Internships in the USA: Answers to Questions
Internships in the USA
Internships in the USA will open doors to the world of American business and cutting-edge work practices. Hone your skills, work at prestigious companies, and advance your career in the field you want!
What level of English do I need to join the program?
For the Internship self-arranged option, your English must be at least Intermediate; for the Trainee self-arranged option, at least Upper-Intermediate. For the Premium placement option, your English must be at least Intermediate. Professional terminology skills are especially important.
Is it hard to pass an English proficiency interview?
The first step to joining the program is an interview at IEC. It’s an informal conversation about general topics — where you study, why you want to take part in the program, your hobbies, and more.
How do I pay for the program?
After signing the agreement at IEC, the registration fee of 600 USD plus 220 USD (Sevis fee) is due within 7 calendar days. The remainder of the program fee is due within 14 calendar days after your program sponsor enrolls you in the program or an internship placement is found for you.
How do you find an employer?
With the Self-Arranged option, you look for a host company in the USA on your own. Enrollment in the program only begins after you’ve found a host company and submitted your internship plan. With the Premium placement option, your sponsor finds one internship placement in the hospitality sector.
Can I participate in the program if I previously worked through Work and Travel USA?
In this case, you can’t intern with the same employer you worked for on the Work and Travel program.
Which specializations can you intern in with the Self-Arranged option?
To explore possible internship areas, (PDF, 90.7 KB) feel free to download the list of areas (PDF, 90.7 KB).
What restrictions and prohibited internship areas apply to the Self-Arranged option?
To view the details, feel free to download the list of prohibited internships and restrictions. (PDF, 108.4 KB)
How can I find out if my employer meets the program’s requirements?
To do this, you need to review the list of employer requirements. (PDF, 90.7 KB) Download the list of employer requirements. (PDF, 61.8 KB)
How long is the program?
Durations depend on the program option. For the Internship Self-Arranged program, the duration ranges from 1 to 12 months. For the Trainee Self-Arranged program, it ranges from 1 to 18 months. For the Premium placement option, the program duration is fixed at 12 months.
