Become an Intern or Trainee in the U.S.

Connect. Motivate. Lead.

CCI Greenheart's Career Advancement Program offers international university students, recent graduates and young professionals the opportunity to become an Intern or Trainee with a U.S. business. These structured and guided work-based learning programs offer the chance for cultural immersion in the United States and professional development in the intern's or trainee's specific academic or occupational field.

CCI Greenheart is designated by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor these J-1 Exchange Visitor Programs in the following categories: 

Hospitality and Tourism	Sample Industries: hotels and resorts, ski lodges, restaurants, culinary arts
Business, Management, Finance and Commerce	Sample Industries: advertising firms, software companies, financial institutions, market research firms
Arts and Culture	Sample Industries: visual arts, community cultural organizations, entertainment and film industry,  performing arts and music, publishing
Information Media and Communications	Sample Industries: graphic design and web development, marketing, advertising and copy writing, public relations, TV, radio and newspapers, database information management

  

Why CCI Greenheart?

Since 1985, CCI Greenheart has been managing cultural and academic exchange programs and is considered a leader in the international education field. The Career Advancement Program for Interns and Trainees is a unique chance for participants and U.S. businesses to share ideas, gain new perspectives and increase their knowledge of each other's cultures.

Career Advancement Program Mission

To promote mutual cultural understanding and encourage personal and professional development by creating and supporting opportunities for international candidates to intern or train with U.S. businesses. CAP instills the values of public diplomacy and cooperation in our participants, enabling them to become global leaders in their respective occupational fields.

Intern vs Trainee: What is the Difference?

The Department of State regulations defines Intern and Trainee as the following: 
 

INTERN	TRAINEE
A foreign national who is currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States - OR - graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to his/her program start date.	A foreign national who has 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 -five years of work experience outside the United States in his/her occupational field.
Maximum program duration: 12 months	Maximum program duration: 18 months, except Hospitality training programs are limited to a maximum duration of 12 months.

Program Requirements

To obtain the J-1 Intern or Trainee visa, participants will need:

• DS-2019 form provided and completed by CCI Greenheart.
• DS-7002 form Training Plan (T/IPP) which describes the content of the Internship or Training program. This form is to be signed by the sponsor, host organization, and participant, and must state specific goals and objectives of the training or internship program as well as detail the knowledge, skills or techniques to be learned by the trainee or intern during the course of their program.
• Standard U.S. visa application forms, a valid passport, and required photographs. All participants must pay the standard visa application and SEVIS fees and secure receipts. Participants should consult the website of the closest U.S. Consulate for details.

In addition to meeting the general eligibility requirements, Interns and Trainees must have high to fluent levels of English proficiency.

Program Placement Options

Self-placed (SP): Participants arrange their own training or internship with a U.S. host organization and are responsible for securing their own accommodation.

Full Program (FP): Participants can apply to a specific training or internship placement that has been vetted by CCI Greenheart. CCI Greenheart screens participants and ensures that they meet the host organization's requirements. Accommodation on this option is generally identified for the participant by the host organization, but participants are ultimately responsible for securing their own.

Program Details

The following items are included in the program:*

• J-1 visa sponsorship
• Medical insurance
• Application processing
• Web/phone interview with CCI Greenheart and/or host organization
• Continuous CCI Greenheart support while in the U.S.
• Host organization screening
• Site visit to host organization, if required
• Identification of housing leads
• Cultural support, opportunities, and advice
• Membership in the Greenheart Club for volunteers

*Varies, depending on which program option is chosen 

Learn More

• Apply to be an Intern or Trainee 
• U.S. Businesses: How to Host 
• Universities: How to Send Participants 
• International Agencies: How to Partner