How to Apply

·         PARTICIPANT AND HOST COMPANY APPLICATIONS MUST BE TYPED.

·         USE YMCA FORMS.

·         All documents must be in english or include certified translations.

·         APPLICAnts send applications and signed ds-7002 form to US host companies

·         US host companies SUBMIT APPLICATIONS, SUPPORTIVE documents AND FULL PAYMENT to international ymca

The program must directly relate to the applicant’s previous work and/or educational background. An applicant for Youth Services training should have the required education and/or experience in that field, or in a related field. An accountant would not qualify for a training/internship program in Youth Services. A Youth Worker would not qualify for a training/internship program in business management. The Host Company’s field or industry, and the supervisor’s work experience and education should also be appropriate and related to the field of training/internship selected. Please consider the content of the program and the background of the applicant when choosing the category you are applying for.

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE TRAINEE/INTERN APPLICANT:

• Complete PARTICIPANT application. Education and work experience must be the one that relates directly to the field of designation that you are applying for.
• Read and sign the TRAINING/INTERNSHIP OFFER letter from the host company.
• Read and sign PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT (J1 visa rules and YMCA policy regulations).
• Read and sign Page 1 of the DS-7002 (Federal Training/Internship Program Plan).
• Complete an in-person interview (contact your local YMCA representative or the host company representative in your country or the International YMCA). Have the interviewer complete and sign the Interview Report Form.
• Make a photocopy of your passport (Bio page and all pages with stamps)
• Make photocopies of DS-2019s (formerly IAP-66) for all previous J-1 visas.
• Obtain Proof of Education Completed by providing one of the following:
  • a Certified Copy of your post-secondary certificate, degree, or diploma; AND an Official Transcript from your post-secondary educational institution; OR
  • An Official Letter from your post-secondary educational institution confirming your graduation date, educational level completed (degree/certificate/diploma), and field of study. Use YMCA Proof of Student Status Form; AND an Official Transcript from your post-secondary educational institution
• Obtain a Police Background Check from your local police station. A Police Background Check is a 1-page document that states whether or not you have a criminal record. This is required for all trainees/interns applying for positions that require contact with children (i.e. camps, youth programs, education programs, etc.). PBC longer than 1 year will not be accepted.
• Proof of English Proficiency.
• Proof of Work Experience.  This is required for Trainee applications only. If you have a post-secondary degree/certificate/diploma, 1 year of work-related experience is required. If you did not complete post-secondary education, 5 years of work-related experience is required. All education and experience must be gained outside the U.S. as stated in the J-1 visa regulations and must be in the same field of the training that you are applying for. Proof letters of previous employment must be in the company letterhead, dated, signed and must include specific employment dates and position held.
• Reference Form (Three references are required for Interns; One for Trainees)
• Complete and sign the Participant Budget Form. This is provided to help you estimate and budget adequately for the cost of participating in this program and living in the U.S.
• Provide Proof of Personal Funds. This is required only if no stipend is provided and you are self-funding your entire stay. Proof of Personal funds includes a notarized copy of your bank statement and/or a notarized letter from parents/funding sources stating the amount they will provide to support your program.
• Send all documents to the host company. Keep a copy for your records.

INSTRUCTIONS TO HOST COMPANY:

• Complete HOST COMPANY Application.
• Create a training/internship plan for the applicant.
• Complete and sign the DS-7002 (Federal Training/Internship Program Plan Form). Participant and Host Company signatures must be in the same form. Original signatures are NOT required but must be clear enough to read.
• Prepare a TRAINING/INTERNSHIP OFFER letter for trainee/intern. Must be signed by supervisor and applicant for acceptance. Do not use terms as job, employment. Instead use training, internship.
• Print, read and sign copy of Host Company Agreement.
• Include the following documents with the application:
  • Web-pages, articles, OR Annual Report if your company does not have an official website.
  • Copy of Articles of Incorporation - for companies doing business for less than 5 years
  • Supervisor’s Resume
  • Copy of Proof of valid Worker’s Compensation Policy (Declarations Page).
• Receive completed application from participant.
• Prepare Program Fee, Insurance Fee, SEVIS FEE and SITE VISIT FEE if applies (Payable to International YMCA). Please check current Fees in our website.