Trainee Requirements

TRAINEE REQUIREMENTS:

·         Must have a degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution and at least one year of prior related work experience in his/her occupational field acquired outside the United States, OR

·         Must have at least five years of related-work experience gained outside the United States in his/her occupational field, and who enters the United States to participate in a structured and guided work-based Training Program in his/her specific occupational field. 

·         Apply for programs related only to their studies and/or professional experience

·         Maximum age is not a requirement

·         Demonstrate English proficiency

·         Participate in a documented in-person interview

·         Apply for the J-1 visa in their home country

·         Get government-mandated sickness and accident insurance through the YMCA

·         Enter the U.S. on the J-1 visa (change of status within the U.S. is not permitted)

·         Have sufficient personal funds or financial support for round-trip airfare and living expenses for the duration of stay

·         Leave the U.S. at the end of the program

·         Maximum stay 18 months