Pre-Departure Orientation Part II of III

Presented by Alliance Abroad Group Your designated visa sponsor

FinalVersionRevised11/17/14

Welcome Back!

•  Alliance Abroad Group, (AAG) has prepared the following presentation in order to meet and exceed the U.S. Department of State J-1 visa regulations found in section {62.10} Program Administration.

•  This is Part II of III presentations that will help prepare you as you embark on your cultural exchange program in the U.S.

•  Presentation Part II Overview:

•  Review Key Participant Program Rules & Guidelines

•  Understanding the Job Offer of Employment Document

•  Introduction to Top Ten Program Steps & Rules

•  Overview of Participant Insurance

•  Proceed with Part III of Pre-Departure Orientation

Your Program Fees Cover the

FOLLOWING: •  Approved Job Placement (Unless you have found your own, in which case we still review and approve)

•  Facilitation of your application paperwork and J-1 Visa Documentation

•  Detailed Participant Handbook and Orientation

•  Medical Insurance

•  Housing Assistance

•  24 Hour Emergency Support 7 days a week and assistance from a dedicated team of AAG staff

Highlight of Key AAG TERMS & CONDITIONS

•  By accepting the job offer, you are making a commitment to your Host Company.

•  No position can be guaranteed. It’s important to understand that a Host Company may cancel or reduce the number of participants they can employ either before or after you leave your home country.

•  You should bring or have access to a minimum of $1,000.00 U.S. Dollars in addition to your housing deposit and any associated rent fees per your housing agreement.

•  It is your responsibility to contact AAG if you have any concerns or problems during your J1 Summer Work Travel Program.

•  All photos or testimonials provided to AAG during or after your program can be used for promotional purposes unless you choose to decline with a written statement to AAG.

UNDERSTANDING the Job Offer Agreement Form

Please make sure to read your Job Offer Letter in its entirety!

Your Job Offer Letter: • Confirms your assigned Position Title and Position Description

•  Provides the Host Company’s Requested Start and End Date Ranges

•  Identifies housing options and important details, including cost, deposit required, what is included and distance to work •  Lists important information such as payment schedule, hourly wage, average hours per week, work or training hours, required uniforms or dress code and if training is provided.

UNDERSTANDING the Job Offer Agreement Form

Your Job Offer Letter: • Highlights Host Company-related details such as:

•  Name, Location and Description of company

•  Company website, where you can learn more about the company’s mission, values and services

•  Describes the placemen and any special requirements

Job Offer Agreement Form Position Description

(sample) Housekeeping Position:

Participant will clean vacant and stay over guest rooms daily. The participant is required to clean rooms in a specified amount of time, based on the size and floor plan of the room and uphold the company’s standard of cleanliness. Examples of cleaning duties include but not limited to the following; disposing of trash, vacuuming the floor, spot cleaning the carpets, mopping the bathroom floors, and scrubbing/ totally clean all bathroom surfaces and appliances, wiping vanity desks and table tops, and restocking housekeeping carts and room supplies. Changing sheets and making a tidy bed to standards.

It’s important to read and truly understand your position description. If you have any questions, or need something explained in your native language, please ask your Home Country Agency Representative for assistance.

UNDERSTANDING the Job Offer Agreement Form

The Job Offer Agreement also highlights the following categories such as:                 Arrival Instructions: Provides important information regarding what you should do and what resources are available to you once you land in the U.S., including the nearest airport to your Host Company or bus/train options for travel. Make sure to review this section prior to booking your flights to the U.S. Social Security Administration Process: Provides the address of the nearest Social Security office as well as whether or not the Host Company will assist with the process of applying for your card.

TOP 10 PROGRAM STEPS & RULES

TO REMEMBER

Step 1 – Understanding Your Housing AAGortheHostCompanyhasprovidedyouwithtemporaryorpermanenthousingop7onslistedinyourJobOffer.

• If you have housing arranged by the Host Company, be sure you know what the requirements are for the deposit. If your position includes housing, you cannot find your own housing.

• If your housing is Participant Arranged, please arrange and confirm your Housing BEFORE you leave for the U.S. Having safe and affordable housing secured in advance of your arrival is extremely important. If you arrive without housing, remember that staying in a hostel or motel with a daily room rate will be more expensive. • If your housing is AAG Assisted, or AAG Provided this means AAG has arranged and secured housing for your for the duration of your program. Your Housing and your Job are tied together. If you do not agree to stay in AAG Assisted/AAG Provided housing, you should not accept the Job offer at specified Host Company.

• Once you make a commitment to housing, please understand that you are obligated by U.S. law to pay rent on time and through the end of your lease.

• Bring enough money to cover deposit and first month’s rent, as well as any other fees related to housing that may be requested in the Job Offer.

• If you change your housing during your program you are required to update SEVIS with your new address within 10 days.

STEP 2 – Bring Enough Money

In the AAG Terms and Conditions you signed, you agreed to bring enough money with you to support yourself until you receive your first paycheck. You may not get paid for several weeks after you have started working.   • AAG recommends that you bring at least $1,000 to cover your living expenses. For a breakdown of estimated expenses please see AAG website: http://participants.allianceabroad.com/before-your-program/budget/   • Please note: The AAG recommended amount of $1,000 does not include the cost of traveling to your job site or any initial housing costs (first month rent and the deposit). • Important: Some Host Companies WILL require you to show a receipt confirming you have applied for your number before you can start work. This is why is very important that you bring enough money to cover your initial living expenses. AAG recommended amount is $1000, plus additional funds to cover your housing expenses (deposit, rent).

STEP 3 – Register in SEVIS

Submit your Arrival Information to AAG and your Host Company as soon as you book and confirm your ticket. You may provide this information to AAG by going to: www.allianceabroad.com/arrival

•  Upon arrival in the US and within 3 days of your DS-2019 start date, register your housing address with SEVIS by going to: www.allianceabroad.com/sevis You will need your AAG ID Number (found on your AAG ID card or sponsor letter) and DS-2019 number. Please do not forget to provide your apartment or room number.

•  You cannot register with SEVIS before you arrive to the U.S.

•  SEVIS registration is required to maintain good status with the U.S. Government. Failure to Register with SEVIS will put your program at risk.

•  SEVIS registration is necessary to apply for Social Security card. If you do not register in time, your Social Security card processing will be delayed.

Step 4 – Applying for Social Security Card

All J-1 Program participants must apply for a Social Security card. You must wait at least 10 business days after registering with SEVIS before going to the nearest Social Security Office to apply for your card. Be sure to apply for Social Security at the beginning of your program! If you apply in the last month of your program, your application will be rejected. Here are the steps you should follow: 1. Find your local Social Security Office: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp 2. Bring the following documents with you:

–  Completed Social Security application form: http://ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf –  Passport/ Visa –  Sponsor letter –  DS-2019

–  Electronic I-94 record print out (can be printed at the following link: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html)

–  Official picture ID (identification document) that is at least one year old. If the passport and other official ID, such as a driver's license, are both less than one year old, a birth certificate is required.

Provide your Host Company address on the Social Security application form. Keep your Social Security application receipt and show it to your Host Company.

STEP 5 – Comply with Monthly check Ins

On the first of each month, AAG will send you a Monthly Check In by email that you MUST complete.  • The Monthly Check-In is a mandatory part of your program and is required by the U.S. Department of State (U.S. Government).

• Not completing Monthly Check-In each month may put your program status at risk of termination, so please take this requirement seriously.

• The link to Monthly Check In is located on the AAG Website: http://participants.allianceabroad.com/during-your-program/monthly-check-in/ While completing your Monthly Check-In, you must inform us of any changes to your housing address, email and phone number. (The regulations state any changes to your address must be reported within 10 days.)

STEP 6 – Pre-Approve Your 2nd Job

If you would like to have a second job during your program, you must get pre-approval from AAG prior to beginning work to ensure that the job is within your visa regulations. Please remember, your 2nd job may not interfere with your commitment at your primary job. • DO NOT start a second job without your sponsor’s (AAG’s) verification and approval. Doing so could be grounds for termination of your program.

• To request pre approval, please contact your Outreach Coordinator, or Support Team at AAG at supportinfo@allianceabroad.com • You are NOT authorized to begin work at your second job, until AAG confirms your job is approved.

Speak With Employer

Call AAG For Per-

Approval 1st 2nd

AAG Approves! (NowBeginWorking)

Step 7 – Understand Your Insurance The Health Care System in the United States is very different from other countries. • Your Insurance company is Bulstrad Life with GBG Assist. AAG is Not your Insurance Company. • To contact Bulstrad Life/GBG Assist, please call 1-866-914-5333. • Your insurance coverage starts 1 day before your DS-2019 start date and ends 1 day after your DS-2019 end date. • Understand Your Health Insurance: You can find full information on your health insurance on the AAG Participant page: http://participants.allianceabroad.com/insurance/ • It is important that you follow the instructions listed on this page in order to avoid paying a lot of money at a doctor’s office or hospital. • Call your insurance company before getting treatment (unless an emergency): They will ask for your Policy Number (found on insurance card), The company will assist you with locating a doctor in your area. If it is an emergency you should go to the emergency room first and contact you’re your insurance company within 48 hours. • Always take your insurance card, passport, and DS‐2019 form with you when you go to the doctor. • When you go to the doctor, you will have to pay a fee for the first visit and an additional fee for each follow up visit. This cost is called a deductible and it is normal for every insurance company. Your deductible for doctor’s office visit is $125 per visit. • Only go to a hospital in a true emergency: The deductible (fee) for a hospital is much more than a doctor’s visit ($350).

8 – Communicate with your Host Company

If you are experiencing any issues at your Host Company, you MUST discuss them with your Host Company and AAG. • Please contact AAG at any time if you have any problems or concerns with your placement. It is very important to contact us before making the decision to leave your Host Company or quit your job. Doing so without communicating with AAG will put your program status at risk. • Remember that you may not begin working at your Host Company until the start date on your DS-2019 form.

Step 9– Get Involved in Cultural Activities AAG highly encourages you to participate in as many cultural exchange opportunities as possible. This is the true purpose and benefit of your J-1 Summer Work Travel program. •  AAG will provide you with some opportunities and ideas for experiencing

American culture •  Your program is what you make of it! Cultural Activity could be anything that

you experience for the first time in the US (dinner with new friends, tour of the area, attending a sports game, etc).

•  Share your experience on our Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram, or email us. We are excited to hear your stories and see pictures from your adventures!

Step 10 – Review Your Job Offer Read your Job Offer letter in its entirety. Pay attention to: • Program Dates • Host Company Requirements • Housing Information

• Arrival instructions   This information is provided to you, to ensure that you have a successful start to your program.

Your Insurance Details

•  Provider: Bulstrad Life with GBG Assist •  Group Policy Number: TCS-10735-04 •  Toll Free Customer Service Line: 1-866-914-5333 •  Coverage Begins 1 Day prior to Program Start

Date and Ends 1 Day After Program End Date •  If you plan to travel within the US after your

program end date, you will need to purchase a separate insurance

•  Your insurance includes skiing coverage (up to $5,000), but not snowboarding

Highlight of Benefits •  RegularDoctor(In-Network)Visit:

DeducFble=$125•  Hospital/Emergency(In-Network)Visit:

DeducFble=$350•  AllclaimswillbepaidaQeralldeducFbleshavebeenmet

onan80%/20%basisforthefirst$5,000.ParFcipantwillberesponsibleforthe20%ofthechargesforthefirst$5,000

•  OverallPolicyMaximum:$250,000•  TolocateaMedicalProvider,pleasevisit:

h]p://gbg.canmednet.com/ProviderSearch.aspx

What To Do if you Need Medical Attention

Identify if you have an Emergency or Non Emergency situation. Example:

• I have a soar throat, back pain, ear ache- Non Emergency Situations • I have a rash on my body- Non Emergency Situation • I’ve been in an accident- Emergency Situation

• I broke my arm/leg- Emergency Situation •  I’m in severe pain- Emergency Situation

Steps to take in Non Emergency Situations 1.  See if there is a drugstore pharmacy near you, where you can consult with a

pharmacist. A pharmacist might recommend medication that does not require doctor’s prescription. You will be responsible for the cost of medication. Consultation with the pharmacist if Free.

2.  If there is no drugstore near you, please locate a nearest Urgent Care Clinic.

You may do so by calling your insurance company at 1-866-914-5333 and requesting assistance with locating an Urgent Care Clinic.

3.  Please write down the address and hours for the Urgent Care Clinic. The

Urgent Care Clinics are not open 24 Hrs and have specific hours. You will need to go to the Urgent Care Clinic only during the times that they are open.

4.  When you go to the Urgent Care Clinic, bring your insurance card and your passport. Also, be prepared to pay $125 fee during this visit.

5.  Call insurance company (1-866-914-5333) within 10 days to confirm that you received medical attention and ask them to open a claim for you. If you fail to complete this step within 10 days, your claim will be denied and you will be responsible for all medical expenses.

 

Steps to take in Emergency Situations

1. Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency Room 2. Please make sure to have your passport and Insurance Card with you. You can access your insurance card here: http://participants.allianceabroad.com/insurance/summer-work-travel-insurance/ 3. You also need to be prepared to pay $350 fee. If you are admitted to the hospital and kept overnight, the $350 fee is waived. 4. Contact Alliance Abroad Group by calling our 24 Hr Support Line:

1-866-622-7623 Important:

The hospital will need to contact the insurance company at 1-866-914-5333 to receive preauthorization for any surgical procedures and/or medical procedures in excess of $1500. You must call insurance company at 1-866-914-5333 and inform them of receiving medical attention within 10 days. If you fail to do so, your claim will be denied and you will be responsible for all your medical expenses.  

Insurance Benefit Exclusions

Your Benefit Coverage Does Not apply to the following: •  Pre-existing disease or conditions or complications from these •  Willful attempt at self-injury •  Pregnancy, childbirth, or abortion

•  Injuries sustained while snowboarding • Involvement in hazardous activities including motor sports, flying, hang-gliding, sailing and underwater sports and hobbies, jumps from height, climbing • Injury during war, criminal offense, nuclear explosion, use of weapon • Injuries due to consumption of alcohol, narcotics and other opiate or simulative substances or accidents under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For full list of benefit exclusions, please see Master Policy on AAG Website: http://participants.allianceabroad.com/insurance/summer-work-travel-insurance/

Next Steps...

Review Part III of III Presented by Alliance Abroad Group Your designated visa sponsor

FinalVersionRevised11/17/14