Training And internship News
THIRD quarter 2010	“WISE Support- it makes the difference”
Summer update from WISE More tips and news from WISE. Please read on to catch 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: When to carry your documents Recruiting season 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, and have followed the travel authorization process with WISE.) 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 located 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
When to carry your documents Recent legislation in Arizona has gained national attention, and highlights an important consideration for J-1 Training and J-1 Internship participants: when to carry legal documents. The answer is simple and clear. Legally, trainees and interns must carry their documentation at all times. This would include the passport (with J-1 visa stamp) the I-94 card, and the DS-2019 form. Please warn any participants about this law and advise them to prepare accordingly. Back to top			Time for Recruiting If your property is looking for qualified hospitality candidates for training or internship programs, this is a great time of year to be recruiting. Hotel schools in Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Australia are currently planning their Fall career fairs. Hundreds of candidates will be attending these fairs, searching for positions in the US. Please let WISE know if you are interested in receiving more information about the upcoming career fair schedule, and we would be pleased to help you get in touch with the sponsoring schools. Back to top
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
The 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 If you would prefer not to receive the WISE Training and Internship e-update and would like to be removed from our mailing list, please contact peter@wisefoundation.com