American Practicum Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

PROGRAM BASICS

What is the American Practicum Program?

The APP makes it possible for international participants to find training in their field of study and explore life in the United States with maximum freedom and at minimum cost. Our programs permit you to work for up to 12 months in an approved training program.

Who is eligible for the program?

Applicants must:

•Be a full time student in an undergraduate or graduate program.

or

•Be a working professional with at least two years of experience in their field.

and

•Be under the age of 40.

•Apply for a practicum related to their professional or academic field.

•Demonstrate sufficient English language skills to function in a U.S. work environment.

•Be able to secure a U.S. visa.

•Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to live in the U.S.

•Be a citizen of Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, or Ukraine and currently studying or working in their home country.

Who administers the program and what is American Councils’ role?

The American Practicum Program is administered by the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). CIEE administers the program in the United States and is the official visa sponsor. With over twenty years administering professional training programs, CIEE has proven to be experienced and trustworthy. American Councils for International Education partners with CIEE to recruit and interview participants and support the participant visa application process. CIEE and American Councils (or ACET) will help you to prepare for your experience and obtain all the necessary work documents. While on the program, CIEE will provide supervision and emergency backup services.

How much does it cost to participate?

The cost of the practicum program depends on the length of the training program to be completed and on the assistance you require in locating a training program. The basic rate for a 3-6 month training program is $1,450 and the rate for 6-12 months is $1,950. If a participant requests help locating a training program position, assistance can be provided for a fee of $400, depending on the service requested. The program rates do not include international airfare or domestic US travel expenses to your training location.

How can I pay for it?

Though the cost of the program may seem high, most participants are able to earn enough money to cover their expenses while living in the US and earn enough additional money to cover the cost of the program. It may also be possible to receive sponsorship. Some host companies may be willing to pay the program fee on the participant’s behalf. Sometimes a participant’s home company is prepared to cover the cost of the program in order to capitalize on the contributions of an internationally qualified employee upon their return from the US.

When must I pay for program participation?

Payment is due once you have been accepted to the program and your training program has been approved. At that time, American Councils will provide instructions for the payment process.

TRAINING IN THE USA

I have no idea where I want to train. Can you please provide me with some advice?

As part of the application process the participant must submit details on a pre-arranged training exchange for approval by CIEE.

If you do not have a program arranged, please indicate this in the initial online application and we will send you information about available trainee positions for you to view and apply to. A fee will be charged for this service if you are successfully placed in an available position.

I trained in the U.S. for three months a year ago, and I understand that a person can train in the U.S. for up to 12 months. Can I do another Trainee Program for the remaining 9 months?

Possibly. You can apply to do another Trainee Program on a CIEE training program for up to another 9 months. The government is being very restrictive in granting second traineeships and is reviewing the applications on a case-by-case basis. In a very few, select cases, second traineeships have been granted. You must fill out the one-page supplement to the Trainee Application if you have previously been on a J-1 Trainee exchange.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

How many days before the start of my trainee program can I enter the US?

You can enter the U.S. 10 days prior to the start date on your DS-2019.

How many days after my trainee program ends can I stay in the US?

You can stay in the U.S. 30 days after the end date on your DS-2019.

Can I enter the US on a one-way ticket?

Participants are eligible to travel to the U.S. on a one-way ticket, but you should be aware that the Immigration Officials in the U.S. might want to see proof that you can afford to buy the return portion of your airfare. A credit card or proof of earnings, as listed on the DS-2019, will usually suffice if you are asked for proof. One-way ticket holders may also want to take an additional letter from their parents to indicate that they will pay for the return ticket if necessary. In general, it is advisable to purchase a round-trip ticket to avoid these potential hassles.

Can I enter the US on a Visa waiver instead of an I-94?

You should complete an I-94 form (not the green visa waiver form) before entering the U.S. If you mistakenly enter the U.S. on a green visa waiver form instead of an I-94 card, you should take steps to rectify the situation immediately. Please see a U.S. Immigration Officer for assistance. Do NOT go to Canada or Mexico and try to re-enter under the J-1 visa status, as you could be denied entry altogether.

VISA APPLICATION INFORMATION

How do I apply for a Visa?

The CIEE partner in your home country may be able to provide you with information on applying for the US Visa. In addition, or if there is no CIEE partner in your home country, a step-by-step guide to the Visa process can be found at:

A listing of all US Embassies is found at:

Click on the US Embassy in your home country for more information.

SEVIS REGISTRATION

I received an e-mail stating that I need to register for but I have not left my home country yet. What do I do?

You will get these messages automatically based on the start date of your DS-2019 Form. DO NOT REGISTER WITH “MYSEVIS” UNTIL YOU HAVE ENTERED THE U.S. If you know that you will be delayed, please contact the CIEE partner in your home county (Before you leave for the U.S.) to receive a new DS-2019, with amended dates.

High School Grants Trainee – Boston, MA

If you are interested in International Educational Exchange and Grants Programs, consider this 12-month training opportunity as a Grants Program Assistant in Boston, MA beginning in March 2006. This organization’s mission is to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. They sponsor over 40,000 students annually on both inbound and outbound programs.

With a year of extensive and comprehensive on-the-job training, this opportunity allows you apply what you know in real time and in a real world setting. This traineeship will expose you to facets of this industry that are unique to the U.S. while involving frequent communication with participants and business partners, offering countless views and perspectives related to all aspects of conducting business in a global environment. The experience will also provide you with the opportunity to network, interacting with industry experts and developing under the guidance of company mentors.

Working under veteran supervisors in the field of international educational exchange, you will assist the High School Grants Manager and Program Coordinators, while training with the High School Grants Team. Specifically, you will learn the day-to-day skills that make the High School Grants Team function as an efficient and effective part of this leading International Education Exchange organization.

Training Position Summary Sheet

*Note: Company name and contact details intentionally withheld.

Industry / Grants Management
Location / Boston, MA
Length of Training / 12 months
Services/Products Offered by Company / The organization’s mission is to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. This organization is a US DOS designated sponsor of Exchange Visitor programs. We sponsor over 40,000 students annually on both inbound and outbound programs.
Size of Company / 140
Trainee’s Title / Grant Programs Assistant
Field of Training (Academic Focus) / - International/Intercultural Relations
- Government/Political Science
- Education
- Communication
Qualifications of Trainee Candidate(s) / High School Graduate with experience in International Educational Exchange
Main Tasks of Trainee / The trainee's role will be to assist the High School Grants Manager and Program Coordinators, while training with the High School Grants Team. The trainee will learn the day-to-day skills that make the High School Grants Team function as an efficient and effective part of the organization.
Read and understand all materials. Meet with various department heads and shadow staff. Learn appropriate methods for handling staff/partner requests/inquiries and then progress to answering general inquiries and responding accordingly. The trainee will learn about and begin to work with the various databases, websites, and organizational systems.
Overall Objective of International Training / On-the-job training provides an opportunity to apply what you know in real time and in a real world setting. This traineeship will expose the participant to facets of this industry that are unique to the U.S. as well as involve frequent communication with participants and business partners, offering her countless views and perspectives related to all aspects of conducting business in a global environment. The experience will also provide the trainee with the opportunity to network, interacting with industry experts and developing under the guidance of company mentors.
Program and Organizational knowledge—To gain a thorough understanding of the Grant Programs. Learn about the program rules and regulations. Understand the internal organizational structure and departmental functions. Gain an in-depth understanding of the High School Grants team in particular and how it interacts with other departments to achieve operational success.
Methods of Training / - Training meetings conducted by Grant Programs Manager and other staff.
- Review reading materials that are provided, including program manuals.
- Shadow staff in various departments.
- Mentor-style learning.
Information on Supervisor(s) / The Trainee Supervisor has worked in the field of international education for 10 years. He has worked for this organization for almost 6 years, where he/she has had a variety of roles. Presently, he/she manages several successful High School Grant Programs.
Number of Traineeships Available / 1
Salary / $1733 a month for 40 hours/week
Housing / None
Cross-Cultural Opportunities / Their full time staff is very culturally eclectic.
They are near art galleries, museums, the Boston seaport, and multiple diverse and large big city attractions.
Any other relevant details / Since we hope to gain from the trainee's international perspective and novel approach to the industry, our company will provide an environment that encourages the free exchange of ideas and promotes interaction among a variety of staff members. As a sponsor of international student exchange, our staff and our business will benefit immensely from the trainee's contributions. His/her language skills coupled with her knowledge of another culture will be a great asset to our staff and our participants. We hope that the trainee will share this knowledge, as well as his/her organizational skills, in order for us to improve upon our systems, so that we are communicating in a manner that is as effective and efficient as possible with all of our constituents.

*** All interested candidates should contact their American Councils Office and request a meeting to discuss application procedures, program costs and additional information.***