Frequently Asked Questions : Programs from the USA
What kinds of programs are offered through CDS?	CDS administers programs ranging in duration from three to 18 months. Every program consists of an internship component; some have academic or language training elements as well. The variety of program formats enables you to choose the one that best fits your skills and requirements. For a list of each program, please click here.
How are CDS programs categorized for Americans going abroad?	In programs listed under Placement Services, CDS arranges a paid or unpaid internship position for participants. Our Scholarship/Fellowship Programs provide participants with stipends and/or scholarships to cover various expenses incurred during the program, as well as help participants locate possible internship positions in organizations abroad. Programs listed under Work Authorization Services provide participants with the necessary documents for employment in the foreign country once they have secured a position. University Programs are CDS-adminsitered programs in cooperation with various U.S. colleges/universities. .
What countries do we serve?	For American participants, our primary country destinations are Germany, Argentina, Spain, Switzerland and Russia. Programs in other EU countries and South America are in the planning stages.
What fields are covered by our programs?	Internships are possible in any of the following fields: Management, Business, Commerce, and Finance The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, and Industrial Occupations Information Media and Communications Agriculture Arts and Culture.
What are the basic requirements for participation in CDS programs?	Eligibility requirements differ with each CDS program. Please be sure to read carefully through the requirements for each program. Typical requirements include U.S. citizenship (for many programs Canadian students and international students studying full-time at a U.S. college/university before, during and after the program are also eligible), some previous foreign language skills, at least some post-secondary study majoring in a business, technical or engineering field and a sincere desire to learn about international and intercultural issues.
Where does one live while abroad?	Living arrangements differ according to each program. Participants either live in pre-arranged dormitory housing, with a host family, in housing provided by the host company, or find their own housing.
What type of insurance coverage is offered?	All participants are required to purchase health and accident insurance, either directly or through CDS. Participants who buy their own insurance must submit a Statement of Insurance Coverage. Insurance may also be purchased from CDS International. For more information on the insurance offered through CDS, click here.
What services does CDS provide?	CDS provides participants with: temporary work authorization; a host company placement in a paid position as part of our placement service programs; pre-departure orientation materials; a program manual to assist participants with everyday life while abroad (for example, the acquisition of the residency permit); an in-country orientation session; and health insurance if required. Furthermore, CDS offers continued support and advice throughout the duration of the program.
Are internships paid or unpaid?	Internships are both paid and unpaid. Paid placements generally include sufficient pay to offset living expenses in the foreign country. Stipends may be available for participants completeing a unpaid internship. For more information on the CDS Scholarship Fund, contact the progam officer. It is your responsibility to negotiate the terms of employment if you secure your own position through the Independent Work Abroad Programs.
Are stipends available to cover some of the expenses?	Our highly competitive scholarship/fellowship programs do cover many expenses; however, for the majority of our other training programs, there are currently no stipends available from CDS to cover living expenses. Very often American universities have small stipends available to students to cover such work experiences. In some cases, stipends are available to cover language courses prior to the start of a program.
Can one extend an internship or stay longer?	The philosophy of an exchange program holds that participants return to their home countries to bring back and apply their knowledge and experience gained while abroad. Therefore, CDS encourages participants to return to the United States following the completion of their internships.
How much do the programs cost?	Fees for most CDS programs range from $300 to $700 depending upon the services provided in each program. Most programs require participants to cover their own airfare and average monthly living expenses, roughly $850 per month. On the other hand, our scholarship or fellowship programs cover the majority of costs to the participants while in the foreign country.
How do I apply?	If you are interested in applying for one of our programs, please first read through the individual program descriptions provided on this site to be sure that you meet the eligibility requirements. Then you can contact CDS either by phone, fax, or e-mail to request an application for the program in which you would like to participate. Again, please refer to the individual program descriptions to find out more details about specific programs and their requirements.