A variety of internship programs abroad are quite popular today. Pioneers from the CIS countries went to the United States in the mid-nineties. Towards the end of the millennium, the exchange took place in both directions quite actively. Well, today you will not surprise anyone by the fact that you lived and worked in the United States for several months. But can everyone become participants in these programs?
Who can become an intern
An internship in the USA today is available to almost everyone. The programs are so diverse that everyone can choose their own version. Mandatory conditions are only knowledge of the English language at the proper level and the absence of a criminal record.
If you are studying at a university and have already completed at least three courses, then an internship in the USA for students will be of interest to you. In addition, you can take an additional training course in your specialty in an American institution.
If you are already a graduate, then consider programs for young professionals.
A number of American universities and large companies in the United States regularly open their own programs for students and young professionals. Using these chances, it is often possible to get even a residence permit.
An internship in the USA also varies between qualified and unskilled.
Be careful when choosing a program, as there may not be a second chance to take another internship. Under US law, becoming a member of the program again is almost impossible.
Age limits
An internship in the USA has several types of programs. People of different ages can take part in them. The most common are student programs for students who have completed at least one university course and young professionals who have received their diploma no more than 1 year ago. Age of participants is from 18 to 28 years.
The second option is suitable for those who graduated more than a year ago and have at least one year of work experience in the specialty, which he can confirm. The age of the participant is 20-38 years.
Why choose USA
The United States has long overgrown with an immeasurable amount of myths, which gives this country a halo of strength and power. In the eyes of our compatriots, a professional paid internship in the USA is a sign of a truly strong and educated person. After all, everyone knows that any American business is aimed at profit, legality and adheres to the principles of fair competition. Agree, all this is an invaluable experience, especially when the intern really has to work. And they have to, they get interesting experience, because not a single employer will pay for the training of a specialist without receiving returns.
That is why the doors of many international companies open in front of the participants in their homeland.
Meeting the paragraph on internships in the USA in the resume, the employer will undoubtedly breathe a sigh of relief, because this means that the applicant is fluent in English. And this is exactly today the language of interethnic communication and all international business.
Experience in a multicultural and multinational environment is also an undeniable advantage. In the United States, as nowhere else, they teach that all people are different. Program participants live in conditions that help show the most powerful personal qualities.
Given that the United States is one of the leaders of the global economy, it will be a plus for many employers to invite an employee who knows the entire βkitchenβ of this business from the inside.
Programs
Internship programs are developed by various bodies. Projects sponsored by the US government have a number of conditions. For example, it is mandatory to return to your country at the end of the internship and to stay there for at least two years after.
Therefore, many choose programs sponsored directly by employers. These include "Internship in America for Young Professionals."
This program is intended not only for final year students, but also for those who have already completed their studies in their specialty. The position for each participant is selected taking into account his education and professional experience and interest.
Internships for school graduates have lost their popularity a bit. This is partly due to the fact that the age of majority in our countries varies.
A letter of recommendation for the organization will most often help you organize an intermediary company. To find such a company today is very simple. There are many companies in the market for such services with a good reputation and positive customer reviews. As a rule, an organization with great experience will help you not only find a job, draw up a letter of recommendation, but also help you quickly get a visa, find housing in America, purchase tickets and more. If all of the above actions confuse you, then an intermediary company is what you need.
Visas from Russia
Visas to America for interns are issued in type J. This is a special type of visa for participants in exchange programs.
The cost of a visa is an average of 160 US dollars. Additionally, consular and visa fees may apply. Depending on the nationality of the applicant, the price may vary. For citizens of the Russian Federation, visas can be issued for up to three years.
To obtain a visa it is also necessary to submit a package of documents (application forms, copies and original documents, an invitation to work / study, travel checks, etc.) and go through an interview.
Visas for other states
The procedure for obtaining visas for citizens from other CIS countries is slightly different.
The peculiarity is perhaps the moment that you can sign up for an interview only by providing a receipt for payment of $ 160 from a single bank.
Required documents
A visa to America is not unattainable. Its receipt usually goes quite smoothly, if all the conditions are met thoroughly.
The main document is a questionnaire. You can find a copy and an example of filling on the official website of the embassy or consulate.
In addition to the mandatory, there are a number of documents that can positively affect the decision. In principle, you can attach any documents confirming the purpose of the trip, relations with Russia, previous business or tourist trips abroad, as well as correspondence relating to the planned trip under this exchange program.
It is interesting that you can not print a photo for a visa, it is enough to provide it in electronic form.
A letter of recommendation for the organization included in your case can also be a plus.
How to avoid scammers
Programs are developed by US authorities or employers. Most of the companies organizing internships from the CIS countries are only intermediaries. Therefore, do not be surprised that different companies provide very similar offers.
However, be careful when choosing a company. In order not to get hooked by scammers, pay attention to the presence of a real office. It is advisable to find out if it was removed only a month ago on a short-term rental basis.
There are also decent beginners trying to break into the intermediary market. However, if the company already has experience, feedback from satisfied customers, then this is a big plus. Check reviews not only on the official website of the organization, it is better to chat with real people who used the services of this company. This will help you not only to verify the reality of the intermediary, but also to choose the most convenient form of cooperation for yourself.
Find out if there is any support in force majeure situations. You should be able to contact company representatives from anywhere in the country at any time of the day. It is also better to check this information with the reviews of people who have already participated in the programs.
A prerequisite is the availability of licenses and accreditations. Their authenticity is easy to verify in official registries.
Do not be too lazy to check the arrangements with the host parties. Having learned the names of American partners, it is easy to find information about them.
Travels
Interestingly, almost any internship program involves time for free travel around the country.
You can visit the sights that were previously known only from Hollywood films.
The possibility of travel depends greatly on the region of your stay. But, hand on heart, I must say that in any state there are unique and very interesting places, visiting which, you will proudly and gratefully recall your stay here.