Participant Categories and Requirements
Depending on your background and qualifications at the time of application, you may join the Professional Career Training program under one of two J-1 cultural exchange categories: Intern or Trainee
Intern Category
You may qualify as an Intern if you meet either of the following:
- You are currently enrolled in, and actively pursuing studies at, a foreign post-secondary degree or certificate-granting institution outside the United States; or
- You graduated from such an institution within the past 12 months prior to your program start date.
Trainee Category
You may qualify as a Trainee if you meet either of the following:
- You hold a degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution and have at least one year of relevant professional experience in your occupational field outside the United States; or
- You have five years of full-time professional experience outside the United States in the field in which you are seeking training.
Program types and Occupational Categories
At GEC, our Professional Career Training Program offers both self-placement and full-placement pathways.
If you already have a training offer from a U.S. organization, we are happy to guide you through the training plan review and J-1 visa sponsorship process. Through the self-placement option, GEC can support participants in a wide range of occupational fields, including business, management, marketing, finance, hospitality, tourism, education, information technology, and other professional training areas that meet J-1 program regulations.
If you prefer a full-placement option, GEC currently provides full placement opportunities in two occupational categories.
Hospitality and Tourism Career Training (HCT)
The Hospitality and Tourism Career Training (HCT) Program offers participants the chance to gain real-world experience in the U.S. hospitality and tourism industry. Through guided, structured training, participants develop practical skills in guest services, hotel operations, food and beverage management, tourism services, and more.
Learn more
Educational Career Training ( ECT)
The Educational Career Training (ECT) Program offers participants the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in U.S. schools while immersing themselves in American culture. Through structured, supervised training, participants develop practical skills in instruction, classroom support, school operations, and student services.
Learn MoreKEY BENEFITS
Personal Development
Immerse yourself in the American life style, perfect your English skills, learn how to handle stressful situations and resolve them.
Professional Development
Experience real American business environment, build valuable professional skills and add international experience to your resume.
Cultural Exchange
Meet new people, build a powerful professional network, make lifelong friendships.
APPLICATION STEPS
| Inquiry | Fill the application request/contact form to submit your inquiry. A GEC representative will pre-screen your inquiry and may request additional information. Following a successful pre-screen period, you will be sent an invitation to apply email with instructions to create your GEC account in order to submit your application. |
| Application | Fill the required forms in your GEC account and submit all required documents (passport copy, proof of funds, diploma / certificates etc.). |
| Evaluation | During the evaluation of your application, all of your documents will be screened carefully for eligibility. |
| Host Placement | Once your eligibility is confirmed GEC will send you host placement opportunities that are available based on your field of training etc. Once a mutual agreement between you and a host site of activity is confirmed, GEC will work with that particular host to create your DS-7002 training plan. You will receive your DS 7002 training plan and Program Information Guide for review and acceptance directly from GEC. |
| Forms | GEC will generate your DS 2019 form as the last and final step in your application, and will mail your DS 2019 form and DS 7002 training plan to take with you to the embassy for your J1 visa appointment. |
| Pre-Departure / Arrival | Following a visa approval you will notify GEC and refer back to your Program Information Guide for your specific host placement arrival instructions. GEC will notify you of any necessary Pre-Departure orientations that need to be completed. |