Summer Work Travel Program in the U.S. of GUST

Introduction

    Our school has successfully held Summer Work Travel Program (SWT) in the U.S. in recent years, attracting over 100 students to join the three-month paid social practice. Participants had the opportunity to enjoy work experience in the U.S. and live like locals. They had expanded an international vision, significantly improved English listening and speaking skills, and cultivated the ability to live independently. Many have made friends from all over the world, making the trip rewarding and fruitful. The Summer Work Travel Program in the U.S. has become one of the most popular and high quality foreign student exchange programs at GUST.

    SWT Paid Internship Program is an official program based on The U.S. Smith-Mundt Act of 1948 passed by the 80th U.S. Congress and conducted by the U.S. State Department. Students can come to the U.S. during the summer vacation and work in enterprises with a J1 visa for a short period of stay of 8-16 weeks. They are able to travel in the U.S. to experience in-depth local culture, be exposed to the real way of life, live a truly independent lifestyle, and share their culture and ideas with the American people.

 

Consultation

Venue: College of International Education, Administrative Building 303, South Gate

Contact: Ms. Liang, Wechat: LYSHaner

Tel: 0796-86211896

 

Program advantages

1. Longest stay in the U.S. with the least expense;

2. Paid internship with salary offsetting basic program cost and daily expense;

3. Free visa, training and safety training courses;

4. Overseas work experience, adding advantages for job hunting;

5. English-speaking environment to improve English language skills;

6. Independent travel to promote problem-solving skills;

7. Work with international university students to develop sound worldview;

8. Travel around the U.S. to expand international vision.

 

Applicant qualifications

1. Full-time GUST undergraduate student;

2. Voluntary participation, merit-based enrollment;

3. Acceptable grades for academic subjects, sufficiently proficient in English;

4. Political reliability, discipline, and adaptability;

5. Financial sufficiency, parents’ consent and signature;

6. Positive attitude towards work, strong interest in American culture.

 

Procedure

1. Oct. to Dec. per annum: Registration, language test, payment settlement, U.S. employer interview, job assignment, student passport application;

2. Jan. to Mar. of the following year: Job confirmation by The Foundation, job offer letter;

3. Jan. To Feb. of the following year: Collect DS-2019 form, prepare visa application materials;

4. Mar. to Apr. of the following year: Visa application training, visa processing, flight ticket purchase;

5. May of the following year: Pre-departure safety training, early final exams;

6. Jun. 1st to Sep. 15th of the following year: Paid internship in the U.S. (Shopping Mall/Amusement Park/Fast Food Restaurant/Hotel/Resort);

7. Sep. of the following year: Internship completion, travel in the U.S.;

8. Before Sep. 25th of the following year: Return trip to China, obtain certificate.

 

Safety guarantees

1. The program is subject to complete supervision under the U.S. State Department.

2. Organizers, employers and students are required to report students’ status to the Department of Homeland Security SEVIS in a timely manner during their stay in the U.S..

3. Medical and accident insurance shall be purchased during the work stay period.

4. Medical insurance and accidental injury insurance shall be purchased for each student during the work stay period.

5. Professional pre-internship training shall be provided before the trip.

6. Pre-departure training will be arranged before the trip to explain work, life, and travel in the U.S..

7. Full-time coordinator will be arranged by the U.S. for student management.

8. During the stay in the U.S., The Foundation will assign a full-time coordinator to give timely response to problems, and provide 24-hour emergency assistance.

9. GUST will send instructors to the U.S. for student management.

 

Program content

1. Fees in total (program fees and application fee): ca. RMB 22,800-23,600 (subject to annual adjustment), including:

2. Medical and accident insurance during the stay in the U.S.

3. DS-2019 Application Form (legal entry document)

4. Visa counseling

5. Pre-departure safety training, relevant training concerning the stay in the U.S.

6. 24-hour rescue and follow-up service in the U.S.

7. The payment of SEVIS fees requested by the U.S. government

8. Orientation meeting before/after departure

9. Program certificate

 

Round-trip flight tickets, visa fee, accommodation and personal travel expenses during the internship in the U.S. are not included.

 

Income and expense

1. Standard salary: 7.25~12 USD/hour; standard working hours/week: 30~40 hours.

2. Participant can apply for a second part-time job, on condition that the working hours of the second job do not conflict with those of the first one.

3. Estimated total income of the internship is 2,700 to 6,000 USD, which will basically offset the program fees, accommodation and travel expense in the U.S.