I just learned that the chocolate chip cookie is celebrating its 75th year! I also learned that it was created in Massachusetts. It’s funny how you can spend your life eating something and never consider how it actually came into existence. Thanks to the encyclopedic brain of Ocean Edge executive chef, Phil Flath, 80 students from Macedonia, Bulgaria, Jamaica, Romania, Ireland, Serbia, Poland (and there were more), as well as myself, learned how connected culinary traditions are to the people of Massachusetts. Chef Phil taught us how to make the original chocolate chip cookie recipe. We also learned how to make Chowdah! That’s clam chowder for the non-New…
Video Transcript Remarks by Robin J. Lerner, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Statefor Private Sector Exchange The J1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program welcomes nearly 280,000 visitors each year from outside the United States on one of our thirteen different types of cultural exchange programs. Our exchange visitors experience American society as students, teachers, young professionals, and scholars. While in the United States they enrich all kinds of American institutions, as well as American families and businesses. They are bright, motivated, and leaders in their home countries and they return home to do great things all while keeping in touch with their…
Required Documentation When applying, each visa applicant must submit to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate the following: DS 2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. A SEVIS-generated Form, DS-2019, is provided to you by your program sponsor, after the sponsor enters your information in the SEVIS system. All exchange visitors, including their spouses and dependents must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). 2011 Pilot Summer Work Travel Program participants' Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, will be sent by your U.S. program sponsor directly to the U.S. embassy or consulate where…
J-1 Visa Questions jvisas@state.gov Visa Status Questions You need to contact the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Their Customer Service public number is: (800) 375-5283. SEVIS Registration Questions You should contact your J-1 program sponsor. Your sponsor is responsible for assisting and advising you on all matters regarding your J-1 exchange visitor program. Social Security Card Questions You should contact the Social Security Administration. J-1 Visa Emergency Hotline: 1-866-283-9090 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) The Department of State activated the helpline to ensure the health and safety of its exchange…
Interested in Becoming a Sponsor? BridgeUSA is an educational and cultural exchange that provides study and work-type experiences in the United States for foreign nationals in an effort to further the State Department’s public diplomacy goals. The Department welcomes and encourages new organizations to become sponsors of exchange visitor programs. The First Step is the Application Process Learn how to apply Resources How to become a Sponsor? (PDF) The Second Step is Application Submission Submit an application in SEVIS and remit the application fee (identified at §62.17). Manual for Temporary Users of SEVIS Pay.gov All applications must be submitted electronically…
