Internship in the USA for students and graduates: programs, visa, documents

A variety of internship programs abroad today are quite popular. Pioneers from the CIS countries went to the US in the mid-nineties. By the end of the millennium, the exchange was going on in both directions quite actively. Well, today you will not be surprised by the fact that you lived and worked in the United States for several months. But can everyone become participants in these programs?

Who can become an intern

Internship in the US today is available to almost everyone. The programs are so diverse that everyone can choose their own version. Obligatory conditions are only the knowledge of English at the proper level and the absence of previous convictions.

If you are studying at a university and have already completed at least three courses, then an internship in the US for students will be interesting to you. In addition, you will be able to complete an additional course of study in your specialty in an American institution.

If you are already a graduate, then consider programs for young professionals.

A number of American universities and large companies of the United States regularly open their own programs for students and young professionals. Taking advantage of these chances, it is often possible to obtain even a residence permit.

Internship in the USA also differs for qualified and unskilled.

Be careful when choosing a program, because a second chance to go through another internship may not be introduced. Under US law, it is almost impossible to become a participant in the program again.

Age limits

Internship in the United States has several types of programs. People of different ages can take part in them. The most common are student programs for students who completed at least one course of the university, and young professionals who received their diploma no more than 1 year ago. Age of participants from 18 to 28 years.

The second option is suitable for those who have completed training more than a year ago and have at least one year of experience in the specialty that he can confirm. The age of the participant is 20-38 years.

Why choose the USA

The United States has long been covered with an immeasurable number of myths, which gives this country a halo of strength and power. In the eyes of our compatriots, a professional paid internship in the US is a sign of a truly strong and educated personality. After all, everyone knows that any American business is aimed at profit, legality and adheres to the principles of fair competition. Agree, all this is an invaluable experience, especially when the intern really has to work. And they have to, they get an interesting experience, because no employer will pay for the training of a specialist without getting a return.

That is why the doors of many international companies open in their homeland.

Meeting the item on the internship in the United States, the employer will certainly breathe a sigh of relief, because it means that the applicant speaks English at the proper level. Namely this is today the language of interethnic communication and the entire international business.

Experience in a multicultural and multinational environment is also an indisputable advantage. In the United States, as nowhere else, people are taught that all people are different. Program participants live in conditions that help show the strongest personal qualities.

Given that the US is one of the leaders of the world economy, for many employers it will be a plus to invite an employee who knows the whole "kitchen" of this business from within.

Programs

Internship programs are developed by various bodies. Projects sponsored by the US government have a number of conditions. For example, it is mandatory to return to your country at the end of the internship and stay there for at least two years after.

Therefore, many choose programs that are sponsored directly by employers. These include "Internship in America for young professionals."

This program is intended not only for students of the latest courses, but also for those who have already graduated from the specialty. Position for each participant is selected taking into account his education and professional experience and interest.

Internships for school leavers have lost some of their popularity. Part of this is due to the fact that the age of majority in our countries varies.

A letter of recommendation for the organization will most often help you organize an intermediary company. Finding such a company today is quite simple. In the market of similar services there are many companies with a good reputation and positive feedback from customers. Typically, a long-time organization will help you not only find a job, write a letter of recommendation, but also help you quickly get a visa, find accommodation in America, buy tickets and stuff. If all of the above actions lead you into confusion, then the intermediary company is what you need.

Visas from Russia

Visa to America for trainees are issued in type J. This is a special type of visa for exchange program participants.

The cost of a visa is on average 160 American dollars. In addition, consular and visa fees may be charged. Depending on the applicant's nationality, the price may vary. For citizens of the Russian Federation, visas can be issued for a period of up to three years.

To obtain a visa it is also necessary to file a package of documents (questionnaires, copies and original documents, an invitation to work / study, travel checks, etc.) and pass an interview.

Visas for other states

The procedure for obtaining visas for citizens from other CIS countries is slightly different.

The peculiarity is unless the moment that you can register for an interview, only by providing a receipt for payment of $ 160 from a single specific bank.

Required documents

A visa to America is not something unattainable. Its reception usually passes fairly smoothly, if thoroughly to observe all conditions.

The main document is a questionnaire. A copy and an example of filling can be found on the official website of the embassy or consulate.

In addition to mandatory, there are a number of documents that can positively affect the decision. In principle, you can attach any documents confirming the purpose of the trip, relations with Russia, previous business or tourist trips abroad, as well as correspondence related to the planned trip for this exchange program.

Interestingly, you can not print a photo for a visa, it is enough to provide it in electronic form.

A letter of recommendation for the organization included in your case may also be a plus.

How not to get on scammers

Programs are developed by official bodies or employers of the USA. Most companies organizing internships from CIS countries are only intermediaries. Therefore, it should not be surprising that different companies offer very similar proposals.

However, when choosing a company, be vigilant. In order not to get hooked to scammers, pay attention to the presence of a real office. It is advisable to find out if it was only lifted a month ago on a short-term lease.

There are also decent newcomers who are trying to break into the market of intermediaries. However, if the company already has experience, feedback from satisfied customers, then this is a big plus. Check the reviews not only on the official website of the organization, it is better to communicate with real people who used the services of this company. This will help you not only to verify the mediator's reality, but also to choose the most convenient form of cooperation.

Learn about whether there is any support in force majeure situations. You should have the opportunity to contact company representatives from anywhere in the country at any time of the day. This information is also better to check with the reviews of people who have already participated in the programs.

A prerequisite is the availability of licenses and accreditations. Their authenticity can be easily verified in official registries.

Do not be lazy to check the arrangements with the host parties. Learning the names of American partners, it's easy to find information about them.

Travels

Interestingly, almost any internship program involves time for free travel around the country.

You can visit the sights, which were previously known only for Hollywood movies.

The possibility of traveling strongly depends on the region of your stay. But, honestly, I must say that in any state there are unique and very interesting places, visiting which you will proudly and gratefully remember your stay here.