Host an International Intern or Trainee
Take a step toward a more dynamic workplace by hosting an international Intern or Trainee, supported by ICES J-1 visa sponsor program for American organizations! Experienced host companies say that international Interns and Trainees have a positive impact on morale and productivity in their workplace. As a host company you have the opportunity to both enrich your company culture and have a hand in helping to prepare future international business professionals. Contact ICES to learn more.
GET STARTED
Host an International
Intern or Trainee
In our global economy, every business should consider the importance of adding an international perspective. The ICES Internships and Professional Training programs offer your company the opportunity to do just that by hosting a qualified international Intern or professional Trainee. Our participants are serious about advancing their career goals and also look forward to their American cultural experience. Join the many other U.S. companies that are benefitting significantly by providing training or internships to young international professionals.
Benefits of hosting an Intern or Trainee
Why should your company host an international Intern or Trainee?
- To help strengthen U.S. Foreign Relations by promoting cross-cultural understanding between the American people and people of other countries.
- To increase diversity and to bring a new cultural aspect to the workplace.
- To provide opportunities to improve cross-cultural communication skills.
- To create an international hiring pool if your company has or plans to have international offices.
- To increase knowledge of international markets and clients.
- To build your company’s international credibility, brand, and reputation.
- To give current employees a chance to test and grow their management/leadership skills while they mentor an Intern or Trainee.
- To bring fresh perspective, energy, motivation, and excitement to your team.
Host Company program USA
Business Fields Sponsored
ICES sponsors internships and training opportunities in 6 occupational fields. An ICES representative can help you if you have questions about where your organization would fit.
- Arts and Culture
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Information Media and Communications
- Management, Business, Commerce and Finance
- Public Administration and Law
- The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industrial Occupations
Length of Programs
The Internship program is offered as a 6-month program or a 12-month program.
The Professional Training program is offered as a 6-month, 12-month, or 18-month program, except for the field of Hospitality and Tourism. That field is limited to 12 months for both Interns and Trainees.
Difference between
Intern and Trainee
ICES sponsors both the J-1 Intern program and the J-1 Trainee program.
J-1 Internship Program
The Intern must currently be enrolled full-time in a college or university outside the U.S. They may have graduated but, if that is the case, their U.S. internship must start less than 12 months from their graduation date. Their internship must also be related to their field of study. For the Intern, the program is a bridge between their academic studies and real-life experience in their chosen field.
J-1 Trainee Program
The Trainee is a young professional who has already graduated from a post-secondary school outside the U.S. with a degree or professional certificate. They must also have at least one year’s work experience in their occupational field. A Trainee may also qualify for the program without a degree or certificate, but, in that case, they must have 5 years of work experience in their field. The training position must be related to their occupational field. The international Trainee brings the advantages of education, experience, and the desire for professional growth to their Host Company.
Host Company Requirements
All Host Companies or organizations must meet certain requirements which include:
- Observing all applicable local, state and federal health and labor laws as well as all program rules and regulations.
- Having sufficient resources and trained personnel available.
- Providing continuous supervision and mentoring of the Intern/Trainee.
- Guaranteeing at least 32 hours per week of guided work-based training.
- Creating and carrying out a training plan (DS-7002) tailored to the Intern/Trainee.
- Informing ICES promptly if there are any changes to the training plan or if there are any emergencies of any type involving the Intern or Trainee.
READ MORE PROGRAM FAQs
ICES Requirements as a Sponsor
ICES is a designated sponsoring organization with the U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Program and has been for 3 decades. Sponsors are responsible for selecting qualified participants for the programs as well as monitoring and supporting them throughout their program. Sponsors also have requirements that pertain to qualifying potential Host Companies. These include:
- Conducting an initial site visit for companies or organizations with less than 25 full-time employees or less than $3 million in annual revenue.
- Collecting certain required information including Employer Identification Number and proof of Worker’s Compensation Insurance Policy.
ICES Services
ICES offers these services free of charge to our Host Companies.
- Screening potential applicants and providing you with the top candidates.
- Supporting the Intern or Trainee with obtaining the proper U.S. visa documentation.
- Advising your company on the training plan (DS-7002).
- Ensuring proper health insurance for the Intern or Trainee as part of the ICES program.
- Providing support to your company and the Intern or Trainee throughout the duration of the program.
BECOME A HOST COMPANY – CONTACT ICES