Internship USA | Frequently asked questions, Internship questions, Visa questions, Benefits of Internship USA, Alliance Abroad

Welcome to BUNAC
Sign up/Sign in

FAQ’s

Can I take an unpaid Internship on this program?

Yes, but you would need to show that you have enough funds to support you whilst in America.

What is a Training Plan?

Your company in America must complete a Training Plan which details exactly what you will be doing in America and justify the length of the internship. When reading the Training Plan, we must have a clear understanding of the goals of the training and how you will meet those goals. The employer will need to provide detailed descriptions of the kinds of activities and projects you’ll be involved in. This is best expressed in a weekly or monthly breakdown of your activities.

Can I stay on in the US to travel at the end of the internship?

Interns are allowed to remain in the US for 30 days after the end of the internship.

Is there an application deadline?

Applications are accepted by BUNAC year-round. However you must allow sufficient time for your application to be processed and to apply for a US visa before you leave to start your internship. We recommend you apply as early as possible, you should allow at least 10 weeks for the full processing period.

What are the benefits of doing the programme?

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to gain valuable new skills and knowledge in your chosen career field. You will have the chance to experience a different lifestyle in the USA and educate the Americans in the ways of your home country and will return home having trained and travelled in another country, which will definitely enhance your C.V.

Do I have to be a student to take part?

No. This programme is open to students and non-students.

Can BUNAC arrange a placement for me?

No. It is the participant’s responsibility to find a suitable US Company to train with although BUNAC can offer suggestions on how to find a placement.

I don’t have a British passport can I apply?

Yes if you fulfil the other eligibility criteria. your English language skills must be sufficient to function on a day-to-day basis in America and to undertake the internship. Please be aware that all visas are issued at the discretion of the US Embassy.

I don’t have an internship, can I apply?

No. You must find the internship first then you can apply.

I have a placement in an architect’s office. Am I eligible?

We cannot guarantee anyone will be accepted onto the programme until we have viewed a complete application and Training Plan. It is the Training Plan which shows us what the individual is going to do in America and what category the training will fall into.

How long will the application procedure take?

We need to receive a full application at least 10 weeks before departure. This includes the processing of your visa. On average it takes between 8-10 weeks, however we would suggest applying as soon as possible to allow for unexpected delays.

Can I take my own insurance?

No. Participants must take out the BUNAC insurance policy. We do offer a comprehensive insurance policy which includes medical and baggage cover and covers you whilst you are working and travelling.

Can I arrange my own flight?

Yes. As this programme is tailored to the individual you are allowed to book your own flight and can fly into any city in America.

Can I train with more than one host organisation in the US?

No. You apply to the programme with one training placement in mind, and you are obliged to follow the training plan that has been written for you by that host organisation. If you do not follow the training plan which was agreed upon or leave your host company then you must inform BUNAC immediately and will have to leave America as you are breaking the conditions of your visa.

Can I be paid in the internship?

Yes. If, however you are not being paid then you will have to show that you have sufficient funds of at least $1500 per month to support you during your stay in the US. We may require proof of this.

Does BUNAC arrange my accommodation?

No. Some placements do include accommodation, but it is your responsibility to arrange this. We suggest that you talk to your host organisation as they know the local area best, otherwise again BUNAC is here to offer advice and suggestions.

Can I go to the US and work as a barman for 12 months?

No. The concept is to gain new skills in an area in which you may have had previous experience or have studied. It is career-goal orientated, and is not suitable for somebody who wants to work casually.

Can I travel afterwards?

Yes. You may remain in the US for 30 days after the expiry date of the DS-2019 for the purpose of travel.

After I am accepted onto the programme can I leave for America?

No, you must apply for your J-1 visa next. BUNAC will provide you with all the paperwork and talk you through this process. You will book and attend an interview with the American Embassy in your home country, your visa will not be issued on the same day however, and we would advise you not to book a flight to America until you have obtained the J-1 visa from the US Embassy. The Embassy can refuse anyone a visa.

Can my partner and/or child come out to America with me?

No, a condition of the programme is that it is only the participant departing to America, we cannot assist any dependents in obtaining the relevant visa that would allow them to stay in America.

I have completed my internship and my host organisation want to offer me a job, can BUNAC help with the visa?

No, after your internship you should be returning to your home country to put what you have learnt into practice. If you then want to apply for a different visa BUNAC would not be able to assist you with this, we would advise you to contact the US Embassy directly.

I’ve been looking for a placement in New York for 12 months but am only getting refusals, what am I doing wrong?

By restricting yourself to just one city in America you are going to find it more difficult to find a placement, especially when that city is such a popular one as New York! It’s not only interns that want to work in New York but you also have competition with American students and people who are looking for work in America.

If you are having problems finding a placement then we would suggest widening your search to include other areas. eg. If you are having problems finding a placement in New York then why not look at nearby areas such as New Jersey, Connecticut etc which are within commutable distance to New York and then even though you may be training and living outside New York City you can quite easily travel to NYC on days off or in the evenings!

Also, if you are getting refusals then why not contact a few of the companies that have refused you, give them a call asking what was wrong with your application. Did you apply at the wrong time of year, have you not got the relevant skills necessary etc.

It will take work to find placement but there are lots of companies in America who take on interns each year so persevere and I’m sure you will find something!

What is SEVIS and how do I validate my visa?

SEVIS is a tracking system implemented by the US State Department for all J-1 holders. Your sponsor, Alliance Abroad enters your details into the US Government SEVIS database at the time that your DS-2019 is issued. The State Department may carry out spot checks on programme participants throughout their stay in America to ensure that they comply with SEVIS procedures. You must contact Alliance Abroad within 10 days of the start date of your DS-2019 to confirm your arrival and to confirm your accommodation and host site details. You will be given full instructions on how to do this.