BridgeUSA J1 Traineeship Program

Major Fields

• Hospitality and Tourism Management/Business Administration/Marketing-Finance (application fee $450)

 

Traineeship Duration

Traineeship programs are available for 6, 9 or 12-month periods.

 

Monthly Stipend

The trainee income ranges from 1,500 to 2,500 USD per month, depending on the company’s hourly wage policy. Generally, a week of work lasts approximately 40 hours per week. However, overtime will be paid if the trainee is asked to work over 40 hours a week.

 

Visa Process

To be admissible to the program, trainees must first apply for an exchange visitor visa (J-1) as per the rules and regulations of the United States Department of State. Assistance necessary to obtain a J-1 Visa (applying and obtaining the DS-2019 form) will be provided by ITEC. To validate a J-1 Visa, each candidate must individually apply to the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. The final decision to validate a J-1 Visa or not belongs to the U.S. Consulate or Embassy.

 

Housing

Usually, the host company provides housing options (at the trainee’s expense). If the host is unable to provide housing, ITEC will assist the trainee in finding temporary or permanent housing (at the trainee’s expense).

 

Health Insurance

Participants will be covered by mandatory health insurance for the duration of the program (included in the program fees). Health insurance does not include coverage for pre-existing conditions.

 

Professional Development (Training)

Trainees usually take part in professional training seminars conducted by their host companies. Trainees will be awarded a certificate at the end of these seminars based on regular attendance and course success.

 

Orientation

Before leaving for the USA, each participant must attend a mandatory orientation seminar. Several subjects will be covered during the orientation, namely:

• General information about the USA, such as living conditions, lifestyles, cultural similarities and differences.
• General information about the host company and region or city
• Performance and behavior expectations of the host company
• Responsibilities as an trainee

 

Travel Arrangements

Trainees are responsible for their travel expenses and the airfare to travel to the United States. However, the departure date will be determined by ITEC consultants. ITEC can also assist trainees in obtaining discounted airfares.

 

Ongoing Consultancy

ITEC will continue to provide support and guidance to trainees, host companies and its partnering organizations. The ongoing Trainee Program will be evaluated periodically, and each trainee and host company will be asked to provide follow-ups and evaluations regarding the performance of the trainee.

 

Program Fees

6-month program fee → $ 2,990

9 to 12-month program fee → $ 3,900

12-month fee for programs other than hospitality (Business Administration, etc.) → $ 3,990

18-month fee for programs other than hospitality (Business Administration, etc.) → $ 4,550

Fees includes all services listed above, except application fees.

 

New Application Requirements

• Must be between the ages of 21 and 42 with an advanced level of English
• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts Degree in the field of the traineeship plus a minimum of one year of industry experience
• Associate of Science or Associate of Arts Degree in the field of the traineeship plus a minimum of three years of industry experience
• One-year Diploma or Certificate in the field of the traineeship plus a minimum of four years of industry experience

 

Application process

1. After having decided to apply to the program, the applicant must provide their resume to ITEC and/or fill out the online application form on the ITEC website.
2. If the applicant is deemed eligible to our programs, she or he will be invited for an interview with ITEC consultants.
3. Applicants who successfully pass the interview process and evaluation are then invited to fill out an official application.
4. To complete the official application, the applicant must submit the required documents, including the application fee, which is nonrefundable.
5. The placement process will then officially begin. Expect the process to take 6 to 16 weeks (under normal circumstances).
6. If the participant secures a position, an official offer letter offering the position with the details of the conditions including hours worked per week, allocation, training plan, housing, etc., will be sent to the participant for review and signature.
7. In addition to the placement agreement (between the trainee and the host company), the trainee will need to sign an agreement with ITEC. This agreement outlines the responsibilities and duties of all parties, including the trainee and ITEC. ITEC cannot be held responsible for any trainee who violates any conditions of the agreement during the course of the program.