What kinds of programs are
offered through CDS?

CDS administers programs ranging in duration from two months to eighteen 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.

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What fields are covered by
our programs?

Training/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
• Arts and Culture

A complete list of approved program fields is also available.

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What are the basic requirements
for participation in CDS programs?

Participants are classified in two categories – interns or trainees. Interns must be currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a foreign degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institutions outside the U.S. OR graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to desired internship start date. Trainees must possess a degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution outside the U.S. and at least one year of prior related work experience in trainee’s occupational field acquired outside the U.S. OR five years of work experience in trainee’s occupational field acquired outside the U.S. The maximum age is 35. Applicants should have proficiency in English (equivalent of 500 TOEFL score).

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What services does CDS provide?

CDS provides participants with: the DS-2019 form -- the documentation required for the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa; a program manual to assist participants with everyday life while abroad; an in-country orientation session; and required health insurance. Furthermore, CDS offers continued support and advice throughout the duration of the program.

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What is the J-1 Exchange
Visitor visa?

The J-1 Exchange Visitor visa provides for the exchange of students, scholars, interns, trainees, teachers, professors, researchers, specialists, leaders in a specialized field of knowledge or skill. CDS may sponsor interns and trainees. The main purpose of the J-1 trainee and intern visa is to provide individuals with bona fide practical training in the U.S. in a specific professional field and field of study, as well as to gain a deeper understanding of American culture and society.

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How do I get the J-1
Exchange Visitor visa?

CDS prepares Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility) for participants. Once participants receive the DS-2019 form, it is their responsibility to apply for the J-1 visa at the American Embassy or Consulate in their home country. Application procedures differ from country to country. Participants must not enter the U.S. on any other visa than the J-1.

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What is the typical wait time?

CDS provides the participant with all the necessary documents required to apply for the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa within five business days after a completed application has been approved and all applicable fees have been submitted. New State Department regulations require CDS to conduct site visits to host organizations that have not previously worked with CDS and which do not have more than 25 employees or more than $3 million in annual revenue. As a result, processing time of some applications may be delayed up to 5 weeks.

Additionally, participants should check with local consulates in their home country as delays can vary considerably. CDS recommends submitting the application at least eight weeks prior to desired start date to allow for potential delays at the consulate.

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What type of insurance coverage
is offered?

All participants are required to purchase health and accident insurance directly through CDS, and in some cases through our international partners.

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Are internships paid or unpaid?

Internships generally include sufficient pay to offset living expenses in the foreign country. For most programs, it is the responsibility of the participant to negotiate wages with the host company. Participants should ensure that they have at least $2,000 per month for their stay in the U.S.

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Are stipends available to
cover some of the expenses?

For the majority of our training programs, there are currently no stipends available from CDS to cover program expenses. However, applicants through InWEnt (formerly the Carl Duisberg Gesellschaft) in Germany can apply for stipends.

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How long may my program be
in the U.S.?

Participants who are considered interns may stay a maximum of 12 months in the U.S. An unlimited number of internships may be completed as long as an individual meets the eligibility requirements. Participants who are trainees may stay a maximum of 18 months and must remain outside the U.S. for at least two years before being eligible for another training program.

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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 will not extend a training program in the United States beyond the maximum duration of 12 or 18 months.

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May I change host companies?

Participants are, generally, not permitted to change host companies except under extreme circumstances. In these cases, participants cannot change companies without written permission from CDS. Participants who change companies without permission will be asked to return to their home country.

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Where does one live while in
the U.S.?

Participants are responsible for finding their own housing.

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How do I travel and get
around while in the United States?

All participants are responsible for their own round-trip international transportation as well as domestic transportation while in the U.S. If the participants need to buy a car, they are responsible for getting a driver's license, buying insurance, and registering the car.

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Am I subject to U.S. income tax
and do I need to file a return?

Trainees/interns who earn income from a U.S. source are responsible for paying Federal, State and Local (if applicable) income tax. Participants are not required to pay Social Security or Medicare taxes. Whether or not participants earned income while in the U.S., they must file a tax return. The tax return is due on April 15th for participants who have U.S. source income and June 15th for those who earned no income.

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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 download application forms or 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.

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