WISE® Internship Program – Participant Program Information
Program Availability and Duration
The WISE® Internship Program is available throughout the year. There are no pre-set intakes or starting dates. The Internship program is available for a maximum duration of 12 months.
Participant Eligibility
WISE® Internship participants must:
- Be currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside of the U.S., and have completed at least one academic year, or have graduated from such an institution within 12 months of the start of the internship program.
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Have proficient English skills to perform in both social and internship activities. The goal to improve English in the course of the program is not a basis for which an intern will be selected to participate.
- Demonstrate a career focus through educational emphasis and focus and/or progressive professional experience in the area for which an applicant is applying for internship.
- Be outside the United States for a minimum of 90 days prior to the desired start date. This rule does not apply to individuals who have entered the U.S. under visa category B-1 or B-2 tourist visas. No other exceptions will be made. All individuals must apply for their visa through a U.S. Consulate outside the United States.
- Be in good health to perform the program outlined.
- Application procedures
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Candidates should begin the WISE® application only after receiving a formal offer letter from the host site. The WISE® Internship application can be downloaded here.
Within 4-6 weeks of receiving the completed application, if approved, WISE® will issue a DS-2019 form and send it to the applicant.
When the applicant has received the DS-2019 form, they should schedule and attend a visa interview at the US embassy or consulate.
During this period, WISE® will coordinate a DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan (TIPP) with the host site. This plan will outline the primary goals and learning objectives which will be accomplished during the program. When the Placement Plan is complete, WISE® will send a copy to both the host site and applicant for review and signature to indicate agreement with the program outlined.
Once the J-1 Visa has been issued, the intern may enter the US up to one week prior to beginning their training.
Please see our Common Questions page for more information.
