More Information & Downloadable Forms

If you have been accepted to the Intrax Work Travel Program and you have initiated the application process, then you will receive a DS-2019 form and Intrax ID card. Your local representative will guide you through the Embassy interview process. Visit the download section of this website for more information on preparing for your stay in the U.S. 

All successful travelers know that being prepared is one of the most important aspects of a successful travel adventure. One of the best ways to be prepared is research. Research not only helps make you better prepared but it can also save you lots of money and time. The United States is a very big country with a tremendous amount of diversity in its people, climate, geography, etc. It is important that you are prepared for where you are going and what you are going to do.

Modern travelers, like you, have the advantage of the Internet. The Internet provides Work Travel participants with the opportunity to research everything from airfares to housing to cheap travel deals. Search key words like "Virginia Beach" or "Wisconsin Dells." The useful information section provides some helpful websites for general research but it is up to you to search for specific sites relating to your destination.

Another great source of information and good money saving tips are travel guide books. Guide books can be written for specific U.S. states like California or Florida but they can also be more general.  For example there can be a book about the East or West Coast or about National Parks. If you do not wish to purchase a book, it can be helpful to go to your local library.

Finding an affordable place to live is one of the biggest challenges for all participants on the Work Travel Program. In order to assure that you have a place to live, it is important that you make all housing arrangements prior to coming to the U.S. How a participant can secure housing will vary depending on whether he/she is on the Premium or Independent Program.

Participants with Intrax-arranged Jobs

All participants receive resources on securing housing, found in their Compass accounts.  Additional steps sometimes require you to send a housing deposit or complete a housing agreement by a certain date prior to your arrival. Instructions on what you need to do will be supplied in your job offer but it is up to you to take these final steps to secure your accommodation.

Make sure that you pay all required housing deposits and complete all required forms and agreements by the specified deadlines or you risk having no place to live and no job.
 

Why is housing for Intrax-arranged jobs sometimes more expensive than housing I can find myself?

Housing that is arranged in advance is sometimes more expensive than housing you may find independently upon arrival to the U.S. for three main reasons.  The first reason is because it has been arranged in advance. As sometimes occurs when you go on holiday and book accommodation in advance, it may cost more than if you were to wait until after arrival. However, if you wait until you arrive, then you risk the possibility of having nowhere to live. The second reason is because the accommodation is arranged for a short period of time only. For most places in the U.S., in order to obtain the cheapest rate for housing, you must rent for at least one year. Anything less than one year will be more expensive. For instance, staying in a hotel for just one day may cost you $100 but renting a shared room for one month may only cost $400. The third reason is that the housing arranged in advance is more likely to be located in a safe location closer to your employer than less expensive housing.

In certain cases, a Premium participant will be required to take the housing option offered with the Premium job.  They could also be required to remain in those accommodations for the duration of the program unless approval to change is granted. Please consult your job offer for additional information about your individual job, housing requirements and options.

Why, in certain cases, can't I leave the housing that is associated with my Intrax-arranged job?

In order to make sure you have a place to live when you get to the U.S. your employer has often times already paid out of their pocket for a portion or all of your rent in advance. In fact, sometimes your employer has paid more for your rent than they ask you to pay because it is that important for them to have you come work with them and be able to live in safe accommodations. If you leave your housing before your scheduled date your employer may not be able to find another tenant to pay the rent and therefore they will lose all the money that they kindly advanced on your behalf.

Independent Work Travel Participants

Finding temporary housing is a challenge. Housing in the U.S. can be expensive and hard to find. Some useful tips on how to secure housing are provided in your Participant Handbook and in the Housing Resources document, both of which are found in your Compass account.

Enter travel information into Compass right away so that your employer can track your arrival.  Failure to do this could result in job cancellation for Premium participants.

You should directly inform your employer of your travel plans if you are an "Independent" participant, but you can remind your employee that they too have access to Compass (http://icd.intraxinc.com/hcr/ext/login.action - for employers only).

You can arrive 2 weeks prior to the start date on your DS-2019 form but you cannot start working until the start date on your DS-2019 form. If you do choose to arrive early, please make sure that you have secured housing for the early arrival date.

As all experienced travelers can tell you, packing is always one of the biggest challenges - what to bring and what to leave behind? It is also important to decide what you should pack in your luggage and what you should carry on the plane. Before you do anything, however, make copies of all your important documents. Take the originals on the plane, pack one copy in your luggage and leave one with a family member at home. You might even consider emailing copies to yourself.

Why do I need to make copies of my important documents?

Every year thousands of participants come to the U.S. and every year hundreds of participants lose their documents or some even less fortunate have their documents stolen. Those participants who have made copies of their documents and kept those copies in a safe place are able to replace them in half the time as compared those who do not. So, if you want to be able to replace your lost or stolen passport in time to take that trip to Mexico or to go home, it is important that you make copies of all your documents.

Use the Important Document Checklist to make sure you have made the right copies and packed all of your important documents and emergency money. If your passport is less than one year old, then you must bring another form of identification, like a National Identification Card, your original birth certificate or an expired passport.

There have been many changes in the U.S. and the Work Travel Program in the last few years. Some of these changes you may have already heard from other participants such as delays in getting a Social Security number or difficulty finding a second job. Because of these changes it is important that you bring at least $1000 with you. This $1000 should not be used to pay for a bus or plane ticket to your final destination nor should it be used to pay for any housing deposits. This $1000 is to make sure you will be able to pay for your food and rent while you wait for your first paycheck. If you do not bring $1000, then you risk running out of money and needing to return home because of insufficient funds.

If you still need additional funds, then your family will need to wire money to you which can be expensive and time consuming.

Why do I have to bring so much money if I am going to earn money when I get there?

Due to delays in obtaining Social Security numbers, some participants have waited up to 12 weeks to get paid. This means that some of those participants had to pay rent and food for 3 months before getting their first paycheck. Other participants have had difficulties finding second jobs and therefore they need the $1000 to supplement their wages and to help pay for rent and food. Intrax Work Travel cannot loan money. It is important that you are well prepared and able to support yourself regardless of what delays may occur.

Preparing an American-Style Resume

American resumes follow a specific format. If your resume does not follow a format that the hiring manager is used to, then he or she may view it as poorly prepared. Even the best resume or CV in your country may not be appropriate for an employer here, just as an American resume may need to be changed for an employer in a different country.

Structure and Content of a Resume

Below are some suggestions for creating an American-style resume:

• Limit the length of your resume to one page, single-sided.
• Create your resume on 8.5 x 11 inch paper with 0.5 - 1 inch margins on all sides. This is the standard size for an American resume. If you are sending your resume via post, print it on quality paper that is the same color as your cover letter.
• Do not include personal information such as age, gender, height, weight, marital status, photos, etc. It is illegal for U.S. employers to make employment decisions based on certain attributes or preferences of applicants. If you share this kind of information in your resume, you may actually discourage an employer from contacting you out of fear of future legal problems.
• The names of post-secondary schools and companies should be written in your native language, while everything else should be written in English.
• Do not use abbreviations.
• Align text with tabs instead of spaces to ensure that all formatting remains consistent.
• Order your education and work experience chronologically with the most recent at the top.
• Educational experience should include the name of all post-secondary institutions attended, the degree or certificate received, the dates of attendance, and any honors or awards that you received. You may also briefly mention specific courses or projects that you completed if they are relevant to the requirements of the position for which you are applying.
• For your work and volunteer experience, list the company or organization name and location on the first line. On the second line, list your title and department (if applicable). On the following lines, use action verbs to briefly describe your duties and accomplishments.
• Include a short section at the end of your resume that includes a description of any special skills you have such as knowledge of computer programs and foreign languages.
• Spell check the resume at least two times, using an English spell check program. Once you have completed your own edits and corrections, have someone else review your resume for mistakes.
• Save your resume as both Microsoft Word and text only formats, as some employers and job sites accept only one of these. If you have the ability to save your resume as a PDF, this can be a better format to use when sending email attachments because compatibility issues can sometimes arise with other file types.

Remember that your resume is a reflection of you. It is a picture of your skills and experience, and can determine whether or not a company will interview you. It is important to have a well formatted document as well as one that is highly informative.

Tailoring Your Resume to the Job

When you are responding to a job announcement, it is a good idea to make your resume specific to the position you are seeking. To do this, present your educational and professional experience in a way that matches the requirements and duties of the position.

For example, if an announcement states that the applicant should be familiar with budgeting principles, then you may want to include descriptions of any projects you completed in school or your job that related to managing expenses, conducting financial analysis, or using accounting software and/or spreadsheets.

If you are applying for multiple positions at the same company, adjust your resume slightly for each position so that the employer can see that you have read the job descriptions closely and that you understand the differences between the positions

Your cover letter is another important place to draw attention to any specific experience or preparation that makes you qualified for the position you want.

Sample Resumes

Below are links to some sample resumes that are targeted to different industries and follow the recommendations outlined above:

• Sample Resume 1 - Hospitality
• Sample Resume 2 - Advertising
• Sample Resume 3 - International Trade
• Sample Resume 4 - Finance

Writing an Effective Cover Letter

While a resume gives a clear picture of your education and your past experience, a cover letter should give a more personal and specific view of your background, strengths and goals.

Your cover letter should help explain exactly why you are perfect for the position. It should highlight key points from your resume, but not repeat any part of your resume word for word. And since it is typically the first document read by a prospective hiring manager, it should be interesting enough to make him or her want to read your resume.

Below are some suggestions for writing an effective cover letter:

• Whenever possible, address your letter to an individual and include his or her title and address. If you don't know who the recipient is, address the letter generally to "Hiring Manager," followed by the company name.
• Write your cover letter on 8.5 x 11 inch paper with 1 inch margins on all sides. If you are sending your cover letter via post, it should be printed on quality paper that is the same color as your resume.
• Make sure your English is proper, your sentences are complete and your spelling is accurate.
• Each paragraph should contain an introductory sentence, a closing sentence, and 1 to 3 supporting sentences in between.
• Insert a blank line between each paragraph, but do not indent the first line of the paragraphs.
• Mention your education, any experience you have that is relevant to the position (even if it is not on your resume), personal strengths (i.e. hard worker, organized, cooperative), and skills that specifically relate to the position. You can also include personal goals, goals for the job (what you hope to learn), and long-term career goals.
• Spell check the cover letter at least two times, using an English spell check program. Once you have completed your own edits and corrections, have someone else review your letter for mistakes.

Sample Cover Letters

Below are links to some sample cover letters that are targeted to different industries and follow the recommendations outlined above:

• Sample Cover Letter 1 - Hospitality
• Sample Cover Letter 2 - Finance
• Sample Cover Letter 3 - Advertising
• Sample Cover Letter 4 - International Trade

Well it took a lot of hard work but you finally made it, you are about to leave for the U.S. and start your Work Travel adventure. There are still some important steps you must take to ensure your successful entry through U.S. Immigration.

Speaking to an Immigration Officer in any country can make anyone a little anxious but the more prepared you are the better off you will be. The Immigration Officer will ask you questions - be sure to answer them accurately and truthfully. You will also need to present the following documents to the U.S. Immigration Officer:

• 1-94 Card (Arrival and Departure Record)
• DS-2019 form
• Passport with valid J-1 visa

What is "U.S. Visit"?

Upon entering the U.S., foreign visitors have their two index fingers scanned and a digital photo taken to match and authenticate their travel documents at the port of entry. Also, upon exiting from the U.S., visitors must "check out" at one of the U.S. Visit kiosks located in the international terminal.

While onboard the airplane to the U.S., you will be given an I-94 Card (a small white card also known as the Arrival and Departure Record). Complete the I-94 Card according to the example given here.

When you go through U.S. Immigration you will have to provide the following documents to the Immigration Officer:

• I-94 - which will be stamped, ripped, then stapled to your passport
• Passport - which will be stamped
• DS-2019 form - which will be stamped

Make sure that you receive all three documents back before you proceed to U.S. Customs.

Be sure to keep your copy of the I-94 card safe and make copies as soon as possible. You will need this card during your stay when you apply for your Social Security card. You will also need to provide it to the Immigration Officials when you leave the U.S. as proof that you did not overstay. If you lose your I-94 card, it is difficult and time-consuming to replace.

Once you have collected your baggage and passed through U.S. Immigration and Customs you will exit the airport and your adventure as an "Exchange Visitor" on the Work Travel Program begins.

Every participant on the Work Travel Program is required to report their arrival to Intrax Work Travel once they arrive. This process is called the "Check-In." In order to assist you with this process, we offer an online Check-In form  built into your Compass account (http://icd.intraxinc.com/pxr/ext/login.action). This is the fastest and easiest way for you to let us know that you have arrived in the U.S. so that we can register you with SEVIS. Within three days of your arrival to the U.S. come back and visit any page of the current participant section of this site. At the top right-hand corner you will find a link to the Check-In form. You must complete all required fields of the form. Failure to complete all the fields will result in an incomplete Check-In. An incomplete Check-In form can result in No Show status in SEVIS and needing to return home.

If for any reason you are unable to check in online within three days of arrival, you must call Intrax through our toll free number, 1-888-224-0450, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM PST to check in.

What if I don't check-in within 3 days of arrival?

Failure to check in within 3 days of arrival, online or by calling Intrax Work Travel during the designated hours, will result in No Show status.

Participants in the Work and Travel program as well as other exchange programs have occasionally experienced very long delays in obtaining their Social Security numbers. Some participants have waited up to 12 weeks. Although you must apply for a Social Security Card before you begin work, you must keep in mind that your employer may not be able to pay you until you receive your Social Security number.

To apply for a Social Security Card, take the following items and visit your local Social Security office:

• Social Security Application* - see sample
• The letter from Intrax Work Travel to the Social Security Administration
• DS-2019 form
• Passport with your J-1 Visa
• I-94 card
• A copy of your job offer
• Additional identification documents if your passport is less than one year old

To find the Social Security office nearest you:

• Look in the telephone book under "Social Security Administration"
• Visit www.ssa.gov
• Call 1-800-772-1213 (Toll free)
• Or reference your job offer

Social Security offices are not usually found in smaller cities. You may have to apply for your Social Security card prior to reaching your final destination.

If the Social Security Administration is NOT able to verify your status, make sure that you request an official certificate/receipt or an official letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your attempt to apply for a Social Security Card. This notice will serve as proof that you attempted to apply for your Social Security card and should be shown to your employer before beginning work.

Once you receive your Social Security number you must report this number to your employer immediately. If you fail to report your Social Security number to your employer, then you will have difficulty filing your tax return documentation. If you leave your place of employment after receiving a paycheck, but before receiving your Social Security number, then you are still required to report your Social Security number to your former employer. After showing your Social Security Card to your employer you should keep it in a safe place, as it is hard to get a replacement card. You should also be sure to bring your Social Security Card home with you in order to file taxes.

Will my employer pay me without a Social Security number?

Whether or not you will be paid prior to receiving your Social Security number depends on the employer. Although employers can legally pay you if you can show proof of applying for your Social Security Card, some employers do not feel comfortable doing this or they have computerized payroll systems that do not enable them to pay you without a Social Security number. There are also some employers who will not even allow you to work until you obtain your Social Security Card. This is why you must be prepared with at least $1000 and/or access to additional funds for up to 12 weeks.

When you arrive at your job your employer will ask you to complete two important tax documents, the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form and the W-4 Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate. Both forms should be completed according to the examples provided here.

• Sample I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form
• Sample W-4 Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate

If you do not complete your W-4 form correctly, then you may have to pay more taxes in the future. To ensure that this is not the case, please refer to the instructions below:

• Line 3: Check only "Single" marital status (regardless of whether you are married or divorced)
• Line 5: Claim only one (1) withholding
• Line 6: Write "Nonresident Alien" or "NRA" above the dotted line
• Line 7: Leave blank (Do not claim "Exempt" withholding)

Be sure to indicate your permanent address in your home country when completing the W-4 form. This will ensure that your employer has the correct address to send your W-2 Statement of Earnings at the end of the year. If your employer insists that you complete your W-4 using a U.S. address, be sure to also give them your permanent home address for their records, so that your final paycheck and tax documents can be mailed to you directly.

Do I have to have additional money taken out of my paycheck?

In general, employers are required to withhold Federal Income Taxes on wages of Nonresident Aliens. An additional amount must be withheld and depends on pay period. For amounts and additional information, refer your employer to www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p15.pdf. As with the other tax deductions, these withholdings may be returned to you when you file for a tax refund at the end of the tax year. If you do not take this additional amount out of your paycheck, then you may end up owing the U.S. government money when you file your taxes.

Paying your taxes

Like everyone else who works in the U.S., you too have to pay your taxes BUT you do not have to pay all of them. It is up to you to inform your employer of which taxes you should and should not pay. Check your Participant Handbook for the list of taxes you should pay.

Filing your taxes

One reason you should file your tax return is because for most participants it means getting some money back from the U.S. government. A second reason for filing your tax return is because it is the LAW. Failure to file your taxes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the federal agency responsible for collecting taxes, could affect your ability to re-enter the U.S. in the future.

You must file two tax forms:

• State and City forms - The State and City Income Tax forms are different for each location which is why we recommend obtaining all forms before you depart if you plan on filing out your own.
• Federal Form - The Federal Income Tax form is the same for each participant. This form is called the 1040NR-EZ, which is specifically for non-resident aliens earning less than $100,000 per year.

All forms are available from banks and post offices in the U.S. or on the Internet at www.irs.gov. Although it is recommended that you obtain all necessary tax forms from the responsible agency (Federal Government, State Government or City Authority) or from your employer before leaving the U.S., federal tax forms can be obtained at the U.S. Embassy in your home country.

Check your participant handbook for more information about filing taxes.

If you have purchased insurance through Intrax (you can verify this in your Compass account under “HELP & DOCS > INSURANCE”), then your insurance will be activated once you complete the Intrax Work Travel check-in procedure.

Health insurance coverage will apply from the U.S. Arrival Date through the SEVIS End Date (program end date).

While in good standing with the Work Travel Program, you have accident and medical insurance as described in the medical coverage brochure in your Compass account. Make sure that you review details on coverage and claims procedures. Insurance provided on this program represents the minimum amount of accident and medical insurance that you are required to have as a participant on the J-1 Work Travel Program and purchasing supplemental insurance is recommended.

Refer to the medical coverage brochure in your Compass account for exclusions and information on how to process claims.

Medical insurance does not cover most dental claims and will not cover you in a car accident if you are the driver. We strongly advise that you purchase supplemental insurance prior to your departure from your home country. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Non-Emergency

If you need to see a doctor but it is not an emergency you should:

• Check the insurance company’s website or call your insurance company for a recommendation of a medical facility nearest you
• Receive Treatment
• Pay Medical Bill (In many cases you will have to pay the doctor first)
• Save receipts and records
• File a claim with your insurance company
• Wait for the reimbursement decision

If you are going to see a doctor for a non-emergency medical problem, check your health insurance policy to make sure that the type of treatment you seek is covered. For example, most international health insurance policies limit coverage for pre-existing medical conditions and do not cover things such as general check-ups or sexually transmitted diseases. Check the list of exclusions before arriving in the U.S.

Emergency

If you need emergency care, go immediately to the nearest emergency room or urgent care center. If you are unable to take yourself to the emergency room or urgent care center, dial 911 immediately for assistance.

Extending your Medical Insurance Coverage

Many students choose to stay up to 30 additional days in the U.S. after they have finished working. It is required that all Work Travel participants have health insurance throughout their stay. Therefore, it is the participant's responsibility to contact Intrax Work Travel to extend insurance coverage. An additional four weeks of medical insurance can be purchased from Intrax Work Travel. This purchase must be made before the program end date (also called SEVIS End Date and listed on your DS-2019 form). As a reminder, you should not miss university classes for the purpose of the program.
 

The first thing to do in the event of an emergency is dial 911 from the nearest phone. The people who will answer your phone call are trained professionals in dealing with emergencies. Make sure you answer all their questions clearly and carefully. Speak slowly and make sure you stay on the line until they tell you it is ok to hang up.

1-888-224-0450 - Intrax Work Travel 24-Hour Toll Free Telephone

In the event of a serious emergency, after calling 911, you should call Intrax Work Travel on the 24-hour toll free line, 1-888-224-0450. If you have an emergency outside of our business hours, which are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM, you should call 24-hour toll free telephone number. If you do not have an emergency, you should call us during normal business hours.

To help you determine what is and is not an emergency we have included this helpful list below:

Emergency

• If you are seriously ill or have been injured
• If you are the victim of a serious or violent crime
• If you have been arrested or detained

Not an Emergency (something to call about during business hours, answered in your Compass account Downloads section, or that can be communicationed via iwsupport@intraxinc.com)

• Lost or stolen DS-2019, passport or other important documents
• Loss of passport - contact your home country's consulate in the U.S. for a replacement
• Housing concerns (dissatisfaction with housing, rent/deposit disputes, condition of housing, etc.)
• General information about job or housing
• Basic legal information and advice for procedures and contacts
• Victim of theft or a non-violent crime (lost valuables, luggage, etc.)
• Employer/Employee concerns (tax questions, final paycheck, scheduling, etc.)
• Social Security and tax problems
• Forwarding your Social Security Card or W-2 form
• Basic travel during your program
• Medical insurance Inquires - contact insurance company directly
• Change of flight - contact the airline company directly
• Delay with Social Security Card - call the toll free number for Social Security

Grace Period

At the end of your program you are permitted to remain in the U.S. for 30 days beyond the dates listed on your DS-2019 form. This period is often referred to as the "grace period" and is meant to give you the opportunity to pack up, close your affairs and travel a bit. During this time you are not allowed to continue working nor are you allowed to travel outside of and re-enter the U.S. Should you have questions about the grace period do not hesitate to contact Intrax Work Travel during normal office hours.

Can I travel outside of the U.S. during my Work Travel Program?

Yes, you can travel outside of the U.S. during the Work Travel Program but you will need to follow some Intrax policies. Most importantly, make sure that you have a multiple entry visa that will allow you to re-enter the U.S. and continue with your program (a multiple entry visa is indicated by the letter "M" under "type" on your visa). You will need to download your Travel Validation Form from Compass, which you will need to print, complete and mail to Intrax along with your DS-2019 form at least two weeks prior to your intended travel date. An Intrax representative will sign the DS-2019 form and return it to you prior to your travel.

Expectations

If your intention for participating in the Work Travel Program is primarily to make money, then you could be disappointed and your experience would not be a success.  If your intention is to come ot the U.S. with an open mind and have an exciting adventure full of challenges and new experiences, then your time in the U.S. will be a success and you will be all the richer for it. 

The American Workplace

Employers have certain expectations when they offer you a job. They have a business to run and you are an important part of their operation. When you accept a job, you are making a commitment, and it is important for you to act responsibly. Below are a few things to keep in mind.

Expectations: If you tell an employer you will work until a certain date, keep your promise.
Types of Jobs: The types of jobs you will be doing on the J-1 Work and Travel program are generally seasonal, temporary jobs. Seasonal, temporary jobs tend to be more physically challenging than mentally challenging.
Attitude: You should always have an open mind and positive attitude about your job and your coworkers.
Hierarchy: Supervisors may share personal information that you would normally share only with close friends, and may allow you to call them by their first name. Socializing on the job is common, and your boss will often join in. Despite any friendliness, you are always expected to do your job and act appropriately.
Time: Being on time is essential, and showing up earlier than expected is even an advantage, as it makes a good impression on your employer.
Dress and Behavior: Many positions require uniforms or have a specific dress code. If you arrive and are still not sure about the appropriate attire for your job, look at how other coworkers dress to see what they are wearing or simply ask your employer.
Rights and Responsibilities at Work: As a temporary employee, you have the same rights as any of your co-workers. You do not have any extra benefits.
Wages: The law states that you must be paid wages to date if you quit work. The law also regulates the minimum amount of money you can be paid and the number of hours you should work.
Your Paycheck and Pay Stub: There is no maximum amount of money you can earn. You will most likely be paid once every two weeks - check with your employer.
Drug Testing: Some employers require that all employees be screened for drug use prior to starting their position.
Customer Service: As most J-1 Work and Travel participants are working with the public it is necessary that you have a pleasant manner and good customer service at all times.
Loss of Employment: You could be laid off (lose your job because business is slow) for any number of reasons, which may not reflect on your own performance at that job.

American People

You will find many ethnic neighborhoods and concentrations of immigrant groups, all of whom retain their own customs and social traditions. However, almost everyone merges into the American mainstream in some aspect of life, although they may keep many of their own ethnic customs socially and at home.

Pace: When you arrive in the U.S., it may at first seem like everyone is in a rush. Although this may appear to you to be rude, do not take it personally.
Openness: America is not a nation of fences, hedges, walls, and gates. Spaces are often open and it often surprises foreigners to find a lack of desire for certain kinds of privacy.
Silence: Many Americans find silence uncomfortable. They like to fill any silence if it extends for more than a moment.
Time: Americans treat time as a commodity, and you will find that they will waste it, budget it, save it, and seek to use it up.

Culture Shock

For almost everyone, adjusting to a new society is an exciting, and sometimes challenging process. "Culture shock" can be difficult to deal with at times, but this is a perfectly normal reaction, as you have been taken from your familiar environment and placed in a new setting.

Make an effort to make American and international friends. Be as open and friendly as possible in order to meet new people. If this is not your usual personality, challenge yourself. You are bound to benefit from the effort. Try to actively participate in the conversations, even if you don't feel 100% comfortable with your language skills; practicing with native speakers will help you improve your English and make new friends along the way. Cross-cultural conversations are one of the great benefits of the program - your nationality can be a real advantage.

Money

Living on a Budget: Plan to bring at least enough money to live for one month (approximately $1,000 USD) with you on the airplane.
Banking: Open a bank account as soon as possible.
Currency: The basic unit of U.S. currency is the U.S. Dollar ($1.00). Coins are in the value of 1 cent (one cent or a penny), 5 cents (a nickel), 10 cents (a dime), 25 cents (a quarter), and 50 cents (a half dollar).
Credit Cards: Be careful about overspending as you will have to pay your debts. We suggest that you secure an international credit card before you arrive in the U.S.
Traveler's Checks: Traveler's checks are perhaps the most convenient and safest way to finance your travel.
Sales Tax: Sales taxes vary from state to state and from region to region, all between 3% and 9%.
Tipping: Americans generally tip the server 15% to 20% of the price of the meal. The same practice applies to bartenders, taxi drivers, hair stylists, and other service industry individuals.

Communication - Staying in Touch

Email: There are many Internet cafes or places of employment that have Internet connections. Many public libraries also have Internet access free of charge but they often have a time limit.
Telephones: Pay phones differ across regions of the U.S. and the dialing procedure depends on the local telephone company.
Phoning Home: Let your family know you are safe, and keep them updated on your activities.
Calling Cards: Pre-paid calling cards are generally the cheapest way of making long-distance calls from a local payphone.
Intrax Ekit Global Phonecard: Visit www.intrax.ekit.com for more information.
Mail: Mail within the country usually takes between one day and one week to arrive; to northern Europe, and Central and South America, one week to 10 days; to southern Europe, one to two weeks; to Eastern Europe, two to three weeks; to Asia and South East Asia 10 to 14 days, and to Jamaica, approximately two weeks.

Safety and the Law

Avoiding Trouble: Even though you are a visitor, the law still applies to you. You must respect local laws, just as you do at home.
Problems to Avoid: Shoplifting, underage drinking (the legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21), drinking alcohol in public places, selling alcohol or tobacco to minors (21 is the legal age for buying alcohol; 18 is the legal age for buying tobacco), drug possession (including marijuana), disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct (talking back aggressively to the police, etc.), destruction of property, bouncing checks (writing checks from your account that are not covered by money in the account).
Drugs: Illegal possession of controlled substances (drugs) in the U.S. is subject to prosecution by law.
Sex: While it is your personal business whether to be sexually active and with whom, please act responsibly, sensibly and, above all, safely should you be sexually active.
Alcohol: The legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21 years.
Smoking: As part of an intense anti-smoking campaign in the U.S., tough measures provide a smoke-free environment in many restaurants and public areas.
Local Law Enforcement: Unlike most countries, laws in the U.S. vary from state-to-state and even city-to-city. It is important to become familiar with and obey the local laws in the town or city where you are living to avoid any potential legal difficulties.
Hitchhiking: Hitchhiking is strongly discouraged. It is illegal to hitchhike on any interstate highways and on any other type of heavily trafficked road.

Transportation

Air: The quickest way to travel in the U.S. is by air. Check the Internet for the latest and lowest airline fares.
Bus: Bus travel is an inexpensive and popular way to travel around the U.S. The major bus companies can help you connect to local bus transportation to reach even remote towns.
Train: Amtrak, the national railroad (railway), offers a rail pass similar to Europe's Inter-rail pass. The USAA. Rail Pass is valid for either 15 or 30 days.
Notice Boards (Carpool Notices): Most colleges, universities, and youth hostels have a bulletin board in the student union or common area for notices of rides wanted/rides offered.
Tours: Organized tours can be a great way of traveling if you are on your own or if time is limited.
Car: You must have a valid driver's license from your home country in order to drive in the U.S. You will also need an International Driver's License, available in your home country from motoring organizations.

• Participant Handbook
• Exchange Visitor Program Welcome Brochure
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Information
  
• Social Security Form & Instructions
• Social Security Letter
• Tax Return Form & Instructions
• Travel Validation Request Form
• Participant DS2019 Replacement Request Form
• Participant Insurance Information:
  1. If you arrived in the U.S. on the summer work travel program, on or before December 31, 2010, view information on your insurance coverage through USI Travel Insurance Services.
  2. If you arrived in the U.S. on the summer work travel program, on or after January 1, 2011, view information on your insurance coverage through AVI Insurance.