Below we are trying to list the most common questions and answers. If you have any additional questions, please ask your main contact.

What are the US government’s program goals or why is this program being offered in the first place?
The program primary objectives are to enhance the skills and expertise of exchange visitors in their academic or occupational fields through participation in structured and guided work-based training and internship programs and to improve participants’ knowledge of American techniques, methodologies, and expertise. Such training and internship programs are also intended to increase participants’ understanding of American culture and society and to enhance Americans’ knowledge of foreign cultures and skills through an open interchange of ideas between participants and their American associates.
Participants will build partnerships, promote mutual understanding, and develop networks for relationships that will last through generations as these foreign nationals move into leadership roles in a broad range of occupational fields in their own societies. These results are closely tied to the goals, themes, and spirit of the Fulbright-Hays Act. A key goal of the Fulbright-Hays Act, which authorizes these programs, is that participants will return to their home countries and share their experiences with their countrymen.
The program must not be used as substitutes for ordinary employment or work purposes; nor may they be used under any circumstances to displace American workers. The requirements in these regulations for trainees are designed to distinguish between bona fide training, which is permitted, and merely gaining additional work experience, which is not permitted. The requirements in these regulations for interns are designed to distinguish between a period of work-based learning in the intern’s academic field, which is permitted, and unskilled labor, which is not.

Why does a US employer offer a Trainee position to a student or young professional from another country?
That depends on the industry, location, Human Recourse person and managers. In certain industries it is more complicated than in others to find suitable employees for their open position(s). For example the Hospitality industry has in certain locations difficulties finding qualified staff locally. As normal salaries in the Hospitality industry are not very high for US standards, less people might be willing to apply for certain open positions. Additionally, if a hotel is located outside a bigger city there might be less qualified workforce available in the first place. It is also quite common in the US to hire and fire people from one day to another. That the Trainee is committed (and restricted) to be at the employer for at least 6 or 12 months is a benefit the employer likes about the program. Employers also like that Trainees often speak different languages and have a higher level of enthusiasm. That is especially important for a hotel for example.

Where are Trainee positions offered?
We think that at least 70-80% of all Trainee positions are offered in the Hospitality industry. That means if you are seeking a Trainee position outside the Hospitality industry, it will be much harder or even impossible to find you a Trainee position. Please contact us for more details at TraineeProgramUSA@gmail.com

Who do you think is the ideal Trainee candidate?
That is a person that is open to experience something very different from what he/she knows. Do not go because of other reasons than a strong interest to experience a life outside your home country. Have low expectations as Trainee reality can be very “normal”. Do not think you will be treated differently. Be open and flexible for new things. Have the employer and your Trainee experience come first. Give 150% and take opportunities as they come along. Say “YES” to what the employer and staff is asking you for. Do not think your DS form (Training plan) is a contract. Do not demand that the employer has to follow the Training plan 100%. Have a previous travel experience (Going to another country for the first time alone is already something quite challenging). Be independent and able to solve problems by yourself. Be responsible towards your employer, co-workers, housing arrangement and new friends. Have a strong will to make American friends. Do not expect to make a lot of money and/or extra money. See the Trainee program as an "educational program" instead of a working program. Do not expect to have a lot of time to travel (You will have 4 weeks after the Trainee program ends). Do not have intentions to overstay in the US. Do not expect to be placed right away (it can take easily 6-12 months). Be ready to pay for the program, travel arrangements, accommodation, food, entertainment, a car and travel time after the program is over. Additional information at this link ::view:: 

When I finish my Trainee program can I participate again in the Trainee program?
Yes. Since 2007, Trainees can participate again (before you could do this only once in your life) if they leave the US for two years after their successful completion of the Trainee program. It is also important that the new Training period will teach the Trainee candidate NEW skills.
Following example scenario might be arranged: You are a Hospitality or Tourism student in the 4th semester (Example: You need in total 8 semesters to get your degree). Now you put your studies “on hold” for 6 or 12 months and come to the US for 6 or 12 months to receive Training in for example the Housekeeping department. After this period, you return to your home country and continue your studies for example two semesters. Now you put again your studies “on hold” for 6 or 12 months and come again to the US to receive a second Training but this time for example in the Food & Beverage department (during each different training period you need to learn new skills). After this period, you return and finish your studies in graduating. Now you come for another 6 or 12 months period and receive your third Training in for example the Front office department. If you follow a plan like this, you will be very well prepared for a good career in the Hospitality area as you were trained in all important areas of the hotel.

Why should I (Trainee) purchase YOUR services?
Like many other companies in the educational business, we offer services that should enable you to successfully secure a "good" Trainee position and to get your J-1 Trainee visa granted. Additionally, we support you in starting your life in the US in the most straightforward way in securing permanent accommodation. Being informed and prepared about the US reality is your key to a successful participation for the entire duration of the program. We believe we provide very honest and detailed information as we are personally involved with every of our Trainee candidates. We do not place a very large number of Trainees, which enables us to dedicate ourselves to the needs of our Trainee candidates and employers. The result is a very effective communication and the ability to support each party fast when needed. We believe that this makes us unique in the business. Now it is up to you to test our expertise before deciding on a final program provider. We welcome your questions and wishes at anytime. Please send us an email to TraineeProgramUSA@gmail.com

What are the employer’s requirements to be able to receive a Trainee?
It is very important that the employer is able to offer you a Training period where you will learn NEW skills. You need to have at least 3 phases and you can not stay in one single function for the entire time. Besides this the US sponsor says that an employer should have at least 25 employees and/or a revenue of at least US$ 3 Million per year. If you find a good employer who does not fit this two requests, please contact us and we will try to see if the US sponsor could visit them to verify their quality to be a Trainee site.

Can I try to find a Trainee position by myself?
Yes. If you have contacts in the US through family, school or work, please contact them and see if they would be willing and able to offer you a "good" Trainee position. You can also try to contact employers directly without indication but it might be much harder to get positive replies from them as they might receive a lot of resumes a day. After you find an employer, you can contact us and we will be happy to assist you with the US sponsor and visa paper process.

How long can it take until the Trainee can arrive and start his/her Trainee program?
That depends one following factors:
- how long the placement process takes,
- how fast the employer can hand in the necessary paperwork,
- how fast the Trainee accepts the DS form (Training plan) and hands in all US sponsor application documents
The US sponsor takes about 1-2 weeks after the application was submitted "completely" to mail out the DS form       
After the visa was granted it can take around 5 working days until the passport is back in the hands of the Trainee. Resume: It takes minimum 4-6 weeks until the Trainee could start his/he Trainee program. If a Trainee position is not available that matches your profile and wishes when applying for the program, it can take 2-12 months depending on all things above. Note: Just before applying for the program and after seeing all your provided information, we should be able to give you a good estimate on the time it should take until you can start your new Trainee position. Please feel free to ask us.

Can I change my Trainee employer?
Generally the answer is NO. The visa is connected to this employer and you made a commitment in signing the DS form (Training plan). Exception: If the employer terminates your Trainee arrangement and it is not your fault (for example because of low business), you can try to find yourself a new Trainee position in the next 2-4 weeks. If you give reasons (bad behavior) or just leave the employer, your Trainee status will be terminated by the US sponsor. In that case, you need to leave the US immediately. Of course if you have good reasons and all parties involved (employer, US sponsor and agency) agree, you might find yourself a new Trainee position. Please be aware that it looks quite easy to find a Trainee position. That is not true. In fact it is quite difficult if the employer sees what is involved to get a Train