CICD Handbook

Enabling students to engage in global opportunities for cultural exchange and personal growth

Summer Work and TravelStudent Handbook

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT 4530 Union Bay Place NE, Suite 214 Seattle, WA 98105 USA Phone: 206-957-7112 24- Hour Emergency Phone: 206-683-3100 Fax: 866-538-1717 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.cicdgo.com

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Dear Student,

Welcome to the CICD Summer Work and Travel Program! This handbook provides you with important information that will help you have a successful and fulfilling experience in the U.S. Please read this handbook carefully for information regarding your SWT program before your departure. If you have any questions or concerns about your program along the way, please contact your agency in your home country - they are there to help you! We wish you good luck with your visa application and hope that your work and travel experience in the U.S. will be a rewarding one! Best Wishes, The CICD team


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Table of Contents

Pre-Departure Participant Checklist 4

Information about the Center for International Career Development (CICD) 5

Purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program 5

Two Year Home Country Residency Requirement 5

Summer Work and Travel Participant Process 5

Your Home Country Agency 5

CICD 6

SEVIS Fee 7

Check-In and Visa Validation Requirement 7

CICD Summer Work and Travel Fees 8

Refund Information 8

Visa Fees 8

Health Insurance Coverage Requirements 8

Insurance Refund Information 9

Health Care and Health Insurance 9

Using your insurance 9

Before You Go: Things to Consider 9

Packing Advice 9

Carry-on and checked luggage 9

Travel and Entry to the U.S. 10

The Grace Period 11

Finding Housing in the U.S. 11

Bank Accounts and Financial Matters 11

Social Security 12

Taxes 12

Employment Responsibilities 12

Living Expenses in the U.S. 13

Useful Information about Living in the U.S. 13

Money 14

Telephones 14

Internet and Email 14

Transportation 15

Post Office 16

Tipping 16

Shopping 16

Clothing and Shoe Sizes 15

Electrical Outlets 16

Temperature 17

Workdays 17

Holidays 17

Time Zones 18

Regional Profiles 18

Additional Information and Interesting websites for Summer Work and Travel Participants 20

Minimum Wage Guide for 2012 21


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Pre-Departure Participant Checklist

This list of required items will help you have a fulfilling and exciting Work &Travel program!

Ensure that you have email. You must have a valid email account that you access often throughout your Summer Work and Travel Program. You must maintain, at a minimum, monthly personal contact with CICD.

Communicate with your Home Agency, CICD and your Host Company throughout your J-1 Visa

application process regarding your travel itinerary plans.

Communicate any desire to change employment or housing to CICD prior to making changes. You must receive written authorization from CICD to change jobs, work at a second job or if you wish to change your housing.

Keep important documents such as your passport, DS-2019, employment verification, and insurance

information securely on yourself when traveling.

Remember! Upon arrival in the U.S., you must check-in online with CICD. You are required to provide CICD with your U.S. contact information via our website: http://www.cicdgo.com/swt/checkin/ In order to check-in, you will need your DS-2019 form number, your street address, apartment number, city, state, zip code, and the phone number where you can be reached. We must receive arrival and employment confirmation from you and your supervisor in order to validate your J-1 visa.

Check your email regularly for Summer Work and Travel program updates and information before and

during your program. Again, you must maintain, at a minimum, monthly personal contact with CICD. Such contact may be in-person, by telephone, Skype, facebook or via email.


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Center for International Career Development Center for International Career Development (CICD) is an educational and cultural exchange organization based in Seattle, WA. CICD is committed to providing students from all over the world with the opportunity to come to the U.S. and experience daily life in America. CICD promotes quality training and internship programs, summer work and travel programs, international education and cultural exchange opportunities for international trainees, interns and work and travel students at great companies. CICD is a U.S. Department of State designated J-1 visa sponsor, and is responsible for all aspects of the exchange program, including screening and selecting of foreign national participants, issuing documents which are necessary to apply for a visa, and monitoring the participants throughout their exchange visitor program in the United States.

Purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program The Summer Work and Travel program provides foreign students with an opportunity to live and work in the United States during their summer vacation from college or university to experience and to be exposed to the people and way of life in the United States. The Exchange Visitor Program fosters global understanding through educational and cultural exchanges. All exchange visitors are expected to return to their home country upon completion of their program in order to share their exchange experiences.

Two-Year Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement As an Exchange Visitor, you may be subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement of Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act as amended, and Title 22 Part 40 and Part 41 in the Code of Federal Regulations. An exchange visitor is subject to the two-year home country physical presence requirement if the following conditions exist:

Government funded exchange program - The program in which the exchange visitor was participating was financed in whole or in part directly or indirectly by the U.S. government or the government of the exchange visitor's nationality or last residence;

Graduate medical education or training - The exchange visitor entered the U.S. to receive graduate medical education or training;

Specialized knowledge or skill: Skills List - The exchange visitor is a national or permanent resident of a country which has deemed the field of specialized knowledge or skill necessary to the development of the country, as shown on the Exchange Visitor Skills List.

Change of Status and Waivers of Requirement - If the exchange visitor is subject to the two-year home-country physical presence (foreign residence) requirement, he or she cannot change his/her status to that of H, L, K, or immigrant lawful permanent resident (LPR) until he or she has returned to his/her home country for at least two-years or received a waiver of that requirement.For information about waivers, eligibility and process, see http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1296.html

Summer Work and Travel Participant Process Your Home-Country Agency

CICD cooperates with partner agencies in many countries. The purpose of these partnerships is to screen and inform participating university students about the Summer Work and Travel Program. Together, we work to make your experience as positive and fulfilling as possible.

Our partner is responsible for helping you to apply for the program and preparing you for your Summer Work and Travel experience. They will assist you with the online application process, and ensure that your application is submitted to CICD. It is MANDATORY that you have a current email address that you check frequently during the application process, and during your program in the U.S. Without a current email address, you will not be considered for our program.

In addition to submitting your biographical information online, you will need to submit a number of documents to your home agency (our partner agency) in order to apply for the program. These documents include:


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1. Completed and signed CICD Work and Travel Applicant Contract 2. A copy of your current passport 3. Student Status Verification document 4. Enrollment confirmation letter from your university 5. A current resume/CV 6. Interview and Pre-departure orientation confirmation 7. Employment Verification form

Your home agency will assess your English language capabilities and interview you for the program. All of these documents and interview/English language assessments will be sent to CICD for review. Applicants with pre-arranged job placements in the U.S. must supply their home agency with a signed CICD Employment Verification form. When communicating with your host company, remember to tell them that CICD is your sponsoring organization in the U.S. Only participants from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries are allowed to enter the United States without pre-arranged job placements. VWP country list: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html#countries If you plan on participating in a Summer Work and Travel Program without pre-arranged employment in the U.S., your home agency and CICD may be able to find you an employment situation that best fits your needs. In addition to the documents listed above, you will need to submit:

1. A Letter of Introduction (explains why you would like to participate in the SWT program) 2. CICD may also require an additional letter of reference based on your qualifications.

Health insurance coverage while working and living in the U.S. is a Department of State requirement for Summer Work and Travel program participants. You will either need to supply CICD and your home agency with proof of qualified health insurance coverage, or purchase health insurance through CICD. Please submit full payment with your documents to your home agency so that CICD may begin to process your application. CICD must receive full payment and complete application materials from your home agency before we can consider sponsoring you, and before we can issue the DS-2019 form which you will need to apply for a J-1 visa. Once you have received your DS-2019 form, make sure that ALL INFORMATION on the document is correct. You will need to ensure that your complete name is spelled correctly and your birth-date and other biographical information is entered correctly.

Your home agency will then give you the proper orientation to help you apply for your visa and prepare you for your upcoming experience. With the help of your home agency, you will need to fill out the DS-160 form in order to schedule a visa appointment at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy. You will also need to pay the SEVIS fee and the visa appointment before your visa appointment can be scheduled.

If you are accepted to the program, you will receive an Acceptance/Welcome Letter from CICD with additional information regarding the visa application process. Be sure to go over this letter with your home agency so that you are well-informed, and following the proper steps when scheduling your visa appointment. If you are a self-placed student (i.e. a student with pre-arranged employment), you should communicate regularly with your host company regarding your visa application process. You should also update your host company with your departure and arrival information. CICD As your sponsor, we are responsible for you while you are in the United States. On your first day of work, you and your employer MUST check in with the CICD Summer Work and Travel team via email or on our website to validate your visa. If within 2 weeks of your arrival CICD does not receive your current U.S. contact information or receive confirmation from your employer that you are working, we will terminate your program. Potentially serious consequences will follow, including but not limited to immediate dismissal from the program and difficulty returning to the U.S. for any purpose. You must communicate to CICD immediately if you are considering switching jobs or changing housing. Without having prior approval from CICD for such moves, your program may be terminated. Please be sure to contact CICD with any problems you might have while you are in the U.S. As your sponsor, we are here to help you have the most rewarding experience possible. If you need to contact us, you can do so by phone or email. CICD”s 24-Hour Emergency Phone line is (206) 683-3100; please ONLY use this number for emergencies or very urgent issues.


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SEVIS Fee Before you can apply for your J-1 Visa, you must pay the U.S. Department of State SEVIS fee online. This $35 SEVIS fee must be paid and you must bring a printed copy of the receipt with you to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for your visa appointment. You will need to pay the SEVIS fee in order to schedule a visa interview at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy. You will also be required to pay a visa interview fee directly to the U.S. Embassy. Among the documents that you take to your visa interview, you must bring your DS-2019 form and SEVIS payment receipt/record. No visa can be issued without these documents. Please read thoroughly the SWT SEVIS User Fee Basic Information and Links in your CICD Acceptance email.

Check-in and Visa Validation Requirement United States Department of State regulations require that all J-1visas, including Summer Work and Travel visas, be validated with the sponsoring organization immediately after the program start date printed on the DS-2019 form; this should correspond to the first day of employment at your host company. All SWT program participants are required to check-in with CICD shortly after arrival. During this check-in, you must supply CICD with the required information to complete this visa validation process. In order to check-in with CICD and validate your visa, you should have begun your program as scheduled and have your complete U.S. home address, valid email address and a U.S. phone number. If you have not yet found permanent housing, or obtained a phone number in the U.S., you are still required to contact CICD immediately after your program start date to check-in. The easiest way for you to check-in is to login to our website: http://www.cicdgo.com/swt/checkin and fill out the form on that page. Please have all information with you. The form will look like this:

Failure to check-in within the first two weeks of arrival in the U.S. will result in the termination of your program and visa status. A terminated or invalid visa status can permanently affect your potential to reapply for subsequent visas or ability to enter the U.S.


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CICD Summer Work and Travel Fees CICD works closely with partner agencies all over the world. You will be pay the program fees through your home agency that includes our sponsorship fees (DS-2019 document), insurance (if requested), employment placement (for full-placed students only), and support while in the U.S. Program fees must be rendered in full before CICD can begin the acceptance process.

Refund Information CICD may refund a portion of the SWT program fee in the case of visa denial or program cancellation before CICD sponsorship is confirmed. Qualifying circumstances for refunds are listed below. Any and all refund decisions are at the sole discretion of CICD. CICD will only issue refund payments to those parties who have paid a fee to CICD directly, unless otherwise agreed upon by CICD, the payer(s), and the applicant(s). For example, if an applicant's home agency paid the CICD sponsorship fee, the refund would be paid to the home agency, and the home agency will refund the applicant.

1) Visa Denial and Refunds

If CICD has received payment in full, we will provide a refund only if the following conditions are met:

a) The applicant is denied the J-1 Visa by the U.S. embassy or consulate b) The applicant has not violated CICD rules, U.S. law and/or visa regulations c) CICD receives the original DS-2019 form issued to the applicant d) The refund request is received no more than 2 months after the scheduled beginning of the program.

All four of the above conditions MUST be met in order for CICD to issue a partial refund of program fees. CICD will retain an administrative fee, which is not refundable.

2) Cancellation

If the applicant cancels his/her SWT program after job placement confirmation and receiving the J-1 visa, or after job placement confirmation and not attempting to apply for the J-1 visa, and the conditions in b-d above are met, a possible refund will be determined on a case-by-case basis. If the applicant cancels his/her SWT program at any time for any reason after arriving in the U.S., no refund shall be provided.

3) Participant Leaves SWT Program Before Official Program End Date

SWT participants who have already arrived in the U.S. are not eligible for refund consideration. This includes early termination of the program by the SWT participant for any reason whatsoever, early termination of the employment opportunity by the host company for any reason whatsoever, or early termination of the program by CICD for any reason whatsoever, including participant failure to check-in with CICD or to notify CICD of changes in contact information and/or employment information, or any other reason. Please be sure to check the refund policy of your home agency. It may differ dramatically from that of CICD. We are not liable for the refund policy of your home agency.

Visa Fees CICD will charge $70 to re-issue any DS-2019 document that has been lost, stolen, or damaged. We also charge $70 to re-issue a DS-2019 document that includes mistakes in your autobiographical information that was provided by you or your home agency. If your visa becomes invalid while you are on the program, CICD will charge a mandatory fee as defined by the U.S. Department of State. A fee of $283 will be charged which will cover the $233 U.S. Department of State reinstatement fee and a $50 CICD administration fee.

Health Insurance Coverage Requirements

The U.S. Department of State requires that all SWT participants be covered by adequate health insurance for the duration of their programs. The coverage requirements, as set forth by the U.S. Department of State, are as follows: At a minimum, the health insurance plan must cover medical benefits of at least $50,000 per person per accident or illness; repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500; expenses associated with medical evacuation in the amount of $10,000 and not have a deductible that exceeds $500 per accident or illness, and certain additional regulations.


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The insurance coverage you may purchase through CICD at the time of your application meets or exceeds these requirements, and you will receive the Insurance Card and Brochure via email and from your home agency at your pre-departure orientation.

Insurance Refund Information If CICD has received payment for insurance coverage and CICD is notified in writing that the applicant's program is cancelled for any of the reasons listed above, before CICD has paid for the insurance and before the SWT applicant's official program start date, we will refund the entire amount the applicant paid to CICD for insurance coverage. If CICD has received payment for insurance coverage and the request for insurance is cancelled after CICD has approved sponsorship and paid for insurance, and prior to the applicant entering the U.S., we will refund only whatever amount is refunded to CICD by the insurance provider (after CICD has received that refund). However, if the applicant has already entered the U.S., no amount of the insurance payment will be refunded.

Health Care and Health Insurance If you need medical assistance, there are a number of options available to persons living in the U.S. Please refer to the insurance brochure and website of your provider, or contact them directly to learn about the costs of these options so that you can make an informed decision when seeking health care.

Hospitals and clinics can help diagnose or treat most ailments. You will need to make an appointment with a doctor or nurse beforehand. Emergency Room (ER)/Urgent Care: This option is used only in cases of emergency, any injury/accident or

illness that requires immediate medical assistance and cannot wait for an appointment. To report a life-threatening emergency, you must dial 911 as quickly as possible.

Pharmacists can offer medical advice in many cases. For example; if you have a bad cold, they can recommend which medication to take. Pharmacists also dispense prescription drugs, which are used only with a doctor’s consent.

Planned Parenthood offers affordable sexual and reproductive heath care. You can contact them at 1-800- 230-PLAN or check out their website http://www.plannedparenthood.org/ to find a clinic near you.

Using Your Insurance In many instances, doctor and hospital visits MUST be pre-certified, which means you must call your insurance provider PRIOR to seeing a doctor or being admitted to a hospital. In the case of a very serious emergency, you should call your insurance company as soon as possible if you could not call prior to receiving treatment. This may greatly reduce the amount of money you will need to pay out of pocket!

Before You Go: Things to Consider Packing Advice We suggest bringing the following items for your Summer Work and Travel program. Please remember that there are restrictions to the amount of baggage allowed for air travel. This is usually two pieces of check-in luggage and one carry-on item. Your carry-on luggage should include:

Passport with visa, DS-2019 Form and other U.S. Department of State issued documents: We strongly recommend making photocopies of these items, and also be sure to email the copies to yourself

Flight Ticket and other Travel Documents/Tickets

Employment Verification/Job Offer Document

Insurance Information

Driver’s License or International Driver’s License: If you plan on driving while in the U.S., consider getting an International Driver’s License, especially if your home country driver’s license cannot be easily read or understood by Americans. (For example, if it is in a language other than English)

Petty Cash to change into U.S. dollars for immediate spending needs in the U.S. (taxi, bus, phone call, etc).


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Travelers’ Checks or Credit/ATM Card: Check with your bank in your home country to make sure that your Credit or ATM Card will work in the U.S.

Any medication you may be taking

Phone Card

CICD Student Handbook and other materials

CICD Contact Information Card

Check-in Luggage:

Bring clothing and items appropriate for the climate and area you will be living and working in. If you know the proper attire for your employment, try to bring that as well. Business casual attire includes slacks or skirt and a collared or buttoned shirt. Many restaurants, theme parks, retail stores, and casinos require employees to wear a uniform. Uniforms vary dramatically from employer to employer. Clothes should always be kept clean, neat, and tidy to keep you looking as professional as possible. Jeans are almost always not appropriate attire for the work place. Appropriate dress attire may vary depending on the work situation, so be sure to ask your employer, home agency, or CICD for advice on what would be appropriate in the U.S. Some host companies will provide you with housing. However, it may be your responsibility to bring linens and towels, etc. You may also buy these items at department stores or other shops after you arrive. Be sure to check the Federal Aviation Association for up to date rules and restrictions on flight requirements and baggage allowances. http://www.faa.gov/

Travel and Entry to the USA Please keep in touch with your U.S. host company while applying for a visa. Notify CICD, your home agency and your U.S. host company immediately if there are any problems with your visa application. Before making travel arrangements, you should request detailed directions to the host company (or your housing) from your arrival airport. You should complete your plans for this part of your trip before you leave your home country so that you will be aware of the time and costs involved, and so you can arrange a definite meeting place and time with your Host Company contact or supervisor. Please be aware that United States Department of Homeland Security regulations state that holders of J non-immigrant visas will not be admitted to the U.S. until a date thirty days or less, prior to the beginning of your program date, or start date, as given on your DS-2019 form. Please consider that date carefully when making your travel plans to the United States. Before your trip, CICD recommends that you make two copies of your passport, DS-2019, and visa. Store these documents away from the actual documents. Having a photocopy will help replace them in case they are lost or stolen. You should also email the copies of these documents to yourself, to CICD and to your home agency. Keep the original DS-2019 and passport with you at all times during travel, and do not pack them in checked luggage. Once you arrive at the airport in the United States, you will go through U.S. Immigration and Customs. It is very important to cooperate fully with the immigration officers. They may ask you several questions about your Summer Work and Travel Program and the intent of your stay. Please be sure to answer all questions truthfully and respectfully. Make sure to tell the officer that you are entering the U.S. on a J-1 Summer Work and Travel Visa. The Customs Officer will stamp and sign your DS-2019 form, look at your passport and visa, and stamp the 1-94 form you received in flight. The I-94 form is your arrival/departure record, so be sure to keep this document with your passport for the entire duration of your stay in the U.S. You will then be asked to collect your luggage and head through U.S. Customs. Show the Customs Officer your passport and give them the completed Declaration form. They may also ask a few questions and may subject your luggage to a routine search. Again, answer all questions truthfully and respectfully. After clearing both Immigration and Customs, you may make your way towards the exit or towards your connecting flight to another destination within the U.S. Please consult the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Fact sheet for more information about what to expect upon arrival in the U.S.:http://www.ice.gov/sevis/factsheet/100104ent_stdnt_fs.htm If you are meeting someone from your host company, it is important to agree on a meeting place. Airports are very large and crowded, and it is difficult to find someone without having a clear pre-set meeting place. If you have


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problems finding the person, it may be wise to locate the customer service kiosk in the airport. It may be possible for a customer service representative to make an announcement for you on the PA system in some parts of the airport. If you are making your way into a city or town on your own, you have many options. Taxis are probably the most convenient option but most likely the most expensive. Most cities have buses that go to and from the airport. They are a good and cheap option, but may not drive close to your destination. Check bus schedules or ask the driver for advice on changing buses beforehand. Many large cities have shuttle companies that will drive you to your destination for a fee lower than a taxi. You will need to make a reservation or call for a shuttle to pick you up at the airport. You can check if your destination city has one of these shuttles by checking:

http://www.supershuttle.com/

http://www.shuttleexpress.com/

http://www.theairportshuttle.com/

The Grace Period Following the completion of your program, you are allotted a 30-day travel period commonly referred to as the "Grace Period." The grace period starts the day after the end date listed in Section 3 of your DS-2019 form. During this 30-day grace period, participants are no longer in J-visa status, and are under the jurisdiction of the INS. The INS grants this period to allow participants to settle their affairs and to prepare to return to their home countries. You may NOT work during this period for any reason. Serious legal consequences could result for both the employee (you) and the employer if you attempt to work during the grace period. Although you may travel within the United States during the grace period, it is recommended you do not travel beyond the borders of the United States, as you may not be permitted re-entry. For more information please refer to: http://j1visa.state.gov/participants/current/adjustments-and-extensions/

Finding Housing in the USA You should plan to arrive at your U.S. host company a few days before the start date on your DS-2019 form to allow time to settle into your housing, open a bank account, and take care of any personal business. Your host company may assist you with finding a place to live by providing local listings of rooms or apartments and putting you in touch with other staff searching for roommates. Alternatively, your host company may have already arranged housing for you in cooperation with your home agency and/or CICD. You may want to check local papers for housing listings, or in large cities check www.craislist.org for temporary housing options if you are not certain that your employer has arranged housing for you. In order to rent an apartment, house, or any other type of residence, one normally signs a lease and/or a housing agreement. Leases can be for as little as one month or for one year or more. Since you are only temporarily in the U.S., it is important to inform the manager in charge of your housing, or your landlord, of the duration of your stay. Accept housing with a flexible lease, month-to-month lease, or a two, three or four month lease. Do not sign a 12-month lease knowing that you are going to return to your home country in 4 months or less, as landlords can charge you a large fee or sue you for breaking a lease. Before moving into your new place you may need to pay a housing/security deposit and first and/or last months rent. This is a common practice. A housing/security deposit is a fee that many landlords charge to make sure that the housing is left in the same condition it was given to you. If there is no damage to your housing and you have no utilities debts when you move out, they are required to return the housing/deposit as described in your lease with them. Please be sure to read all rental agreements before signing a contract for housing. Rules and regulations vary greatly from landlord to landlord so it is very important to understand what you are signing before you do so. If you have problems with your landlord during your program, you may want to consult the renters’ rights for the specific city or state you will be residing in or discuss them with your host company. As always, do not hesitate to contact CICD with any questions or concerns you may have.

Bank Accounts and Financial Matters One of the first things that you will want to do when you arrive in the U.S. is to open a checking and/or savings account. There are many different types of accounts available. Requirements and benefits differ from bank to bank. Consult local banks in your area, your host company or CICD for help in opening an account.


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By law, your host company must follow federal minimum wage requirements. Be sure to check the minimum wage for the state you are working in, and make sure you are getting at least that amount. Please see the last page of this packet for 2012 minimum wage levels. If you are receiving tips, please view:

http://www.dol.gov/compliance/topics/wages-other-tips.htm

If you are not being paid fairly, contact CICD immediately. Be sure to discuss with your employer how often you will be paid. This can vary dramatically between employers: Some employers issue paychecks only once per month, others issue paychecks every week or twice per month. Social Security Shortly after arrival in the U.S., you MUST apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) at the local Social Security Administration office. You should wait approximately one week after you check-in with CICD to apply for a SSN. If you attempt to apply for a SSN before you check-in with CICD and before your visa has been validated, you may experience problems with your application. Therefore, we recommend that you wait at least one week after your visa has been validated before you apply for a SSN. Social Security numbers are issued by the Social Security Administration and are used to report an individual’s wages to the U.S. government, for tax purposes, opening bank accounts, and other services. Your host company may be able to help you to apply for a SSN. You will need to present your passport with your J-1 visa, I-94, DS-2019 form and Employment Verification form (your job offer) in order to apply for a SSN. It is not required that you have a SSN before you start work. However, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires employers to use your SSN to report your wages. While you wait for your Social Security number, your employer can use a letter from the Social Security office stating you applied for a number, and your immigration documents can prove your authorization to work in the United States. If you would like more information you can call Social Security directly at 1-800-722-1213 or check out their website at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10107.html#top Taxes According to U.S. law, you are required to pay federal (and state) income taxes while you are working in the U.S. Your employer will help you to fill out the appropriate forms for a Summer Work and Travel participant. For more information, or if you have any questions check out the U.S. Internal Revenue Service’s website at: http://www.irs.gov/index.html or http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=96431,00.html

Employment Responsibilities Your Summer Work and Travel sponsorship and visa are bound to your employment. Once you have accepted a position with your host company you are responsible to keep in contact with them regarding your visa application status, travel plans, dress code, pay rate, work schedule. As soon as possible after you arrive in the U.S., you should visit your host company to check in, go over your responsibilities, attend orientation(s), get your schedule, and fill out the required paperwork. You will need to follow your employer’s guidelines while you are on the program. Failure to do so may result in the termination of your program.

Visa Validation: Remember that you must check-in on the CICD website (or call CICD) to validate your J-1 visa. http://www.cicdgo.com/swt/checkin

Be on Time: Employers rely on their employees to show up and perform the tasks at hand. Failure to arrive at work on time can result in being fired and being terminated from the Work and Travel Program.

Work Dates: Work through the dates indicated on your Employment Verification Form. You are not allowed to quit work early to lengthen travel time. Employers hire you on the agreement that you will work for the entire period indicated on your Employment Verification form. Failure to communicate dates correctly can result in immediate termination of your program.

Be understanding and flexible: Employers list the hours per week they expect you will be working on the Employment Verification form, but neither the employee nor CICD can force the company to hire you for that many hours per week, if the demand is not present. If the host company is experiencing less business than expected, you may receive fewer hours than originally expected.


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Dress appropriately: Come to work every day clean, neat, and tidy. You should wear the appropriate attire for your host company and for your position.

Positive attitude: Employers look for employees that are flexible and enthusiastic at the workplace. Coming to work every day with a bad attitude can get you fired.

Work together: Employers like it when co-workers work as a team and share a common goal.

Living Expenses in the USA Living in the United States can be very expensive. Although the cost of living varies from region to region, it is important to keep a budget. Your budget should include your rent, food, clothing, utilities (i.e., electricity, water, heat, telephone), and entertainment. Budget wisely so you can meet your monthly bills and have money for travel and savings. The following is an estimate of the average costs of living expenses in the U.S., though please remember that in large cities such as New York, Chicago or San Francisco, all expenses may be significantly higher, especially your rent and food. It is a good idea to look at the rental section of a major newspaper in the area you will visit to see how much local rent will be. Monthly Living Expenses Estimate

Estimate is for your portion of the total cost for rent and utilities:

Rent: $200-$600 (Room or shared room in an apartment or house with shared kitchen, living room, bathroom)

Rental Deposit: $100-$500 (Paid along with first month's rent, and may be partially refunded)

Utilities: $50-$150 (May include electricity, water, phone, gas, trash pickup)

Utility Deposits: $15-$75 (May be required by some rental properties)

Groceries: $150-$250

Public Transportation: $1.25-$5.50/trip

Personal Transport: $5-$15/trip

Optional Living Expenses and Travel

Cell phone monthly fee: $35-$100

Cell phone activation: $50-$150 (Usually charged to activate phone at beginning of plan)

Meals-dining out: $15.00 and up

Movies: $10.00

Hotel/motels: $99/night and up

Youth hostels (where available): $20-$50/night

Basic Price Guide

Cereal (1 package) $4.00 Milk (1 gallon) $3.65 Bread (1 loaf) $3.50 Movie Ticket $10.00 Fast Food Meal $8.00 Large Pizza $16.00 Bananas (1 pound) $4.00 Average Lunch $10.00 Soda (6 pack) $3.00 Average Dinner $18.00 When purchasing items in the U.S., expect to pay a sales tax in addition to the price that is provided on the price tag. The sales tax differs from state to state but is approximately 8%.

Living in the USA Great emphasis is placed on individualism in American society. It is the individual who is responsible for making the decisions that affect his/her life. From childhood, Americans are taught that through hard work they can improve their position in life. It is because of this idea that the United States is sometimes said to be a "classless" society. Though this is not entirely true, there is a high degree of social mobility in America.


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Americans also tend to place little importance on social differences. The American manner is generally informal. There is a tendency to equalize relationships. Because of this, people often avoid formal titles, and often speak to each other by first names. This informality also extends to the American manner of dress. Americans usually dress according to weather rather than to a social standard. But do not be fooled by this informality: there exist very high standards and expectations of conduct and responsibility in almost all business settings. In most situations, Americans place a high value on truth and following reasonable rules. We have expressions such as, "honesty is the best policy." It is often considered wrong to distort facts on purpose, even if the motive is kind. Americans are generally very verbal. Because of this, silence is greatly noticed and at times makes them uncomfortable. "Small talk" - talk about weather, sports, etc. - usually fills this silence. Serious conversation generally occurs after this preliminary talk. When speaking, Americans use many hand gestures. There is also a certain physical distance, which is maintained by people when conversing. Americans do not often stand too close together, and will back away if they feel that their “space” has been invaded. In the United States, freedom of religion is the law. This also means the freedom to refrain from practicing any religion, if you chose. You will more than likely find the place of worship of your choice in the vicinity of where you live.

Money The “dollar” is the currency used in the U.S. You may hear it being called a variety of names besides the dollar, but the most popular nickname is “buck”. Dollar bills are printed in the values of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. A one-dollar bill is divided into 100 cents; we have coins to denote the value under one dollar. A penny is a copper coin worth 1 cent. A nickel is worth 5 cents. A dime is worth 10 cents. A quarter is worth 25 cents. Occasionally you will come across a half dollar, which is worth 50 cents. We also have a dollar coin, which comes in two forms, each are worth the same as a one-dollar bill but are much more rare. Unfortunately, not all coins have their numeric value imprinted on them as a number… so good luck starting out with our currency!!

Telephones The telephone is a convenient and relatively inexpensive means of communication. People usually answer the telephone with a simple "hello?". A directory (telephone book) is given for each telephone account. The Yellow Pages are the classified section of the directory which lists services and businesses. Most directories now provide online services, so you can use google.com to look up phone numbers, addresses and businesses/services in your area. Most people in the U.S. have a cell (mobile) phone today, so phone booths where you can make a call are becoming harder to find. To use a phone booth you can use a phone card that you bought at any convenience store, use coins (presently it costs 50 cents to make a local call; long distance can cost much more depending on the location and duration of the call), or call collect (calling collect charges the person you are calling for the call and can be very expensive. If you wish to call collect, dial "0" + area code (if different from the area code that you are in) + telephone number. Do not call collect unless it is an emergency). To make a call in the city where you live, you only need to dial a seven-digit number. To call inside a large city such as Los Angeles, you may need to include the three-digit area code at the beginning as well. To call long distance, or make a call to a city outside your area, you will need to dial 1 then the three-digit area code then the seven-digit phone number. To call a different country, you will need to dial 011 then the country code and then the number you want to reach.

Internet and Email You must have a current email account that you check frequently as a requirement of participating in the Summer Work and Travel Program. Besides validating your visa online with CICD, we send you important updates regarding the program during your stay in the U.S. Thus, it is critical that you check your email on a regular basis. Furthermore, the Department of State requires sponsors and participants to maintain, at a minimum, monthly personal contact. Such contact may be in-person, by telephone, or via electronic mail. You can also find CICD on Facebook, where you can post comments, photos and videos: http://www.facebook.com/cicdswt You can find internet access at almost every public library for free. Libraries are located in even the smallest of U.S. cities. To find the library nearest you, ask your co-workers, or check the phone book or yellow pages.


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Internet can also be found at a number of coffee shops and internet cafes around the U.S. If you have a computer with you on your program, many cafés offer a free or inexpensive wireless connection while you are in the café. If there is a college or university in your city, you can likely sign up for a visitor’s pass to use the library and computers at the university. Contact the resource desk at the university for more information. Your employer may also have internet access. If necessary, you can always ask your supervisor to use their internet connection to check emails outside of working hours. If you do use a computer at your host company, make sure not to abuse the privilege. Only check your email, never download programs or documents onto the host company’s computer without prior permission. Never check websites with pornographic or inappropriate content. Lastly, be quick when using a host company’s computer, don’t use it for an extended period of time.

Transportation Transportation within cities varies. In many regions, public transportation is available, especially in urban areas. This may be a combination of subway systems, cable cars, and bus service. Check with your host company to determine the safest and easiest way to travel in your city. There are several ways by which you can travel in the United States. AMTRAK, the nation-wide railroad company, and Greyhound, the nation-wide bus company, offer low cost ground travel. Because of the size of the United States, air travel is also popular. Check out these websites for more information regarding travel within the U.S.A

Amtrak Train: http://www.amtrak.com/

Greyhound Bus: http://www.greyhound.com/

Air Travel: http://www.travelocity.com

http://www.expedia.com/

http://www.suncountry.com

http://www.jetblue.com You can also visit a travel agent for travel advice, this service is not necessarily the cheapest option, but can be good if you are planning a complicated trip. Hitchhiking is illegal in many parts of the United States, and dangerous almost everywhere. If you do not know how to drive, tell your host company. Your supervisor may expect you to drive around your city or region while conducting business. If your company is informed that you do not have a driver’s license, alternative arrangements can be made. Operating an automobile can be very expensive. If you decide to buy a car, you must have a driver's license and vehicle insurance. Renting a car for travel in the U.S. also can be very expensive. Most rental companies do not allow persons less than 25 years of age to rent a vehicle and they must have a valid drivers’ license. Check out these websites for more information:

Avis Rental Car: http://www.avis.com

Hertz Rental Car: http://www.hertz.com

Enterprise Rental Car: http://www.enterprise.com Parking laws are strictly enforced. Look up the laws for your area. If you receive a parking ticket, pay the fine immediately. If you delay beyond the stated time limit, the fine increases. Yellow painted areas are usually off limits for parking at any time. Handicap markers, which are blue, are only for the handicapped. Fire zones, which are red, are also to be avoided. The speed limit in the United States varies, but is usually around 60 miles per hour (MPH) on the freeways. You are expected to observe the posted speed limit and are responsible for any fines you may incur for speeding. Remember that you must wear a seatbelt while you are in a car, even if you are not the driver. No open alcoholic beverages are allowed in the car. Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is forbidden, and these laws are strictly enforced and will most likely result in very serious consequences such as large fines or jail time.


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Driving rules and regulations differ between states. Be sure to check http://www.dmv.org/ for more up to date information.

Post Office The federal government manages the postal service by a network of local post offices. The United States is divided into ZIPcoded postal zones. ZIP codes are 5 digits long and are an important part of your address. Post Office hours are usually: Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday: 8:30 AM - 12:00 noon Mail is delivered on each of these days, excluding legal holidays. Check with the U.S. Post Office for postage rates on letters and packages. Letters can be mailed at post offices, or with the proper postage, in any blue painted mailbox. Check out the U.S. Postal Service’s website for more information regarding mail services:

www.usps.com There are other options to send letters or packages within the U.S. or abroad. Companies such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL can send expedited mail anywhere.

FedEx: http://www.fedex.com

UPS: http://www.ups.com/

Tipping In the United States, you typically tip the person who carries your bags at the airport or in a hotel. Taxi drivers are also usually tipped. At restaurants, the waiter is usually tipped 15% to 20% of the bill, depending on the service and quality of the restaurant.

Shopping There are many different types of stores in the United States. Some are specialized, while others contain a variety of products. The following is a list of stores with the types of items that can be found in each:

Specialty Stores: feature one type of product or service (i.e. cameras, books, shoe repair).

Department Stores: have almost everything needed for the household and for personal use, except food.

Supermarkets: large food stores that include a variety of products.

Variety Stores: carry everything from sewing supplies to newspapers to garden tools. They also have electrical supplies, cooking utensils and, at some, medical prescriptions may be filled.

Drug Stores: prescriptions can be filled here, and they also carry over the counter medication such as: Tylenol, Aspirin, Sudafed etc. Many drug stores carry goods such as cosmetics, greeting cards, food items, home supplies and other items.

Discount Stores: these shops buy their goods in large quantities so that they can pass on a lower price to the consumer. They are similar to the variety stores in that they carry a wide range of products.

Clothing and Shoe Sizes

Clothing sizes in the United States can vary somewhat from your own country, so you should try things on before buying them. Shoe sizes also vary in size so try on shoes before buying them. Any large shoe shop can measure your foot first to find the best size and they are probably familiar with alternative sizing measurements.

Electrical Outlets Electrical outlets in the United States usually give 110-120 volt alternating current (A.C.) at a frequency of 60 cycles. This may be different from that in your home country. Check the appliances you want to bring with you to be sure they will work at the above voltages. Adapters and converters can be purchased in the U.S.


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Temperature In the United States, temperatures are usually given in degrees Fahrenheit. For temperature conversion, use the following equation: Fahrenheit = (9/5) Celsius+ 32 Celsius = (5/9) Fahrenheit - 32 Or use this website: http://www.onlineconversion.com/temperature.htm

Workdays Workdays are generally Monday through Friday. Most companies require employees to work between 30-40 hours per week. However, you may be asked at times to work evenings or on Saturdays/Sundays. This depends on the type of position you have or the type of company at which you work. Americans have a firm belief that "time is money." One should always be prompt for work and other engagements.

Holidays January 1 New Year's Day This is the first day of our new year and has been declared a federal holiday. It is usually celebrated with festivities of many kinds. January 15 Martin Luther King's Birthday This federal holiday celebrates the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a civil rights activist, and is observed on the 3rd Monday in January. Most offices are closed. February 20 George Washington's Birthday Celebrated, as a federal holiday, on the 3rd Monday in February. George Washington was the first president of the United States. February 14 Valentine's Day A greeting card, more commonly known as a "valentine", candy, flowers, and other tokens of affection are sent on this day to express our love for special people in our lives. March 17 St. Patrick's Day Originally an Irish holiday, Americans celebrate this day in many ways, such as wearing green, sending cards, and drinking green beer. Leprechauns and shamrocks are typical symbols of this day. March/April Easter Family gatherings are customary on Easter Sunday. Church attendance, colored eggs, the Easter Bunny and big dinners are common ways of celebrating this Christian holiday. May Memorial Day Celebrated on the last Monday in May. This is a federal holiday, which honors the memory of American soldiers killed in war. Picnics, barbeques and other gatherings are common. July 4 Independence Day Americans observe this federal holiday to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Fireworks, carnivals, and picnics are customarily held on this holiday. September Labor Day Celebrated on the 1st Monday in September. This day is observed as a federal holiday in recognition of working people. October 13 Columbus Day This day marks the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. It is observed as a federal holiday. October 31 Halloween Children across the country dress in costumes and go from door to door "trick or treating" and receive candy and other treats. Many adults dress up as well, and enjoy Halloween parties with friends.


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November 11 Veterans' Day This day is set apart by the U.S. as a federal holiday to honor American veterans of past wars. November Thanksgiving day This federal holiday is observed on the last Thursday in November. It is observed with families gathering for a day of thanks. Many families cook large meals on this day, typical dishes include: Turkey, potatos, baked yams, cranberry sauce and several different kinds of pies. December 25 Christmas A federal holiday, many Americans celebrate this day with family and friends. Brightly decorated evergreen trees, gift exchanges and, for the children, gifts delivered in the middle of Christmas Eve night by Santa Claus are traditional events of the holiday. Various other holidays, based on religion, may also be observed. Please ask your company for a list of observed holidays.

Time Zones The United States is broken up into five different time zones. Eastern Time Zone is GMT-5. Central Time Zone is GMT-6. Mountain Time Zone is GMT-7. Pacific Time Zone is GMT-8. Alaska Time Zone is SMT-9. Lastly, Hawaii/Aleutian Time Zone is GMT-10. Most of the U.S. follows a Daylight Saving schedule, meaning that they move clocks ahead one hour in the spring and move the clocks back one hour in the fall. States that do not adhere to Daylight Savings are Hawaii and Arizona.

Regional Profiles As you know the U.S. is a very big country. Climate and topography across the nation varies dramatically. Here is some broad information detailing the regions of the U.S. Northeastern Region The Northeast is the center of finance, commerce, transportation, the arts, and publishing in the United States. It is a trend-setting region that has benefited greatly by the huge diversity of the nationalities resulting from the influx of immigrants to its cities. The wide variety of lifestyles found in the Northeast, ranging from the quiet New England town to the highly urbanized cities, allows it to be suited to anyone's taste. The Northeast contrasts with the other regions with its vibrant lifestyles and conservative mentality. The geography of the Mid-Atlantic ranges from mountains to the beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Temperatures generally range from just below freezing in the deep winter, to the upper 80's in midsummer. There may be heavy snow in the mountains. Humidity may be high in low-lying areas along the coast and in river valleys. In the Northeast, the opportunities for recreation include fishing, skiing, and hunting. There are mountains in the north and farms in the south. The seasons are sharply defined: cold, snowy winters; short temperate springs; warm to hot summers; and cool falls (autumn). Central Region The Central region, a combination of rolling hills, a multitude of farms and cosmopolitan cities, is often said to be the seat of our culture. It is best known for their agricultural products - including milk, cheese, grain, poultry, beef, and pork. Because of its location, the Central region is the transportation crossroads of America in addition to being a major communications and financial center. There is a heavy influence of Scandinavian culture in the northern sections. The American Indian also played a prominent role in the development of the Midwest and its geographical regions. The weather is extreme, ranging from 100F in August to -30F in February. In the northerly areas of the region, temperatures are usually between 10 and 20; in the central areas, temperatures are in the low to mid-20's; and in the southern parts of Illinois and Indiana, temperatures are in the low to mid-30's. Summer temperatures average in the mid-70's to mid-80's, and frequently reach the 90's.


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It is important to remember that even with cold winters you do not have to stay inside. You can dress for the cold and enjoy the snow and ice. Skiing, ice-skating, hunting, and ice fishing are just a few of the outdoors activities available. Western Region The West is considered to be the most easy-going of all the regions in the United States. It is known for its warm sunshine and mountain air. The West's culture has been strongly influenced by the Spanish, which is evident in the form of architecture, geographical names, and customs of the people. Traditionally, the West has been liberal in its lifestyle and progressive in its thinking. Industry in the West has been dominated recently by the hi-tech world of computer manufacturing in Silicon Valley. The industrial base includes the Pacific Rim trade with Asia, new energy related companies, pharmaceutical and biotechnological engineering. The climate of the West is diverse. It is a mixture of warm areas, along with snow covered mountainous areas. As the climate in the West is very diverse, so are its recreational activities. These range anywhere from skiing in the mountains to surfing off California's great beaches. Southern Region A close look at the South reveals its cultural diversity, its heritage based on a slow, graceful life, and its current steady search for progress. The mix of cultural influences, British, French and Latin American, give the Southern region a unique and charming personality. The new, emerging South has based its industrial foundation on petroleum, tourism, shipping, textiles, and light manufacturing. In addition, the South is embarking on the computer and bio-technical industries and it is becoming a major region for banking and finance for North and South America. Temperature averages in the winter generally run in the low 40's on the inland areas and in the 60's on the southern shores. Summer temperatures, modified by mountains in some areas, by sea breezes in others, range from the high 70's to the mid-80's with occasional reading in the 90's. The humidity is very high in some areas. These conditions make for lush, brilliant vegetation. There are many salt water and inland sporting and pleasure pursuits.

For more information visit the website of the state you will be living and working in: Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming


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Additional Information Resources for Summer Work and Travel Participants This website covers a range of topics including Forms and Fees, Law Enforcement and Border Management. The toll-free call center is at (1-800) 375-5283, or (1-800) 767-1833 (TTY) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services U.S. Department of State Toll free help line: (1-866) 283-9090 U.S. Department of State website: http://www.state.gov/ J-1 visa information http://j1visa.state.gov/basics/ Or http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1304.html Information on the J-1 SWT Travel Program: http://j1visa.state.gov/programs/summer-work-travel/ Information about on the Two-Year Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1296.html United States Information Agency - Information about the J-1 Exchange Program http://dosfan.lib.uic.edu/usia/GC/jexprg.html U.S. Department of Labor Federal and State Minimum Wage Laws http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/wages/minimumwage.htm

Minimum wage laws charted by U.S. state www.dol.gov/esa/minwage/america.htm Internal Revenue Service - Information about paying taxes in the U.S www.IRS.com U.S. Embassies or Consulates: On this website, you should be able to find the nearest American Consulate or Embassy where you can call for information or to apply for your visa. http://usembassy.state.gov/ Social Security Administration http://www.ssa.gov/

Interesting Websites

The World Time Clock http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html U.S. Climate Graphs http://www.rssweather.com/climate/ The Full Universal Currency Converter http://www.xe.com/ucc/ World Temperature http://www.temperatureworld.com/tempcon.htm Metric Converter http://www.worldwidemetric.com/measurements.html International Clothing Sizes http://www.onlineconversion.com/clothing.htm

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