| Information for the Host Firm
(Why Host an
ASF Exchange Visitor?, Selecting the Intern or Trainee, ASF's Role as Visa Sponsor, The Assignment, 2006 Host Trainer List, Email:training@amscan.org
Why Host an ASF Exchange Visitor?
By hosting a Scandinavian intern or trainee, you gain:
- A skilled, motivated staff member
capable of making a real contribution to your
firm
- A valuable contact for future
business overseas
- A culturally enriching experience
for your staff
- New perspectives and fresh
ideas
The benefits of hosting an exchange visitor reach beyond the work place to the U.S. host community and the Scandinavian community to which s/he returns.
Selecting an Intern/a Trainee
ASF interns or trainees are young Scandinavians who are genuinely curious about the U.S., motivated to succeed in their work and committed to meeting the expectations of their U.S. host trainers. They are carefully screened by our cooperating offices in each of the Scandinavian countries to make sure they meet the criteria established by ASF and the U.S. Government for participation in this program. All are fluent in English at the level required for the position and have a solid education in their field.
If you would like to offer a position to a student, recent graduate or young professional and you feel that your position meets the assignment guidelines, get in touch with ASF. If you have a particular applicant in mind, ask him/her to contact ASF's cooperating office to request an application packet.
ASF's Role as Visa
Sponsor
ASF works in cooperation with
private and government offices in Scandinavia to screen and prepare
applicants for the program. Among its services,
ASF:
- Links candidates with U.S. firms
and provides the firm with the candidate's credentials and
references.
- Provides visa sponsorship through
its Exchange Visitor (J visa) Program, which encourages
opportunities to learn while earning and promotes cross-cultural
understanding.
- Serves as the primary resource
for information on government regulations, taxation, and practical
advice on all questions relating to the trainee's
program.
The Assignment
The host firm should offer an assignment that is consistent with the applicant's background and educational interests, and extend the courtesies it would to a new staff member unfamiliar with the area. The U. S. host firm is asked to complete a Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP - Form DS-7002) and a supplementary profile of the firm. The internship or training assignment must provide a structured and guided work-based learning program set forth in the an individualized Trainee/Internship Placement Plan which provides a structured and guided work-based learning program providing exposure to American techniques, methodologies, and expertise while enhancing the trainee's or intern's understanding of American culture and society. Details such as hours, wage, benefits, etc. will also be requested.
Please note the following assignment guidelines:
- Assignment may be up to 12 months in duration for interns and up to 18 months for trainees (except in agriculture and hospitality which are a maximum of twelve months for either interns or trainees). The position must be full-time (at least 32 hours per week).
- Trainee's income should be on par with local wages and be adequate to cover living expenses during the assignment. Positions that are paid on a commission-only or contractor basis are not appropriate for trainees. Interns and trainees may not be considered or paid as independent contractors.
- Assistance in securing temporary
accommodation for the trainee is appreciated.
- All exchange visitors are subject to all income taxes but are exempt from withholding of Social Security, Medicare and Federal unemployment taxes.
- Trainees and Interns cover the costs of international airfare and accident and illness insurance coverage.
- ASF Program Fee: ASF charges the host company a program fee of $100 per month; minimum fee of $400 for programs of up to four months. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on this support to meet program costs.
Further information provided by the U.S. host firm in the supplementary profile of the firm.
The Dept of State further requires program sponsors to obtain the following information from the U.S. host firm:
(i) Their Dun & Bradstreet identification number (unless the host organization is an academic institution, government entity, or family farm). This is required.
(ii) Employer Identification Number (EIN) used for tax purposes;
(iii) Verification of Workman's Compensation Insurance Policy.
For more information, write to: training@amscan.org
After the program, the exchange visitor is expected to return home, to share the experience with colleagues, family and friends.
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