j 1 orientation 2013

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    ProgramOrientation

    Your Sponsor is American Pool Enterprises, Inc.

    Incorporated in 1985

    Employs 6000 seasonal lifeguards each summer season

    Designation for J-1 Summer Work/Travel in June 2003 Working with University students for over 25 years

    Providing Cultural Exchange in local communities

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    Cultural Exchange Program

    You have joined a J-1 Summer Work/Travel Cultural Exchangeprogram. The purpose of this program is for you to learn

    about American society and way of life, while living and

    working alongside Americans, and teaching others about

    your culture. The position that you will work during thisprogram will allow you to earn funds to support your stay in

    the USA, this is not a program to make money.

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    Gain the opportunity to work and livealongside Americans and meet

    students from 35+ Countries!

    Brazil

    Bulgaria

    Cape Verde China

    Colombia

    Dominican Rep. Ecuador

    Ghana

    Guatemala

    Jamaica

    Kosovo

    Macedonia Mexico

    Moldova

    Montenegro

    Paraguay Peru

    Poland Romania

    Russia

    Serbia

    Singapore Taiwan

    Thailand

    Turkey

    Ukraine United States

    http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&safe=active&sa=N&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&biw=1440&bih=704&tbm=isch&tbnid=o6WJkHQAKXV2QM:&imgrefurl=http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/flags/countrys/samerica/peru.htm&docid=uiTW0qPgsx99CM&imgurl=http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/flags/countrys/zzzflags/pelarge.gif&w=439&h=303&ei=QDB4UMqOCsWr0AGEpYGQDg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=165&vpy=250&dur=235&hovh=186&hovw=270&tx=150&ty=92&sig=111360821213227004579&page=1&tbnh=113&tbnw=164&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0,i:79
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    Types of Seasonal J-1 Host

    Companies Amusement Park Worker

    Fast Food

    Food Service

    Hotel Worker Lifeguard

    Resort Area Worker

    Restaurant Worker

    Retail Assistant

    Store Worker

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    Seasonal Positions Not Accepted

    on the J-1 Program

    Any position with a Staffing Agency

    Independent Contractors

    Door to Door Sales Person Driver

    Factory Worker

    Fishery Worker Janitor

    Mover

    Pedi-Cab

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    J-1 Process Interview with Home Country Agent

    Understand the Purpose of this Cultural ExchangeProgram

    Complete Necessary Paperwork and QualifyingDocuments

    Screen/Interview with Sponsor or Host Company forProgram Eligibility

    Make Program Fee Payment to Home Country Agent

    Receive a DS 2019 Form

    Attend Program Orientation

    Report to the Embassy for a Visa Interview

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    What Information will I receive

    with my DS Form? Welcome to the J-1 Summer Work/Travel Cultural Exchange Program Letter

    Sponsor Communication Flyer

    USA Information Sheet

    J-1 Summer Work/Travel Participant Handbook

    Social Security Letter Health Insurance Welcome Letter with policy detail

    Cultural Events Information

    Department of State Welcome Letter

    Department of State Brochure

    Tax Refund Information

    Annual Photo/Video/Essay Contest Flyer

    Affordable Hostel Suggestions for Travel

    DS 2019 Form (with SEVIS receipt)

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    www.myuwt.com

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    What if I do not get a visa?

    When we receive your DS 2019 Form back to

    our office, we will refund your program fee

    LESS the deposit and SEVIS fee. This will be

    sent to your overseas agent within 60-90 days.

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    What do I do upon arrival?

    You will follow your arrival instructions which will beemailed directly to you prior to arrival in the USA

    You will report to your J-1 Employer listed on your DS

    2019 Form (unless prior orientation is required)

    You will travel with enough money for at least 3

    weeks of HOUSING, FOOD and RECREATION in the

    USA.

    You will check in for your J-1 Program within 72hours of arrival in the USA

    Begin forming valuable relationships

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    Program Check InBy visiting www.myuwt.com within 72 hours of arrival

    and every 30 days thereafter.

    Dont forget to

    hit submit!!

    http://www.myuwt.com/http://www.myuwt.com/
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    30/60/90 Day Check InYou are required to check in with United Work and Travel every

    thirty (30) days. This is J-1 program requirement.

    We will not accept voicemail or email check in. We need to verify and update your

    status in SEVIS (student exchange visitor information system). This is for your

    safety and for accurate SEVIS reporting. This will not happen unless you check in

    for your program by contacting United Work and Travel, Inc. a division ofAmerican Pool Enterprises by phone or go to your student account at

    www.myuwt.com.

    http://www.myuwt.com/http://www.myuwt.com/
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    Your Host Company Has been fully vetted by your J-1 Sponsor

    Is fully committed to the J-1 Summer Work/Travel Cultural Exchange

    Will ensure that you work alongside Americans

    Is in weekly contact with your J-1 Sponsor

    Has your health, safety and welfare as a top priority

    Please be sure you:

    Arrive on time, with a positive attitude, in the appropriate uniform

    Positively represent yourself, your family and your home country

    Share your Culture! Foods, customs, traditions, holidays perhaps notcelebrated here in the USA

    Follow all host company reporting requirements (call out if sick, etc.)

    Make friends with your co-workers

    Report any concerns to your Sponsor immediately

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    Second JobsYou are permitted to engage in a second job under the J-1

    Summer Work/Travel Guidelines, if and only if it isapproved and vetted by your Sponsor.

    You may not begin working at a second job until it is approved by your J-1Sponsor

    Engaging in un-authorized employment will result in program dismissal

    Your 2ndjob may not interfere with your primary host company

    Most times, it is best to request to work extra hours with your primary hostcompany

    The purpose of this program is not to earn money. It is to

    gain an understanding of the American People and the

    American way of life, while living in an American society.

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    o Expect a housing deposit between $150 - $300oThis is in addition to your spending money for thefirst 3 weeks

    o Expect weekly rent between $80 - $115 per week

    o Expect a variation in housing style. Could beapartment, hotel or pod style. We work hard to ensureyou have the essentials needed at your housing site.

    o Please keep housing in the condition you found it atmove in. Take notes of any issues and complete a briefhousing inspection with your housing coordinator uponarrival and at check out. Have this signed.

    oYou will be expected to purchase cleaning supplies

    upon arrival to keep your living space clean and tidy.

    Where Will I Live?Housing is the hardest part of the J-1 Program. United Work and Travel, a division ofAmerican Pool Enterprises will not issue any DS forms for participants where housing

    and transportation cannot be cost effectively secured.

    Affordable housing with safe transportation must be vetted by your Sponsor.

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    How will I get a Social Security

    Number?

    A social security number is required to ensure that your wages are properlypaid to you.

    You should apply for a social security number within two weeks of your arrivalto the USA. You must wait at least 7 days after program check in to apply forsocial security.

    To find the social security administration closest to your location, you can go tohttps://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp or call toll free 1-800-772-1213.

    To apply for a social security card, take the following items with you to yourlocal social security office and fill out an application:

    Letter from your J-1 program sponsor (American Pool Enterprises, Inc.) tothe social security administration

    Your DS-2019 Form

    Passport with your J-1 Visa and I-94 Card

    Your job placement agreement

    Document older than 1 year (i.e. birth certificate or drivers license)

    If you have participated in a J-1 program before and already have a valid social

    security number, you do not need to apply again.

    https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsphttps://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsphttps://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/FOLO/fo001.jsp
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    How do I get My W2 Form?

    A W2 Form is a yearly earnings statement. W2s are issued to

    every American Worker at the end of each year.

    December 31st

    = Year End. January 1st

    = Start of the New Year.You should expect to receive this by January 31st.

    Your host company will make arrangements to send this to you directly or

    send it to United Work and Travel, a division of American Pool Enterprises, Inc.

    for distribution to you. Anything mailed to our office, will be sent via Federal

    Express track-able mail to your foreign agency for distribution to you.

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    What if I am sick? Your health insurance is accident and injury protection

    coverage

    Pre-existing conditions are not covered

    You should NOT report to the hospital unless it is an

    emergency

    For any emergency please dial 9-1-1 from any telephone

    To find an in-network doctor or provider please dial the

    number on your insurance card or visit your insurance

    website: www.amastudentplans.com/uwt/

    Health Care is not free! It will cost you $150 per visit to see a

    doctor and up to $500 per visit to the hospital. This is your

    deductible or co-pay

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    Filling in a Claim Form

    You must fill in a claim form and send it via regular mail to

    the insurance company after every doctor visit. Your J-1

    Insurance provider will not make any payments on your

    behalf until this form is received.

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    Federal/Local Laws You are responsible to be aware of all federal and local laws upon arrival

    The legal drinking age is 21 years You may not drink alcohol in public places

    You may not purchase alcohol for minors

    Possession of illegal drugs of any kind will result in

    arrest

    Sex with a minor (anyone under 18) is considered statutory rape and is

    punishable by law

    Other examples of offenses: destruction of property, theft, disorderly

    conduct, sexual harassment, shoplifting, disturbing the peace, driving

    without a proper and valid drivers license

    Please be certain to report any incarceration or police involvement to your

    sponsor within 24 hoursYour sponsor and employers have a ZERO

    tolerance policy for breaking the law. Host

    company regulations regarding behavior

    must also be followed.

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    Participant Bike SafetyWhile many Americans travel by car, you will

    most likely be walking or biking. When walking,

    cross at designated crosswalks, as doingotherwise can result in a ticket for

    jaywalking.

    Always wear a helmet! Bikes have a right to

    ride in the street but must do so carefully.

    That means you must signal every turn (use

    your arms to alert other drivers which way

    you are travelling).

    You must obey all traffic signs and lights! That

    means stopping at red lights and stop signs

    and only riding on the portions of the road you

    are allowed to. NEVER ride a bike on a highway

    or any road that has a speed limit of more than

    30 MPH.

    When riding at night, you and your bike must

    have reflective gear or a blinking light. It is

    best to attach a light to the back and front of

    your bike.

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    Cultural Events

    Your housing and job will be located in an area with many available cultural

    activities and events. Cultural Events will be organized by your J-1 Sponsor

    and by your Host Company Employer.

    Cultural Activities may range from visits to:

    Local/County/State Fairs, Annual Parades, Ethnic Carnivals,

    American Monuments, Historical Landmarks, Museums

    To events such as:

    Picnics, beach trips, shopping excursions, game night,

    bowling, movie night, going to a concert, sports games

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    Culture Shock Please be aware of cultural differences

    Common greeting Hello, how are you today?

    Shake hands for personal and business greetings

    Respect authority

    Equal rights for men and women

    Maintain comfortable distance when speaking, try not to impose on personal space

    Avoid discussing tense social issues, politics or religion with your new friends and co-workers!

    Food/Housing/Recreation is expensive! Please prepare for this prior

    to arrival

    Motto: Work Hard, Play Hard

    Employers have minimal tolerance for poor work ethic, lateness, laziness and repeated

    call outs. All of the above can lead to termination

    UWT will be traveling the USA to meet with you as frequently as

    possible throughout your J-1 Cultural Exchange Program!

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    2013 Photo/Video & Essay Contest

    WIN $250 for the winning photo or essay

    Submissions due by December 1, 2013

    U it d W k d T l C it t

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    United Work and Travels Commitment

    TO YOU!Constant,

    Dedicated

    SupportFriendly,

    Experienced

    Staff

    24 Hour

    Staff

    Availability

    A positive

    CulturalExperience

    Memories

    to last alifetime

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    Mailing Address:

    United Work and Travel

    11515 Cronridge Drive

    Suite Q

    Owings Mills, MD 21117

    Email Address:

    [email protected]

    Website:www.unitedworkandtravel.com

    Phone Numbers:

    Main: 1-410-581-7788

    Ocean City: 1-443-664-6519

    Toll Free in USA: 1-866-IGO2USA (1-866-446-2872) Fax: 1-410-581-7950

    Department of State Hotline: 1-866-283-9090

    Office Hours:

    October 1st March 14th : Monday Friday, 8 am to 5 pm EST

    March 15th September 30th : Monday Friday, 8 am to 11 pm EST

    mailto:[email protected]://www.unitedworkandtravel.com/http://www.unitedworkandtravel.com/mailto:[email protected]
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    We cant wait to see you in the

    USA!!