INTERN/TRAIN IN USA

USA Intership Program

Program Overview

The USA Internship Program works directly with international universities, university consortia, and partner organizations to organize training/internships in the United States for students and recent graduates. The program provides participants with the opportunity to learn about U.S. best business practices and culture and universities the opportunity to give their students a valuable international edge in their careers.

USA Internship Program (USAIP) Interns complete three to 12-month programs in a variety of fields, including-but not limited to-business & finance, marketing, media & communications, arts & culture, architecture, and computer science. USAIP includes a custom program timeframe, in-county orientation, and personalized service to each program partner. Students and recent graduates from our program partners may apply.

Benefits to Students of Interning in the U.S.A.:

• Gain valuable international professional experience
• Develop an understanding of how to live and work in a different culture
• Gain global job skills including knowledge of business practices, approaches, and techniques in the U.S.
• Strengthen intercultural communication skills as well as the ability to meet new challenges and take initiative
• Improve English language skills
• Build international contact network to use throughout career

Program Requirements

Intern requirements:

• 20-30 years old (preferred)
• Enrolled at a post-secondary academic institution outside the U.S. OR have graduated from a post-secondary institution no more than 12 months prior to the internship start date
• Two years of full-time study at the university level or its equivalent completed by the internship start date
• Proficient in English
• Prior practical experience such as summer employment, prior internship, etc. in a related field
• You must be evaluated by a faculty advisor from the academic institution where you are enrolled who can attest to the importance of the internship to your studies as well as evaluate your skills.

An unlimited number of additional internship programs may be completed as long as the education requirements noted above still apply and 90 days have lapsed between internship programs.

Your internship must be in one of the following eligible program fields:

• Arts and Culture: graphics; painting; sculpture; crafts; ceramics; design; photography; and museum conservation and restoration.
• Information Media and Communications: general communications; mass communications; journalism; radio journalism; television journalism; film technology; printing and publishing; press and newspapers; electronic communications technology; and news agencies.
• Management, Business, Commerce, and Finance: 1) Management: general business management; and hotel management 2) Business: personnel; business statistics; operations; logistics; marketing; advertising; public relations; international business; and international trade 3) Commerce and Finance: cost and financial administration; accounting; general finance; investments and securities; banking; and commerce.
• The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, and Industrial Occupations: 1) The Sciences: biology; chemistry; computer science; and physics 2) Engineering: civil; architectural; construction; environmental; bio; electrical; electronic; computer; communications; mechanical; combustion; chemical; industrial; and textile 2) Architecture: general; city planning; urban; and landscape 4) Mathematics: general; analysis; logic; statistics; and probability 5) Industrial Occupations: building; and engineering.

Compensation

Compensation varies by company and is typically about US$750-1000 per month. Some companies may assist with housing and/or transportation expenses. In certain fields, only unpaid internships are generally available.

CDS Services and Fees

CDS staff provides personalized support to participants and organizations from the time of application through the stay in the U.S. and after returning home. CDS will:

• Provide step-by-step guidance during the application process
• Interview applicants to determine eligibility and English language proficiency
• Coordinate internship placement plan with U.S. host organization and participant
• Arrange for accident and health insurance
• Execute site visits to U.S. host organizations as needed
• Issue Form DS-2019 and provide J-1 Exchange visa sponsorship
• Supply pre-departure information about living and working in the U.S.
• Administer an orientation and intercultural training program in New York City
• Assist obtaining a Social Security Number
• Organize cultural activities and events
• Provide free access to U.S. tax software
• Offer continuous support and ongoing assistance for the duration of the program

The fees for training/internship programs with placements are:

• US$1,150 for a 3-6 month program
• US$1,200 for a 7-12 month program

The fees for training/internship programs without placements are:

• US$800 for a 2-6 month program
• US$850 for a 7-12 month program

Health and accident insurance is US$40 per month. Health and accident insurance must be purchased for the duration of the program plus one extra month for travel time (U.S. State Department requirement).
Learn more: J-1 Health Insurance

Placement Guarantee

If CDS is unable to find an internship for a student, a full refund of the administration fee will be given. In the case that a paid internship is requested but then not available, students may choose to accept an unpaid internship and receive a US$500 fee refund, or to decline the unpaid position for a $750 refund.

The USA Internship Program is currently not accepting online applications.
If you are enrolled or a recent graduate (within 12 months) at one of our partner organizations listed above, please contact your International Office for an USA Internship Program application.