This document is part of a three-part pre-departure orientation presentation by Alliance Abroad Group (AAG) to prepare participants for their cultural exchange program in the U.S. Part II reviews key program rules and guidelines, explains the training offer document and insurance, and provides an overview of the top ten program steps. It emphasizes registering with SEVIS, applying for a social security card, communicating any issues to AAG or the host company, and participating in cultural activities. The program fees cover services like training placement, application assistance, insurance, and 24/7 emergency support from AAG staff.

1. Pr e-
Depar t u
r e
Or i ent a
t i onVersion
01/14/2014

2. Wel come 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 Training Offer Document
• Introduction to Top Ten Program Steps & Rules
• Overview of Participant Insurance
• Proceed with Part III of Pre-Departure Orientation Program

3. Hi ghl i ght of Key AAG
TERMS & CONDI TI ONS• By accepting a position, 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
$1,500.00 U.S. and whenever possible a valid credit card.
• It is your responsibility to call AAG if you have any
concerns or problems with your J-1 Visa 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.

4. UNDERSTANDI NG
t he Tr ai ni ng
Pl anRead your Training Plan in its entirety. Pay
special attention to:
• Your Supervisor’s name and contact
information
• Training/Internship dates
• Hours per week & stipend information
• Training Plan phases
• Cultural opportunities
This information is provided to you to ensure
that you have a successful program.

5. UNDERSTANDI NG
t he Tr ai ni ng
Of f er
Agr eement For m
• 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 placement as well as
any special requirements

6. UNDERSTANDI NG
t he Tr ai ni ng
Of f er
Agr eement For m
The Job Offer Agreement also highlights the
following categories such as:
Arrival Instructions: Provides vital 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.

7. TOP 9
PROGRAM STEPS & RULES
TO REMEMBER

8. St ep 1 – Under st andi ng
Your Housi ngYour Host Company has provided you with temporary or permanent housing options
listed in the Host Company Application or Training Offer.
•Please arrange and confirm your Housing BEFORE you depart for the United States. You
must have housing for the entire duration of your program. If you don’t confirm your
housing, you may have to stay in a nearby hostel/motel and pay for your room per each
day, which is very expensive.
•If your placement includes housing, you may not find your own housing.
•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 leasing contract.
•If you have arranged your own housing, please submit the property contact information
to housing@allianceabroad.com for AAG review and approval.
•Bring enough money to cover the housing deposit and first month’s rent in addition to
the $1,500 AAG recommends.
•Please note: If you need help finding other housing options in your area, please call AAG
for assistance 1-866-622-7623.
If you change your housing during your program you are required to update SEVIS with
your new address within 10 days.

9. STEP 2 – Br i ng Enough
MoneyIn the AAG Terms and Conditions you signed, you agreed to bring enough money with
you to support yourself until you receive your first stipend check.
•If a stipend is listed on your training plan, you may not get paid for several weeks after
you begin training. Some Host Companies cannot pay you until you have received
your Social Security card.
•You must bring enough money to cover your expenses for the entire duration of your
program if you are participating in unpaid training or internship.
•For a breakdown of estimated expenses please see our website.
Please note: The AAG recommended amount of $1,500 does not include the cost of
traveling to your site of activity or any initial housing costs (first month rent and the
deposit).

10. STEP 3 – Regi st er i n SEVI S
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 U.S. 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. or before your DS-2019 start
date.
•This registration is required to maintain good status with the U.S. Government.
Click here to read more. 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 will be delayed.

11. St ep 4 – Appl yi ng f or
Soci al Secur i t y Car d
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!
Here are the steps you should follow:
1. Find your local Social Security Office
2. Bring the following documents with you:
– Completed Social Security application form: http://ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf
– Passport and Visa
– Sponsor letter
– DS-7002 (Training Plan)
– DS-2019
– Electronic I-94 record print out (can be printed at the following link:
https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html)
– Birth Certificate or at least one 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.

12. STEP 5 –Par t i ci pat e I N
mandat or y Mont hl y check
I ns
On the first of each month, AAG will send you an email reminder to complete your
Monthly Check In. This is a program requirement mandated by AAG and is a great
way to tell AAG how you are doing and share your cultural experiences. We want to
know if you are okay and if your training program is on track.
•The link to Monthly Check In is located on AAG Website.
•While completing your Monthly Check-In, you must inform us of any changes to your
housing address, email and phone number within 10 day of any changes.

13. STEP 6 – Mi d- Ter m & Fi nal
Eval uat i onsYou are required to complete a Program Evaluation so we can get feedback
about your training experience. The evaluations should be filled out with your
supervisor.
•Midterm Evaluations are to be completed half way through your program, if on a
12 month or longer program.
•Final Evaluations should be completed in the last month of your program.
•Program Evaluations are a required part of the program and regulated by the
U.S. Department of State. Not completing your program evaluation
could put your program status at risk.
•Please be honest and share as much detail as you can.

14. St ep 7 – Under st and Your
I nsur anceThe Health Care System in the United States is very different from other countries.
•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 here. 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 unique ID number (found on insurance card), or the certificate number
listed on your 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 your health 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 $100 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 ($250).

15. I nsur ance
Det ai l s• Provider: Bulstrad Life with GBG Assist
• Group Policy Number: 500488
• Policy Certificate Number: None
• Toll Free Customer Service Line: 1-866-914-5333
• Coverage Begins 24 hours prior to Program Start
Date and Ends 24 hours After Program End Date
• You must purchase additional insurance to be
covered during your travel period
Hi ghl i ght of
Benef i t s• Regular Doctor (In-Network) Visit:
Co-Payment = $100
• Hospital/Emergency (In-Network) Visit:
Co-Payment = $250
• Prescriptions: Co-Payment 25% of the total cost
• Overall Policy Maximum: $250,000
• Providers List:
http://gbg.canmednet.com/ProviderSearch.aspx

16. I nsur ance
Benef i t
Excl usi ons
Your benefit coverage does not include the
following:
• Willful attempt at self-injury
• Pre-existing disease or conditions or
complications from
• Injury during war, criminal offense, nuclear
explosion, use of weapon
• Pregnancy, childbirth, or abortion
• Involvement in hazardous activities
including motor sports, flying, hang-gliding,
sailing and underwater sports and hobbies,
jumps from height, climbing
• Injuries due to consumption of alcohol,
narcotics and other opiate or simulative
substances or accidents under the influence
of drugs or alcohol.

17. 8 – Communi cat e wi t h
your Host CompanyIf you are experiencing any issues at your Host Company, please discuss them with
your Supervisor or Human Resources professional at your Host Company. If you cannot
resolve them with your Host Company, please contact AAG right away.
•If you leave before you talk to AAG, your program could be at risk.
•Please call us at 1-866-622-7623 at any time if you have any problems or concerns.
•You may not begin training at your Host Company until the start date on your DS-2019
form.
•Contact AAG right away if your supervisor changes, your training plan is not being
followed or you are having any other issues at your Host Company. We are here to
help and support you!

18. St ep 9– Get I nvol ved i n
Cul t ur al Act i vi t i esAAG highly encourages you to participate in as many cultural exchange
opportunities as possible. This is the true purpose and benefit of your J-1 Visa
program participation and summer in the U.S.
•AAG will provide you with some opportunities and ideas for experiencing
American culture.
•Share your experience on our Facebook page or email us. We are excited to hear
your stories and see pictures from your adventures!

19. Your
Pr ogr am
Fees Cover
t he
FOLLOWI NG…
• Approved Training Placement
(Unless you have found your own, in
which case we still review and
approve it)
• 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

20. Next
St eps.
. .
Review Part III of IIIPresented by Alliance Abroad GroupYour designated visa sponsor
Version
01/14/14