOV Exchange Visitor Program Website: J1VISA.STATE.GOV

  12. Your Responsibilities • Go to your designatedemployer on time and stay until the end date on your job offer • Research the area you’ll be working in & the job you will be doing • Arrival Check-In: Check in with GeoVisions within 3 days of your arrival • Monthly Check-in: Complete a monthly survey every month between the 10th and 15th • Contact GeoVisions with any problems • Notify GeoVisions immediately if you leave your job, or change your work location, or find a new job • Notify GeoVisions, and complete and submit a Job Offer form if you wish to work at a second job • Engage in Cultural Activities while in the United States • Notify GeoVisions if you have a new residential address, email address or phone number within 3 days • Carry your ID card with you at all times • Obey local, state and US laws • Read your GeoVisions Student Handbook

  13. Arrival Check-In it’s easy and important! • Within three days of your arrival, contact GeoVisions to let us know you are here! • Check-in by phone, website, fax, or email • If you DON’T check in – you will not get a social security number & you will be in violation of GeoVisions program rules Easiest Check-In Method: www.gvsevis.org

  14. Understanding and Applying for your Social Security Number • 10 days AFTER you check-in, you can apply for Social Security • Social Security checks your computer record, and approves you • Two- four weeks later, you should receive your Social Security Card

  15. GeoVisions Monthly Check InThis is a program requirement! • Every month between the 10th -15th you are required to visit mygeovisions.org and fill in a short survey about your program in the United States • GeoVisions will email you to remind you to check in

  16. You are on a J1Cultural Exchange Program • You are here to learn about the United States • The Work and Travel Program allows you to work, but this is not a Labor Program • You learn from your • American Co-Workers • Managers and supervisors • Customers • New Friends You Meet • Travelling • Its important that you take part in cultural activities while you are here, and that you TELL US ABOUT THEM!

  17. Cultural Activities Sparking Ideas: • Research your community on the internet before you arrive – make a list of things to do! • When you’re in the US, your employer will help you learn about your community • Keep track of what you are doing & learning and report about it in your Monthly Check • Call us if you need advice on things to do • Read our monthly newsletters and respond to our emails promptly

  18. I want to meet more Americans! • Ask your co-workers • Ask your employer • Americans may be insecure about talking to foreigners • Go to churches, local colleges and universities, libraries, watch newspapers for events, reach out to your local International Student Outreach Program (ISOP) Americans want to meet you, too!

  19. www.mygeovisions.org • This is your one stop resource for program information. • Visit to do the following: • Check in • Submit monthly check ins • Read your program handbook • Learn about program rules • Update your address • Update your employer • Find info on your health insurance • & much more!

  20. Read your student handbook! • Your Student Handbookis online & is really helpful • www.mygeovisions.org • Travel • Work • Taxes • Health • Contacts • Safety • Culture Shock

  21. Important Documents - Your GeoVisions ID Card GeoVisions ID Number

  22. Important Documents Your DS-2019 & Passport Have these documents ready when you go through immigrations. • DS- 2019 Certificate of Eligibility • keep copy with passport • Passport • have a copy of your identification page • A Copy of your Job Offer

  23. Important Documents - I-94 Arrival Record • Your I-94 is the record of your arrival and departure. • After you arrive: • visit www.CBP.gov/I94 • Fill in your details • Print this form once you’ve arrived to the United States • Contact GeoVisions if you have trouble accessing your online form

  24. Work Info – BEFORE you Arrive Research your job and local area BEFORE YOU ARRIVE. Tell your employer when you’re arriving & Follow your Arrival Instructions You can be drug-tested – failed drug tests result in dismissal from GeoVisions program Work ONLY at your GeoVisions designated employer(s) Be prepared to work until the END DATE on your job offer

  25. Work Info – Job Offer Form

  26. Work Info – Settling In • The first few weeks: • You are being trained • You may NOT get a lot of hours at the beginning • Bring at least $800 USD with you to the USA • Some employers want to let you rest - you may not have hours your first few days in the US • Your paycheck might be small the first few weeks, AND you may need to wait a few weeks for your first paycheck

  27. Work Info – The US Work Environment • Be on time & don’t miss your shifts • Call your employer if you are sick • Ask questions if you don’t understand • Understand when you’ll receive your checks (usually every one to two weeks) • You can be moved to another department or work location – let us know if this happens! • Have a positive attitude, speak up and smile • Call GeoVisions if you have any concerns. We are here to help you. A HANGOVER is not a reason to call in sick!

  28. Work Info – Estimated AVERAGE Hours Per Week • Estimated Average Hours per week • What does this mean? • It’s on your Job Offer • It’s what you SHOULD get when you are settled in and IF there are no problems regarding your work performance or business issues like bad weather • Be patient • Call us if you are concerned about too few or too many hours!

  29. Work Info – Taxes In the US • Taxes you DO pay: • State Income Tax • Federal Income Tax • Local or City Income Tax • Taxes you DO NOT pay: • Social Security and Medicare Tax • Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA • If additional taxes are being taken out, contact GeoVisions • Remember, you’ll be able to file for a tax return the year following your program

  30. Work Info – What if I Get Fired? • Call us immediately. We will try to help you. • Leave a message with a number where we can reach you • Do not leave your location unless you feel unsafe • You cannot start at a new employer unless we approve your new job

  31. Work Info - New and Second Job Offers • There are a number of jobs you CANNOT do while you’re in the US – contact GeoVisions for info! • Contact GeoVisions for a blank job offer form – work with your employer to complete this & submit it to GeoVisions • Always remember that new and second job offers must be VERIFIED and CONFIRMED by the GeoVisions team BEFORE your start of employment. • If you begin working before we have approved the job, the State Department considers you to be working in unauthorized employment.    • Please do not start working until someone from GeoVisions tells you it is OK!

  32. Work Info - New and Second Job Offers • Check with your employer for policies and advice regarding second jobs • Ask your employer about schedules that help you • Your second job cannot interfere with your primary job • Look in newspapers, store windows, community bulletin boards in supermarkets

  33. Student Housing • Read any leases you sign CAREFULLY! • If your employer provides housing, the rental rate is on your job offer • Keep housing clean • Respect property - you must pay for any damages! • If you have problems with your housing contact your employer or GeoVisions • If you find housing on your own, make sure it is safe & not overcrowded • Advise us of any new address immediately! See your student handbook for a full list of HOUSING GUIDELINES & STANDARDS!

  34. Student Housing – What To Expect Even if you find housing on your own, follow these tips. Look for: • Clean Rooms • Locks on doors • Well Lit & Safe Entries • You are responsible for cleanliness • Return of Deposit depends on how you leave your housing • You are responsible for damages • Be careful about who you invite into your home. REMEMBER:

  35. Insurance Info – If you are ill or injured • You have great health insurance while you are in the United States • If there’s an emergency, get medical treatment! • If you’re ill, go to the doctor! • Ask your coworkers, employer, or use GeoVisions online tools to find a doctor near you. • You must pay your medical bills. • Call us if you are seriously ill or injured – or if you need help!

  36. Insurance Info – Your Insurance Number • Insurance Policy Number: TACT 0112251/4 • Contact Information: • Phone – 1-877-256-8298 • Email – tic@mso.co.za

  37. Complete this form AFTER you go to the Doctor • Some Doctor’s Offices will fill this out for you • Claims must be submitted within 10 days from the date of incident or illness • Submit all BILLS you’ve received and RECEIPTS if you’ve paid for services (you will not get them back, so make copies) • You will be reimbursed for reasonable fees MINUS your deductible Insurance Info – Insurance Claim Form

  38. Your Safety In the US: • Protect Your Documents • Be aware of crime • Use bank accounts - guard your PIN • Be careful on the job • Report any problems to GeoVisions immediately • 911 is the phone number for emergencies

  39. Your Safety in the US – Bike Safety • Wear a helmet • Check your bike before riding • Make yourself visible • Keep BOTH hands on the handlebars • Be Attentive • Go with the flow of traffic • Obey all traffic laws • Yield to traffic and pedestrians • Be consistent • Avoid the sidewalks Bike accidents are the leading cause of injury to WT students – RIDE CAREFULLY!

  40. US Laws - Avoiding Trouble Students are responsible for following the laws in the USA. Remember you can be arrested and jailed for several crimes including : • Shoplifting • Underage Drinking (you must be 21!) • Drinking and Driving • Drug Use GeoVisions STRONGLY urges students NOT TO HITCH HIKE, or take rides from people that you do not know. Carry your GeoVisions ID Card with you at all times. If you are arrested, call us, or ask the police to contact us immediately.

  41. Let’s Avoid Problems • The Basics • We consider you to be adults • We are the sponsor, and we are responsible for you and for helping you • Know the program rules and follow them • Our program rules are different from other programs • There are consequences to your decisions - make SMART decisions! • When in doubt call us … leave a message

  42. Let’s Avoid Problems • Try to solve problems first by yourself • Be flexible • USA is different than your home country • Have a positive attitude • Take advantage of your free time • Emergencies - call us immediately! • Call us if you need help

  43. Contact GeoVisions Immediately if You Experience: • Gender Bias • Sexual Advances • Not Enough Hours or Excessive Hours Demands • Physical Threats • Deportation Threats • Bad Housing Conditions • Call us if you are contacted by Reporters or Journalists • Or if you feel just like you need to talk to someone We’re here to HELP!

  44. Be Prepared for Culture Shock • Culture Shock happens to everyone • Upon your arrival, you may feel happy and excited – everything is so new!

  45. Be Prepared for Culture Shock You may notice differences in the following areas: • Friendships • Greetings • Schedules • Workplace expectations

  46. Be Prepared for Culture Shock • Once you’ve been here for a few weeks, you may start getting a bit homesick, or may just feel any of the below: • Depressed • Angry • Homesick • Bored • Sick

  47. Be Prepared for Culture Shock Culture shock solutions - you can make it better if you do things and think about what’s happening: • Keep Active • Make American Friends • Stay Healthy – Exercise and Eat Well • Work on your English • Meet other International Students • Be Patient! Check out Culture Shock videos on YouTube

  48. Make the most of your program- Travel Tips • Visit local sites • Use your days off • Out of US trips • ONLY during the dates indicated on your J-1 Visa • You need to have employer approval • Your DS-2019 needs to be signed by GeoVisions • Megabus, Amtrak, Greyhound, STA Travel Service

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