The internship program is a one year program for students and recent graduates that lies in the Exchange Visitor Program of the United States of America. It is a holistic program which helps fresh graduates experience the professional work environment in an American landscape ( a good rapport for your CV perhaps )! To be eligible for a internship, an international participant must have been sponsored by a registered sponsor. To know more about potential sponsors in a select field, contact us.
WorkStudy is particularly confident in hospitality and culinary programs in the internship programs. If you are interested, we can help you find potential sponsors and also help you connect with host companies in the USA. Sponsor companies are important since they are responsible for providing you with the DS-2019 form. We will guide you through the process, and we will remain in contact with you during your stay in the US.
We will also host mock interviews for you, which are required between you and the host company ( They usually test your English Competence and your reason for applying for the program ). Don’t worry, we will give you a more thorough info about the whole process if you wish to apply for the programs with us.
Eligibility Requirements
- The applicant should be currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a foreign degree or certificate-granting post secondary academic institution outside the US and who enters the United States to participate in a structured and guided work-based internship program in his/her specific academic field OR;
- Should have graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to their exchange visitor program begin date and who enters the United States to participate in a structured and guided work-based internship program in his/her specific academic field.
In accordance with U.S. Department of State regulations, all participants are required to have appropriate travel health insurance coverage throughout their entire stay in the U.S. These coverages are discussed with the sponsor organizations or the host company after you apply for the programs.
What is the DS-2019 form?
The DS-2019 form is a legal document that designated sponsors issue to potential exchange visitors which is necessary for them to apply for their J-1 visa. Once you have been approved to participate in a program, you will be issued the DS-2019 form and you will be allowed to apply for your J-1 visa stamp at the American Embassy or consulate in your home country.
What are Host Organizations?
Host organizations are organizations that have been approved to host exchange visitors and have agreed to provide adequate training in the exchange visitor’s career path. Intern opportunities for exchange visitors are approved based on the available training offered by the host organization and the exchange visitor’s educational and professional background.
Be careful, an exchange visitor who engages in unauthorized employment (employment outside of their assigned host employer) will be in violation of the program status and is subject to program termination and would be required to return to their home country.
Overall, the internship program is a really beneficial path to take after you graduate, especially since it gives you insight on your field of work and helps you understand your potential career path. If you want to know more about how internships benefit you, we recommend you read this article.
