Welcome to the J1 Trainee program, where you can spend a transformative 6-12 months enriching your skills in some of the USA’s eminent hotel and travel brands. This is the perfect chance to enhance your hospitality experience under the guidance of seasoned professionals and understand the essence of hospitality—making every guest’s experience memorable. At the heart of this program is a personalized training approach tailored to suit your unique strengths.
Our J1 Trainee opportunities span from prestigious hotel chains, elegant resorts, and ski destinations to renowned restaurants. So, if you’re looking to blend your passion with international experience, and elevate your résumé to new heights, consider this your call to adventure.
This month, the hotel has been very busy, and I’m still learning a lot. My chefs continue to teach me something new every day, which I enjoy the most. My co-workers are also very humble and generous when it comes to giving advice and sharing their knowledge. Since it’s my last month, I’ve had the opportunity to work in different stations throughout the hotel.
– Mary Elisha Cordova, Philippines
Self arranged J1-Visa Program
Training placement secured before arriving in the U.S. so you know exactly where you are going to train and what that training will entail.
We help you with your resume and interview preparation, so you make a great first impression and land the right training opportunity.
We work with you in advance to prepare you for your adventure in the U.S. and provide an orientation about what to expect. We also provide guidance on visa requirements and medical insurance.
We work with your host placement to ensure the training plan is a unique experience and highlights all the skills and methodologies you will learn while on the program.
24/7 emergency support from our U.S. based support teams
You may be eligible to participate in J1 Trainee Program if:
Submit Your Application
Our team will reach out to you, and together we will review your eligibility, answer your questions, and see what positions you are interested in.
Choose Your Position
Explore training positions that suit your background. Participate in a host company interview to find your perfect match.
Complete Your Application
If you’re hired, congrats! Now you’ll need to submit the full application and program fee.
Schedule Your Visa Appointment
Take your Alliance Abroad-issued DS-2019 form and your Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP) to the U.S. Embassy at your scheduled time for your J1 visa appointment. It’s an important step, and we’re here to help if you need it!
Start Planning Your Arrival in the U.S.
Once your visa is approved, it’s time to book your flight and start planning. Our pre-departure orientation will tell you everything you need to know so you’re prepared for an enjoyable and unforgettable experience!
The Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP) is an official document signed by you, your host company representative, and your sponsor. The plan outlines what you will learn and the hands-on experience you will gain while participating in the J1 Trainee Program. It includes phases of learning, skills and tasks, information on your supervisor, and examples of cultural exchange activities available to you.
Alliance Abroad works closely with our host companies to ensure that safe, affordable housing and transportation is available near the site of training. Some of our host companies provide housing, and payroll deduct the cost of it from your paycheck. Some host companies work with us to provide housing leads of apartments or houses that have worked well for participants in the past. When reviewing housing, we always look at the monthly cost, furnishings, cost of utilities, proximity to the site of training, safety, and available transportation options to ensure it is a suitable option.
No. In fact, if looking for a J1 Trainee placement in the field of hospitality, it can only be 12 months or less. Typically, participants request at least a minimum of 6 months. We will work with you to determine the length of program that meets your needs and program requirements.
If you were an Intern but now qualify as a Trainee, you may participate again after living outside of the U.S. for at least two years. If you completed a J1 Trainee Program and have been outside of the U.S. for two years, you may come on a new Trainee program. In any of these situations, your second program must demonstrate an enhancement of learning that builds upon the experience you received on your first program.
Alliance Abroad offers a Deferred Payment Plan to eligible participants. This allows you to pay a lower program fee in the beginning, and then continue to pay the remainder of your program fee after you start your program and start earning a stipend from your training. We also work with host employers who are willing to pay the sponsor fee in full and then payroll deduct once you are on your program. Please share any concerns regarding the fees with your Alliance Abroad contact to find out what options might be available for you.
Yes. Even though a stipend is not required by the J1 Trainee Program regulations, Alliance Abroad only works with host employers who agree to pay an hourly salary to their Interns and Trainees. We ensure this stipend is the higher of state or federal minimum wage and explain any other benefits provided by the host employer in a detailed offer letter provided to you during the interview process for your review. We want to ensure you have enough money to cover your expenses during the time you are here.
The J1 Intern and J1 Trainee programs require a mid-point and final evaluation. These should be completed with your supervisor. Our evaluation can be done online and asks basic questions regarding your training experience to ensure your program is progressing according to your Training/Internship Placement Plan and achieving the objectives of the program
You can learn more on the official U.S. Department of State website.
Your next adventure starts now…
