CDS International: Professional Development Program

Professional Development Program

Application Deadline: Rolling
Duration:
Interns: 2-12 months
Trainees: 2-18 months
Number of Participants: Unlimited
Program Fee:
Trainees/Interns 6 months or less - $850
Trainees/Interns over 6 months - $1,200
Frequently Asked Questions
Go to the Application

This program provides practical training opportunities in the United States for foreign students and young professionals in one of the approved program fields listed below under the auspices of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program of the U.S. Department of State. In order to participate in the program, each applicant must first secure his/her own training/internship position with a host organization in the U.S. For specific eligibility requirements, please see the box to the left.

Please note that new U.S. Department of State regulations for the J-1 Visa Trainee and Intern Categories will be in effect as of July 19, 2007, that significantly revise the regulations and procedures that previously governed these programs. For an overview of the changes, please click here.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities of Participant:

Secure a practical training position with a company in the U.S.
Submit a complete CDS application along with all required program and health insurance fees as well as a signed Participant Agreement Form which is part of the application packet
Make SEVIS payment
Schedule J1-visa interview appointment at the home-country U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Confirm arrival in the U.S. and participate in a CDS orientation
Complete mid-term and final reports during training/internship in the U.S.

Responsibilities of Host Company:

Provide internship/training position
Complete training plan outlining scope and content of participant's training/internship program and provide information on organization including a Dun & Bradstreet number, a Tax Identification Number (EIN), as well as verification of a Workman's Compensation Insurance Policy
Pay program fee (if applicable)

Responsibilities of CDS International:

Evaluate qualifications and program eligibility of participants and host organizations including site visits to host organizations that have not previously participated in a CDS training or internship program and that do not meet the threshold of having more than 25 employees or more than $3 million in annual revenue
Coordinate completion of Training/Internship Placement Plan with U.S. host organization and participant
Issue Form DS-2019 – document required for J-1 Exchange Visitor visa application
Conduct pre-departure and in-country orientation
Analyze and assess State Department-mandated reports on the training/internship program
Arrange required enrollment in health and accident insurance for the duration of the program
Provide on-going program support monitoring the progress and welfare of the participants

Program Fields

CDS sponsors trainees in the following 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.

Application

Please read through the eligibility requirements carefully. If you think you meet the requirements, you have two options to receive the application materials:
Send an email to pdp@cdsintl.org with your resume attached and request an application to be mailed to you, or download the application information and materials by clicking on the links below.