Training And internship News
THIRD quarter 2008	“WISE® Support- it makes the difference”
Below are a few quotes from recent program evaluations: “[Through the program] we have learned about professionalism with guests and associates and how to solve guest issues and complaints.” -Participant, Colorado “This program has helped us to maintain our objective of providing a culturally diverse environment for both staff and guests. The quality of trainees [and interns] has also pushed us to provide a more challenging environment for our employees.” -Host site manager, Wyoming “Not only I improved my language skills, obtain more knowledge and skills of hospitality & tourism management, but also I learned how to communicate with our members, my co-workers, how to adapt myself into a new environment. And I did well, in four months and half I got promotion from service to office, I had a chance to work at different positions, F&B service, Administrative office, Front desk, Fitness centre....” -Participant, Florida	Summer update from WISE® More tips and news from WISE®. Please read on to brush up on the latest news from the WISE® Foundation, training and internship programs. Please remember that all comments and feedback in welcome. Contact: peter@wisefoundation.com In this edition: WISE® Tip: Help! My dates don’t add up! News and Notes: WISE® launches new website Happy birthday, J-1 Internship! English proficiency requirement WISE® Tip: Help! My dates don’t add up! Wait, this can’t be right??? Someone must have made a mistake!! The dates on the J-1 visa stamp are different from my program dates, and the dates on my DS-2019 form!!! My i-94 says something else. Not a week goes by that we do not hear this or a similar sentiment from an anxious participant. But, GOOD NEWS, chances are it is not a mistake! The dates on the J-1 visa stamp, inside the passport, mean something different from the dates on the DS-2019 form, and the I-94 card: Dates on J-1 Visa Stamp (inside the passport) These are the dates that a participant is allowed to enter- or re-enter* - the United States on J-1 status (assuming that they are active in SEVIS, and present the appropriate accompanying paperwork, including a valid DS-2019 form.) Dates on the DS-2019 form These are the dates that the participant is allowed to be in the US, participating in their training or internship program, and, in most cases, receiving payment. They should enter the US no more than two weeks prior to the first day on this form, and must leave the US within 30 days after the last day on the form. Dates on the I-94 departure/arrival record The I-94 most likely says “D/S” under the date of expiration. This stands for “Duration of Status” which means that the participant is permitted to legally remain in the U.S. as long as they have a DS-2019 form with valid program dates and are maintaining the program objectives. *Important note- if a participant plans to travel outside the US during the program, it is important that they check the date on the J-1 visa stamp, inside the passport. These dates must be valid for the participant to re-enter the US on J-1 status. If there is an emergency, or the participant insists on traveling outside the US after the visa stamp is expired, please call WISE® to discuss the situation so that we can advise you as to the best course of action. Back to top
	News and Notes
	WISE® launches new website You may have noticed a new look for our company website, when visiting www.wisefoundation.com. A screen shot of the new WISE® website. We have completely redesigned and reorganized the website. Please note the following feature changes on the Training and Internship pages: - Common questions page offers resource for the most frequently asked questions. - Better overall organization. - New, updated photos. - Applications have been updated. - The Credit card form is now available to download. - Validation page has been updated. - Insurance information is current. We appreciate your comments. Please let us know what you think! Back to top		Happy birthday, J-1 Internship program This July marks the first anniversary of major changes to the J-1 training program, and the introduction of the new J-1 internship program. From our perspective we have had a successful year. Since the introduction of the internship program, approximately 75% of our participants have qualified for the internship category. While the overall number of trainees has decreased, the total number of participants has not. The chief complaint that we have heard about the new regulations is that interns and hospitality trainees are limited to programs 12 months in duration or shorter. We would be interested in hearing other feedback about the changes in regulations. For host sites who have experienced both the old and the new regulations, what has been your experience with the changes? Please contact us and let us know. Back to top
Foundation for Worldwide International Student Exchange (WISE®) is a non-profit organization providing international exchange opportunities to students, youth and adults. For more information about the WISE® Internship and Training program or other programs, contact WISE® at: WISE® Foundation 1853 Piedmont Road Suite 200 Marietta, Georgia 30066 USA 770-579-0257 Fax 770-579-0219 E-mail training@wisefoundation.com internship@wisefoundation.com We’re on the Web! www.wisefoundation.com	English proficiency requirement
	According to J-1 visa regulations, “Participants must possess sufficient proficiency in the English language to participate in their programs.” Sponsors are required to ensure that participants are sufficiently proficient in the English language to participate in their exchange programs before they enter the United States. This requirement supports the goal of creating an environment for cultural exchange, as well as creates a stronger foundation for training. At your service! An F&B trainee welcomes guests in a resort in Colorado. While WISE® or its partners conduct interviews either in person or by web camera with every applicant, it is important that candidates are also screened for English through an interview conducted by the host site. The host site knows best the specific needs of the business, and the challenges that come with a particular position. While it is expected that participants who speak English as a second language may not be perfectly fluent from the beginning, they should have a working knowledge of the language which is both sufficient for completing their assigned duties, and strong enough for the expression of a concern or to ask a question. Back to top
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