Internships in the US Commission for Educational Exchange Between the United States of America, Belgium

What is an Internship in the United States? The Department’s goal in creating the program was to provide a ‘true learning experience’ for international students that will ‘reinforce their academic study’, that is ‘an integral part of [their] ongoing education’, that will enhance their skills ‘through exposure to American techniques, methodologies, and expertise.’

An intern must be a foreign national who is: (a) currently pursuing a degree outside the US (b) Has graduated within 1 year of start date (c) Maximum 1 year (d) Minimum 32 hours/week Internships

Where to begin… Search websites by location, industry, job function, time of year and keyword. Speak with anyone with US contacts, especially in your fields of interest. Meet with these individuals for advice about your internship search.

Logistics Internships can be paid or unpaid. Academic credit is a possibility Could cost between USD to secure a visa – Negotiate covering cost of visa by employer Develop expectations AHEAD of time

Start early! Follow instructions Adapt your CV/cover letter Americanize Addressed properly Remember who you contacted and when Multiple languages Tips

What is a DS-2019 form? DS-2019 Form is a Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status that must be obtained through one of the sponsor organizations approved by the Department of State or by a US university Sponsor organizations

What is the DS-2019 form? Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status that must be obtained through one of the sponsor organizations approved by the Department of State or by a US university To Find a visa sponsor go to the ECA website to obtain your DS-2019 form How to pick a sponsor?

What is the SEVIS fee and how can I pay it? SEVIS is a nationwide registration program for international visitors in the US. The SEVIS fee is used to register J-1 Visa applicants (among others) in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). It is a web-based program for maintaining information on international students and exchange visitors and their dependents in the United States. Cost: 180 USD for J visas

Instructions after you have a DS-2019 form Be sure to have all basic requirements a general visa apphttp://belgium.usembassy.gov/applying.html. Check to see that you have the requirements for a J visa: ( Original, signed DS-2019 Form SEVIS fee payment receipt DS-158 (online application) DS-7002 (Training/Internship Placement Plan) Proof of financial support Call to set up an appointment at the US embassy in Brussels. Have your credit card ready as the call will cost 15 Euros

Additional Resources on Internships Yale University Career Services Website: Mount Holyoke College Career Services Website: For more information about internships: ment_Internships.htm ment_Internships.htm