1. Training/Internship program orientation
CENET: Cultural Exchange Network

2. General Information

3. What is CENET? Cultural Exchange Network, your J-1 Visa Sponsor
A non-profit organization dedicated to cultural and international exchange
Located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA
Founded in 1994

4. What is the trainee/intern program?
An exchange visitor program authorized by the Educational & Cultural Affairs Bureau at the U.S. State Department
Offers young people in fields such as business, hospitality, science, engineering, and technology the chance to participate in a structured, professional development program in the United States
A training/internship program, not a work program
Does not allow a second job

5. What is the purpose of the program?
To exchange cultural experiences with other people
To increase skills in your chosen field
To learn how your skill is performed in the U.S.
To learn new ideas and skills you can use in your home country
To improve your chances for a better career
To enhance your English skills

6. What should I expect from the program?
To be treated as an entry level employee
To have a supervisor who will direct your program
To receive periodic evaluations
To rotate through several positions/ departments
To learn and perform specific activities before you progress to a higher level

7. Preparing for Your Stay

8. How do I obtain my visa?
Take the following items to the U.S. Consulate to apply for your J-1 Visa:
DS-2019 form
DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan
Passport
Other supporting documents
You will be interviewed by a consular official. If you are approved, the official will stamp a visa in your passport.
You will then be eligible to come to the U.S. in Exchange Visitor Visa status.

9. How should I prepare? Read your CENET Guidebook
Research your host company & the city/state
Make copies of your documents in case your originals are lost or stolen
Inform your host company of your flight/arrival arrangements
Make arrangements for temporary accommodation for use upon arrival (if necessary)
Have access to U.S. dollars for expenses upon arrival (e.g., transportation, rent/deposit, meals) – Remember, you will need to support yourself until your first paycheck is received!

10. Where will I live? You will most likely live in a shared apartment.
Participants usually locate their own permanent housing after they arrive in the U.S.
Host companies may suggest locations for affordable housing.

11. What will CENET provide?
DS-2019 form and supporting documents for the consular interview
24 hour phone number and emergency support
Administration of your records with the U.S. Government
Negotiation of health insurance
Intervention with the consulate, if needed
Monitoring of your program experience
Assistance with host company or program concerns.

12. What expenses are my responsibility?
U.S. Government fees, including consular and SEVIS fees
Health insurance fees
Round-trip airfare
Food
Housing
Transportation
Personal expenses

13. Arriving in the U.S.

14. How do I report my arrival?
You must contact CENET within 72 hours of arrival in the U.S.
Phone:
Online: – login and select “Arrival Notification”
CENET will then activate your health insurance and your SEVIS record.

15. How do I apply for a Social Security Number?
After you notify CENET of your arrival in the U.S., wait up to 10 days and then apply for your Social Security Number.
Visit to find the nearest Social Security Administration Office.

16. During Your Stay

17. Can I travel during my program?
Holidays and travel are allowed with your host company’s approval.
International travel (even to U.S. territories) requires a travel validation.
To obtain a travel validation, send the following items to CENET:
A letter from your host company approving your travel
Your ORIGINAL DS-2019 form
A pre-paid FedEx/UPS self-addressed shipping envelope
Travel validations are not required for domestic travel.

18. Should I update my contact information?
U.S. State Department regulations require that you inform CENET of any housing address changes.
address changes must also be reported to CENET.

19. When is my insurance valid?
Your health insurance is based on the program duration stated on your DS-2019 form.
However, your health insurance will not be activated until you inform CENET of your arrival.
If you plan to arrive prior to your start date and/or plan to stay for the 30 day grace period at the end of your program, it is best to contact CENET and purchase additional insurance coverage.

20. How do I find a doctor?
You will be able to search for doctors/clinics online using the health insurance provider’s website.
Refer to the insurance information included in your DS-2019 packet for instructions.

21. Where do I find medical care?
Minor medical attention: Visit a doctor’s office or walk-in medical clinic
Emergency medical attention: Visit the nearest hospital emergency room
If you go to the hospital emergency room and it is not a true emergency, you will be charged an additional fee.

22. How do I file an insurance claim?
Take your insurance card, description of coverage, and a claims form with you when you visit a doctor.
After you receive treatment, the doctor or hospital will usually contact the insurance claims administrator and expect payment from them.
In some situations, you may be required to pay for medical care at the time of service.
If this is the case, keep your receipts and contact your insurance provider for reimbursement.

23. Staying in Contact

24. Contact CENET
Contact CENET if you need assistance or have questions during your program.
Phone: