WHAT TO EXPECT

About Career Training USA

You are participating in a Cultural Exchange program. The primary purpose of this program is cultural exchange. If you are only interested in making money, this is not the program for you. Exchange Visitors in the J-1 Intern / Trainee program are allowed to participate in a structured and guided work-based training program in their specific academic or occupational field. You are required to comply with the terms of your program and Training Plan.

The Exchange Visitor Program fosters global understanding through educational and cultural exchanges. As an exchange visitor in the U.S., you are required to return to your home/school country upon completion of your program in order to share your exchange experiences. GEC encourages you to share your cultural activities with us by sending us photos and taking the time to share your experiences when you submit your monthly monitoring questionnaires.

The Intern and Trainee USA program brings so many benefits. You will:

Challenge yourself and gain independence and maturity
Get first hand experience of working in American business culture that will enhance your future career prospects
Enhance your resume and give yourself a competitive edge in the jobs marketplace
Make friends from all over the world
Have lots of fun!

Once you complete your program, you may travel in the U.S. for up to 30 days before returning to your home/school country.

Setting a Budget

Below is a helpful guide of average expenses in the U.S. Exact costs will vary based on different locations throughout the U.S. This only serves as a guide to assist you with creating a budget based on your hours and training stipend.

Make sure you bring the required amount of funds with you to the U.S. so that you can cover your first several weeks of living expenses.

Average costs:

RENT	$600 – $1250 per month	(Based on a room in an apartment or house with shared kitchen, living room, bathroom)
RENTAL DEPOSIT	$100 – $500	Paid along with the first month’s rent, and may or may not be refundable
UTILITIES	$100 – $300 per month	May include electricity, water, phone, gas, trash pickup
UTILITY DEPOSITS	$25 – $150	May be required by some rental properties
GROCERIES	$150 – $500 per month	Based on your personal choices
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION	$4.00 – $20.00	per one-way trip
PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION	$5.00 – $25.00	per one-way trip

Optional Living Expenses and Travel

Cell phone monthly fee: $35 – $100
Cell phone activation: $50-$150 (Usually charged to activate phone at the beginning of plan)
Meals (dining out): $15.00 and up per meal plus tip
Movie Ticket: $10.00 – $15.00
Hotel/Motels: $99 and up per night
Youth Hostels: $20 – $75 per night (where available)

Average Price Guide for Basics

Cereal (1 package): $5.00
Milk (1 gallon): $4.00
Bread (1 loaf): $2.50
Fast Food Meal: $8.00
Large Pizza: $18.00
Bananas (1 pound): $5.00
Average Lunch: $12.00
Soda (6 pack): $4.00

Health Insurance

The U.S. government requires all Exchange Visitors to be insured for the duration of their program. Failure to maintain insurance is a violation of your program and will result in the termination of your program even if your program has ended.

The program fee you pay covers the cost of the J-1 compliant insurance. More specific information regarding the medical insurance (including exclusions and limitations) can be found in your Program Materials when you log into your GEC record.
You must validate your program upon your entry in the U.S. in order to be enrolled and covered on the policy. Please keep in mind that your insurance policy will expire on the end date listed on your DS-2019 Form. If you will be in the U.S. any time after the end date on your DS-2019 Form, you are responsible for contacting GEC for an insurance extension. If you fail to notify GEC for additional coverage, it will result in your program termination as well as making you responsible for any medical expenses incurred.
If your program is shortened or terminated, your insurance coverage will also end.
The insurance policy is offered through an insurance company, not GEC. GEC cannot guarantee the insurance company’s payment of claims. You are ultimately responsible for paying any medical costs that exceed the limits, where conditions are excluded from payment, for excess charges due to not using a network provider, etc. You are also responsible for completing a claim form and providing any documentation requested in order for the insurance company to process your claim within the required timeframe.
After reviewing the GEC insurance materials, you may want additional insurance coverage benefits while you are in the U.S. It will be your responsibility to purchase an additional policy on your own.