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Internships in the US. Commission for Educational Exchange Between the United States of America, Belgium. What is an Internship in the United States?.
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Internships in the US Commission for Educational Exchange Between the United States of America, Belgium
What is an Internship in the United States? • The Department’s goal in creating the program was to provide a ‘true learning experience’ for international students that will ‘reinforce their academic study’, that is ‘an integral part of [their] ongoing education’, that will enhance their skills ‘through exposure to American techniques, methodologies, and expertise.’
Internships An intern must be a foreign national who is: (a) currently pursuing a degree outside the US (b) Has graduated within 1 year of start date (c) Maximum 1 year (d) Minimum 32 hours/week
Where to begin… • Search websites by location, industry, job function, time of year and keyword. • Speak with anyone with US contacts, especially in your fields of interest. • Meet with these individuals for advice about your internship search.
Logistics • Internships can be paid or unpaid. • Academic credit is a possibility • Could cost between 700-1500 USD to secure a visa • Negotiate covering cost of visa by employer • Develop expectations AHEAD of time
Tips • Start early! • Follow instructions • Adapt your CV/cover letter • Americanize • Addressed properly • Remember who you contacted and when • Multiple languages
What is a DS-2019 form? • DS-2019 Form is a Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status that must be obtained through one of the sponsor organizations approved by the Department of State or by a US university • Sponsor organizations
What is the DS-2019 form? • Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status that must be obtained through one of the sponsor organizations approved by the Department of State or by a US university • To Find a visa sponsor go to the ECA website http://eca.state.gov/jexchanges/index.cfm to obtain your DS-2019 form • How to pick a sponsor?
What is the SEVIS fee and how can I pay it? • SEVIS is a nationwide registration program for international visitors in the US. • The SEVIS fee is used to register J-1 Visa applicants (among others) in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). • It is a web-based program for maintaining information on international students and exchange visitors and their dependents in the United States. • Cost: 180 USD for J visas • www.ice.gov/graphics/news/factsheets/sevisfactsheet.htm
Instructions after you have a DS-2019 form • Be sure to have all basic requirements a general visa apphttp://belgium.usembassy.gov/applying.html. • Check to see that you have the requirements for a J visa: (http://belgium.usembassy.gov/exchange_visitors2.html): • Original, signed DS-2019 Form • SEVIS fee payment receipt http://www.fmjfee.com/ • DS-158 (online application) • DS-7002 (Training/Internship Placement Plan) • Proof of financial support • Call 02-788-1200 to set up an appointment at the US embassy in Brussels. Have your credit card ready as the call will cost 15 Euros
Additional Resources on Internships • Yale University Career Services Website: http://www.yale.edu/career/students/intern/create.html • Mount Holyoke College Career Services Website: http://www.mtholyoke.edu/cdc/internships.html For more information about internships: http://www.fulbright.be/Other_Possibilities/Student_Employment_Internships.htm