How to Lead in a Global EconomyWhy You Can’t Afford NOT to Hire International Interns

InterExchange, Inc.Career Training USA

Presented by:Larry RothchildBregtje Slofstra

What is an Intern?• What do you think when you hear the word “intern”?• What type of person do you picture?• What types of tasks do you envision an intern completing?• When and for how long does an intern work?

What about an “international” intern?

Do you think the same things?

What IS an “international” intern?•Current university students, recent graduates, and young professionals from outside the U.S. who intern or train with U.S. businesses

•International interns come to the U.S. on a J-1 Visa, which InterExchange Career Training USA is a State Department-designated sponsor

Visas? International staff?

Thinking you can’t hire international interns? Don’t see the benefit?

Think again!

Myth #1: We Can’t Afford It.•No recruiting, screening, application, or sponsorship fees for employers

•Save on benefits and payroll taxes

•Various compensation options: Salary, stipend, housing/transportation allowance, unpaid

Myth #2: Interns Don’t Add Much to the Team•Interns may not perform more than 20% basic/clerical tasks

•Education and/or work experience related to the field of training

•Extremely eager and highly motivated

Myth #3: We Can Just Stick with American Interns•International interns can begin working any day of the year

•Interns can stay up to 12 months and trainees can stay up to 18 months

•Staff at overseas branches can train in U.S. branches

•Groom international students for employment in overseas branches

•Improve communication with international clients

Myth #4: It’s Complicated to Bring Them to the U.S.•Sponsorship for pre-selected candidates—we will handle all of the paperwork

•Thorough recruitment and screening for prospective placement candidates

•24-hour support for participants and employers throughout the entire program

Myth #5: There’s Going to Be a Language Barrier•All candidates are interviewed either by you (self-arranged) or by our placement team

•Most candidates are bilingual and many are multilingual

•Familiar with terminology in field due to current or past education/work experience

•Perfect opportunity for current staff to develop cross-cultural communication skills

Myth #6: We’ll Be Taking Jobs Away from Americans

•Temporary, non-immigrant visa

•Intended for training and cultural exchange—cannot be used for regular work purposes and participants are required to return home

Can I Use Career Training USA?•Training/Internship Placement Plan (DS-7002)

•Employer Identification Number (FEIN)

•Dun & Bradstreet number

•Active workers’ compensation policy

•Evaluations

•Site-visit

•Not a home-based business

•Offer a program in a sponsored field

•Supervisor required onsite for intern/trainee

What Fields Can InterExchange Sponsor?•Business: Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Management, Human Resources, etc.

•Hospitality: Management, Food & Beverage, Culinary, etc.

•Media & Communication: IT, Graphic Design & Communications, Journalism, Publishing, etc.

•Law & Public Administration: Law, Urban Affairs, Public Policy, Non-Profit, etc.

•Math/Science/Industrial Occupations: Engineering, Architecture, Applied Sciences, etc.

What’s the Difference Between an Intern and a Trainee?•Intern:

Currently enrolled in a degree- or professional certificate-granting post-secondary institution outside the U.S. OR

Have graduated from such an institution within 12 months of program start date

•Trainee: A degree or certificate from a post-secondary institution

outside the U.S. and at least one year of related professional experience acquired outside the U.S.

Five years of related professional experience from outside the U.S.

Are There Any Additional Requirements?•18-38 years of age

•Accident & sickness insurance

•May not pursue 2nd jobs in the U.S.

•Must have sufficient funds for entire program

•May not perform manual/unskilled labor—no more than 20% basic/clerical work

•Must work full-time (min. 32 hrs/week)

How Long Does the Process Take?•J-1 Visa Sponsorship:

Application review – 1-2 weeksEmbassy Interview/Departure – Up to one month

•Internship Placement:Internship Approval Process – 1-3 weeksPlacement Process* – 1-3 monthsEmbassy Interview/Departure – Up to one month

*Includes recruiting, pre-screening, application review, & employer interviews

What Do I Do Before My International Intern Arrives?

•Make final arrangements with intern/trainee

•Recommend housing and transportation options to intern/trainee

•Prepare current staff – cultural sensitivity/awareness

•Consider your expectations

•Develop orientation/training plan to welcome intern/trainee to your company

What Happens Once the Program Begins?

•24-hour support from InterExchange

•Ongoing support and supervision of intern

•Interim and final evaluations

•Program extensions

•Recruitment of future interns

An Intern’s Experience

Questions?

Thank you!InterExchange Career Training USA