Internships in the U.S. through Cultural Vistas

Cultural Vistas Inc. is a non-profit organization that has more than 60 years of experience providing students and young professionals with the opportunity to complete career-focused internships and training programs abroad. Over 5,300 participants from 130 countries participate in our exchange programs annually, which include professional fellowships and internship programs in the United States, Europe, and beyond. Cultural Vistas is headquartered in New York with additional offices in Washington, DC and Berlin, Germany.

What is a J-1 Visa? Internships and practical training in the United States require a J-1 Visa. Cultural Vistas is designated by the U.S. Department of State as an official visa sponsor for J-1 Visa programs in three categories: Intern, Trainee, and Teach.

Cultural Vistas determines the eligibility of each applicant and of each host company and issues the Certificate of Eligibility (form DS-2019), which is required in order to obtain a J-1 Visa from a U.S. consulate. Please note: The form DS-2019 can only be issued by a designated visa sponsor, and a U.S. consulate can only issue a J-1 Visa when presented with an official form DS-2019.

The goal of the J-1 exchange programs is to promote intercultural competencies and a deeper understanding between the United States and other countries. In addition to the professional enrichment you receive through a career-relevant internship program, you can also experience the culture and lifestyle of the U.S. firsthand!

What is the “Train USA” Program? Train USA is the Cultural Vistas program that processes applications for J-1 Visa sponsorship in the Intern and Trainee categories.

J-1 Intern You are currently enrolled at a college or university, or you have earned your degree within the past year. Your internship can last between 3 weeks and 12 months.

J-1 Trainee You are a young professional and already have a degree and at least one year of work experience. Your internship can last between three weeks and 18 months.

Cultural Vistas gGmbH • Geschäftsführung: Robert Fenstermacher • Sitz der Gesellschaft: Berlin • Registergericht: Amtsgericht Charlottenburg (Berlin) • Eintragungs-Nr. HRB 150192 B Internships in the U.S. through Cultural Vistas

All participants have the opportunity to take part in an orientation seminar at Cultural Vistas’ New York office, or to participate in an online seminar. In addition, Cultural Vistas organizes a large variety of cultural events in New York as well as in other cities which make it easier for you to get to know and keep in touch with other interns in the U.S. Following completion of your internship, a 30- day grace period allows you to stay in the U.S. for travel and to experience even more of the country.

Your Individual Training Plan Each program is different. Cultural Vistas accept students from a variety of career fields and works with host companies in nearly all sectors. Cultural Vistas creates an individual training plan in close collaboration with your host company for your desired program duration. Our participants complete their internships in U.S. host companies of all sizes, from small and medium-sized companies to large corporations in almost all U.S. states.

Program Fees for Students As a non-profit organization, Cultural Vistas offers competitive pricing and affordable fees to our applicants. The program fees can be covered by either the host company or by the participant. Participation in an exchange program is always subject to a sponsorship fee, regardless of the visa sponsor.

Train USA Fees (based on program duration)

0-3 Months: 750 US$ 3-6 Months: 950 US$ 6-12 Months: 1.250 US$

Cultural Vistas offers an international health insurance plan for $68/month. Housing and general costs of living are the responsibility of each participant.

Effective September 2014 – please check our website (http://culturalvistas.org/train) for the most up-to-date fees and application timeline.

How to Apply for Train USA If you have found an internship opportunity in the U.S. yourself, you have already mastered the first step. Get in touch with our Train USA team to initiate the application process. Please be aware of the application windows, depending on our internship start date. Please be prepared to start the application process roughly four months before your intended start date.

Internship Placement Services Available only to students who apply through our European office or our partner universities worldwide, Cultural Vistas offers a special service to find high-quality internship placements. Our Placement USA Program (PLUS) simplifies your plans to come to the US significantly: Cultural Vistas will find a host company which relates toyourfield of interest and academic expertise. Participation in PLUS costs $750, in addition to the J-1 Visa fees listed above. Please visit http://culturalvistas.eu/plus for details.

Questions? Please feel free to contact our European Office in Berlin:

Cultural Vistas gGmbH Pariser Platz 6 D-10117 Berlin +49 (0)30 206 795 00 [email protected]

Cultural Vistas gGmbH • Geschäftsführung: Robert Fenstermacher • Sitz der Gesellschaft: Berlin • Registergericht: Amtsgericht Charlottenburg (Berlin) • Eintragungs-Nr. HRB 150192 B