Intern

Interns must be foreign nationals:

• Who are currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a foreign degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States; or
• Who have graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to their exchange visitor program start date.

Benefits

Practical Experience: The program bridges the gap between formal education and practical work experience.

Early Career STEM Research Initiative

This research initiative seeks to support an increase in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students, professionals, and exchange visitors on educational and cultural exchange programs in the United States.
READ MORE.

Sponsors are required to:

• Conduct site visits of host organizations that:
  • Have not previously participated successfully in the sponsor’s program;
  • Have fewer than 25 employees; and
  • Have less than $3 million in annual revenue.
• Collect the following information from all host organizations:
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN);
  • Verification of telephone number, address, brochures, website, etc.; and
  • Proof of Worker’s Compensation Insurance Policy.

Sponsors must ensure the following:

• Participants in programs that exceed six months must be evaluated at midpoint and at the conclusion of the program; and
• For programs with durations of less than six months, an evaluation is required at the conclusion of the program. All evaluations must be received by the sponsoring organization prior to the end of the participant’s exchange program and must be signed by both the participant and his or her immediate supervisor.

Hosts are required to:

• Sign a completed Form DS–7002 – Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP) to verify that all placements are appropriate and consistent with the objectives of the interns as outlined in their program applications and as set forth in their T/IPPs. All parties involved in internship programs should recognize that interns are seeking entry-level training and experience. Accordingly, all placements must be tailored to the skills and experience level of the individual intern;
• Notify sponsors promptly of any concerns about, changes in or deviations from T/IPPs during training and internship programs and contact sponsors immediately in the event of any emergency involving trainees or interns;
• Abide by all federal, state and local occupational health and safety laws;
• Abide by all program rules and regulations set forth by the sponsors, including the completion of all mandatory program evaluations;
• Have sufficient resources, plant, equipment and trained personnel available;
• Provide continuous on-site supervision and mentoring by experienced and knowledgeable staff; and
• Ensure that interns obtain skills, knowledge, and competencies through structured and guided activities such as classroom training, seminars, rotation through several departments, on-the-job training, attendance at conferences and similar learning activities, as appropriate in specific circumstances.