top of page

Acerca de

ELIGIBILITY

AEnB2UqPPwaasqf3HJnIEU72gYQfmaDSZ3Hk7FZmxCLpmbJ-aT2ymCInruYLwLBUKpJOdEZ9McL7GmNMpWYJ5yI-Vu

Welcome to American Journey's (AJ1) cultural exchange program.  AJ1 will be your visa sponsor; this means we are designated by the U.S. State Department to issue DS Form 2019, the document necessary for you to apply for a J-1 visa.  As your J-1 visa sponsor we will assist and guide you throughout the program.  We are also responsible to monitor your program while you are in the U.S.  â€‹â€‹

​​

INTERN

  • Be at least 18 years old

  • Be enrolled in a post-secondary degree program related to the specific field of study of the potential internship or have graduated from such program in the last 12 months. 

  • The course leads to a degree or professional diploma 

  • The course has a minimum length of 2 years 

  • The course is accredited by the government of your country

  • Have the English skills necessary to operate in an American workplace

  • Regulations require all candidates to have sufficient financial funds upon entering the United States to cover travel, living and miscellaneous expenses.

​​

​

​

​

​​

TRAINEE

  • Be at least 18 years old 

  • You must have a degree or professional certificate from a college, university or  post-secondary academic institution outside the U.S. (as outlined above) and at least one year of related professional experience from outside the U.S. OR have at least 5 years professional experience from outside the U.S.

  • All trainees must provide proof of current and past related work experience outside the U.S., showing they are actively pursuing their career abroad.

  • Training program must be related to your current non-U.S. professional work experience.

  • Can communicate effectively in English in a U.S. workplace.

  • Regulations require all candidates to have sufficient financial funds upon entering the United States to cover travel, living and miscellaneous expenses.​

​

​

PROGRAM FEES

NOT Included In Program Fee

  • Insurance Outside Program Dates: Participants must purchase insurance coverage for any days in the U.S. before or after their program dates as listed on the DS-2019, including the 30-day grace period. Coverage may be purchased independently or through International Student Insurance (approx. $1.88/day).

  • Visa Application and SEVIS Fee

  • Round-Trip Airfare & Transportation

  • Housing, Meals and Personal Expenses: Daily living costs such as food, entertainment, and personal items.

  • Medical Costs Not Covered by Insurance

Included In Program Fee​

  • J-1 Visa Sponsorship, including the required insurance for the program dates listed on the DS-2019 form, as well as the issuance of the DS-2019 and all acceptance materials.

  • Comprehensive program support, including an online orientation, “Life in the U.S.” resources, ongoing monitoring, and monthly online check-ins. Participants agree to check their email at least every other day and respond promptly to all communication from AJ1.

  • Full access to the AJ1 online participant portal and network.

American Journey Cultural Exchange, is a U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor for the J-1 Intern and Trainee programs. As your sponsor, we are responsible for ensuring your program meets all regulatory requirements and that you have the support and resources needed for a successful and meaningful cultural exchange experience.

​

We understand that pursuing international opportunities can be a significant investment, and we are committed to keeping our program fees as affordable as possible—while still providing a high level of service, personalized support, and compliance oversight.

​

​

Program Fees Paid In Full​

Based on the length of the program

Months   Full Placement  Preplaced     

    3                $1800                  $1500

    4                $2100                  $1800

    5                $2300                  $2000

    6                $2700                  $2400

    7                $2750                   $2450

    8                $2800                   $2500

    9                $2900                   $2600

  10                $3000                   $2700

  11                $3100                   $2800

  12                $3100                   $2800

  18                $4000                   $3700 (Trainee Non-Hospitality Only)

Pay As You Earn (PAYE)

  • $200 non-refundable deposit to begin the process

    • Applied toward your total program fee

    • Refundable only if we are unable to offer you an interview opportunity

  • After you are hired and accept a training offer, an additional $1,150 is due

  • Once your program begins, you will make monthly payments of $225

    • Minimum program length: 6 months

    • Payments start on the 1st of the month after your first 30 days in the U.S.

    • This allows time to settle in and begin earning your stipend before payments begin

  • PAYE requires automatic credit/debit card payments

  • A $25 late fee applies if payment is not received within 10 days of the due date

​

You will need to pay the following directly to U.S. government agencies:

SEVIS Fee: $220-paid directly to the Department of Homeland Security (nonrefundable) and subject to change

Embassy/MRV Fee: $185-paid directly to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This nonrefundable fee is set by the U.S. government and subject to change.

​

The majority of participants will pay only the program fee and additional fees listed above. Miscellaneous fees will be paid only if/when these specific circumstances arise. Travel Insurance Elective Enrollment: $110   J-2: Based on DS 2019 dates. Reissue of DS-2019 due to I-515A:  $100 Change of Host Employer: $300 non-refundable application processing fee.   AJ1 maintains a no change of host policy, only in rare and extenuating circumstances is a transfer/change of host organization permitted.  AJ1 is not responsible for securing alternative host employer, therefore participant must fully disclose placement expectations carefully and thoroughly review all host employer details (including host city/location, position) before accepting host property placement making certain the placement they select will meet their expectations.  Program Extension: Starting at $200. Current participants must contact AJ1 to discuss whether it is possible to extend and to request the extension pricing and refund schedule. The maximum program length for hospitality programs is 12 months.  Expedited Application Review Fee: $500 (nonrefundable once application is complete). Review conducted within three business days of participants application is marked complete which includes interview completed, eligibility docs uploaded, DS-7002 submitted.  Once the invoice is sent: the applicant has 2 weeks to submit all required documents and program fees. If AJ1 needs to revise the Training Plan & DS-2019 due to delays caused by the applicant, a $200 charge will apply.  Denied Visa: AJ1 approves only one denied visa. If a second appointment is approved, and a new DS-7002 and DS-2019 form needs to be redone, a $50 charge will occur. Dates Change After visa approved:  If a participant has their visa approved more than 30 days prior to the start of their program but wants to change dates for personal reasons, a $50 charge will occur.

Cancellation after Initial AJ1 interview:  If an application is withdrawn/canceled from the program due to any reason after candidates successful AJ1 interview, $200 application fee will be withheld.  Cancellation after AJ1 Agreement has been sent: AJ1 will retain $700.    Cancellation after issuance of DS-2019 form is released: NO REFUND/NO CREDIT. Embassy/Consulate Denial. In case of a visa denial at the US Embassy, Participant must inform AJ1 within 5 business days of denial and return the original DS-2019 Form and original proof of denial from the Embassy or Consulate within 30 business days from the date of denial to receive refunds. The refund is equal to the program fee minus Visa Denial Fee of $700.00 to be withheld.    Cancellation After Arrival in the United States: NO REFUND/NOCREDIT If, once in the United States, Participant program is ended/canceled due to any reason to include but not limited to personal choice, host ending the program (laid off, termination), an official decision of the local government, American government, no refund is issued regardless of the length of time remaining for the scheduled program. AJ1 recommends participants to research and consider Trip Interruption Insurance as there is no exception to the refund policy.

APPLICATION PROCESS

01

  1. Complete the Application: https://www.aj1.us/apply

  2. Select the Correct Program Type:

    • Choose Full Placement-If AJ1 will assist in finding your host property.

    • Choose Self-Placement-If you already have a confirmed host property.

  3. Indicate How You Heard About AJ1: Employer Name/School or Referral Name

  4. Complete Sections 2, 3, and 4

  5. After Submission: Watch your email for next steps and login details
     

03

  1. Pay Deposit

    • If required, you will receive an email requesting the program fee deposit. This deposit is refundable if a placement is not secured and will be applied toward your total program fee, not added as an additional cost.

​​

​​​

​

​

05

  1. Placement

    • If you already have a placement, you may skip this step.

    • AJ1 will share your resume with the host properties closest matching your preferences. If those employers do not have openings, your resume will be shared with other host properties currently offering training opportunities.

    • Timeframes for this step vary depending on available openings and your flexibility with locations and properties.

 

​​​

​

02

  1. American Journey Interview

    • You will receive an email from AJ1 with the date and time for your interview. During the interview, an AJ1 representative will meet with you to discuss your goals and confirm they align with the program’s objectives.​

​

​

​

​

​

​

04

  1. Document Validation

    • As outlined above, you may begin uploading documents once your application has been accepted. Please remember to check your email and AJ1 account regularly to stay updated on your status and complete any required items.

      • Visit: AJ1 Portal

      • Enter your email address

      • Enter your password

 

Please allow 7–10 business days for document review. If additional items are needed, you’ll be notified by email.

​

06

  1. Congratulations! A host employer has offered you an internship!

    • Watch your email for next steps of the visa process.

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​​

​

slider-01.jpg

APPLICATION GUIDE

Cultural Exchange BridgeUSA
Internship and Training Program

abstract-geometric-background-stepped-rectangle-shapes-orange-swirling-structure.jpg

VISA PROCESS

1.png

APPLY

Whether you have arranged your internship/trainee program (Self-Placement) or you would like American Journey to assist (Full Placement).  The first step is to apply with American Journey

2.png

DOCUMENTS

You and the host employer submits application materials and eligibility documents for review and American Journey approval.

3.png

INTERVIEW

Eligible candidates interview with American Journey.   This is a great opportunity to discuss your goals as well as learn more about the program.   Full placement candidates will interview with host employers.

4.png

TRAINING PLAN

Once your host employer has been identified – you and your host employer develop and agree upon a training plan.

5.png

DS-2019 FORM

After all criteria have been met, American Journey will issue you Form DS-2019 a Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status.  Next you will schedule a J-1 interview at your local U.S. embassy. 

VIEW AMERICAN JOURNEY RESOURCES FOR MORE HELPFUL INFORMATION

bottom of page