Types Of Exchange Programs In The USA
There are different types of exchange in the USA. Here are the most common ones.
High School Exchange
Exchange High School is a very common multicultural program in the United States. Generally, exchange students are young, aged 14 to 19 years.
In the program, the student can attend a semester, an academic year, or even complete high school in the United States.
Language Courses
Many exchange students choose the United States to learn or improve a language through a course at a language school in the country.
Work And Travel Exchange
In the Work and Travel exchange, young people work on a paid basis during their holidays.
Au Pair Exchange
In the Au Pair, the exchange student lives and works in a family’s home and, in return, receives a salary, housing and food.
Exchange Of Technical, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, MBA Or Master’s Courses
The exchange of technical, undergraduate, graduate, MBA or master’s courses in the USA has a professional or academic focus. These courses are ideal for those who plan to pursue an undergraduate or specialization degree at a university in the United States and focus on their field.
Volunteering
Volunteering basically works as an exchange. Generally, the student works for a Non-Governmental Organization or philanthropic institution and, in return, receives aid and benefits, such as housing, food and transportation, for example.
Internship And Trainee
In these types of exchanges, the exchange student works as an apprentice or intern in a United States company for a certain period.
Professional Exchange
In the professional exchange, the exchange student practices English with technical terms used in their area of the job market.
F-1 Student Visa
As a rule, the United States government does not allow foreign students to work while studying in the country.
However, there is an exception: for students who have an F-1 student visa (Academic Student) and who are already enrolled in an academic higher education course.
This visa was created specifically for those who wish to study in the United States at an accredited institution, for more than 18 hours of classes per week. Institutions can be public or private, offer learning programs in English, secondary schools or universities.
How to get a student visa with work permit in the USA?
See below the steps to obtain the F-1 visa.
- Present the university’s acceptance letter;
- Complete form I-20, which allows you to register with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS);
- Complete the DS-160 form online;
- A 10-digit number will be assigned. Write it down;
- Complete form I-901 and pay the SEVIS fee;
- Schedule an appointment at CASV and the American consulate and complete the interview at the US Embassy ;
- Submit the documentation to CASV;
- Wait to receive your American visa .
Documentation for the Visa
To be able to schedule an appointment, you must present the following documents:
- The 10-digit number you received when completing Form DS-160;
- The CGI number found on the receipt when making payment;
- Your passport number.
When the interview date has been set, you will be asked to present a file containing:
- Confirmation of Form DS-160;
- Receipt of payment of the visa application fee;
- Copy of confirmation of appointment;
- Passport valid for 6 months longer than the expected length of stay;
- Form I-20;
- SEVIS payment receipt and Form I-901;
- A recent 5cm x 5cm photo (taken within the last six months).
If you are staying at least 1 year in the USA, you will be asked to prove that you have the financial reserves to pay for your exchange and to stay in the country.
Can I Work While I Study?
There are 3 situations in which it is possible for foreign students to work while studying in the USA: during the first year of the course, from the second year onwards and after completing the course. Find out more about each of these cases below.
- Study and work in the USA during the first year of the course
On-Campus Employment is a category of employment that is in accordance with the rules of the US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) and that there is no direct permission from the United States government whenever you get a position .
Therefore, you cannot accept any off-campus job during the first year of the course, other than at an establishment affiliated with the educational institution.
In certain situations of financial hardship, USCIS may grant a “Work Permit” for a student with an F-1 visa to work in off-campus roles during the first year of the course.
- Study and work in the USA from the second year onwards
It is also possible to study and work in the USA through Curricular Practical Training (CTP) that belongs to the curriculum of your course or that is linked to another type of role approved and sponsored by your university.
There are two types of CTP: Academic Program CPT and Non-required CPT.
Academic Program CPT
In the Academic Program CPT, foreign students must undergo practical experience linked to the area of study, such as, for example, an internship.
Non-Required CPT
Non-required CPT can be completed as one academic credit. However, it is not a mandatory part of the course.
- Study and work in the USA after completing the course
It is also possible to study and work in the US after completing the course through Optional Practical Training (OPT) related to your field of study.
There are two types of OPT: Pre-Completion OPT and Post-Completion OPT.
Pre-Completion OPT
Pre-Completion OPT allows students to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and during their vacations.
Post-Completion OPT
In Post-Completion OPT, students are allowed to work both part-time (up to 20 hours per week) and full-time.
Exchange students can stay for up to 12 months in each training degree (example: 12 months in a bachelor’s degree and 12 months in a master’s degree).
A student is not eligible for OPT if they have been on full-time CPT for 12 months or more.
How Much Does It Cost to Translate Documents?
It is necessary to translate documents to apply for a visa to study and work in the USA. The American government requires a certified English translation of documents that are not in the language and only then will they be valid in the USA.
The cost of translating documents with Yellowling varies according to several factors, including the source and destination language of the document, number of characters in the document and translation delivery date.
To be more precise regarding the value of your translation, we ask that you request an instant quote directly on the Yellowling platform.
To do this, simply fill in the quick contact information, enter the source and destination language of the document, the type of translation you need and the date you want to receive the translated document.
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