Frequently Asked Questions

About Eligibility

1. Am I eligible if I am finishing my pre-university studies?
   No. You must have started a full time diploma or degree programme before you are eligible. If you are currently completing your form 6 or A-levels, or waiting to be admitted into university, you will not be eligible until you start your studies. If you are taking a foundation course, you will have to have started a diploma or degree programme before you can apply.
2. I am not a Malaysian student, can I apply?
   Yes. Non Malaysian students are accepted on a case-by-case basis. Academic results, the university you are enrolled in and the period you have been living in Malaysia have a significant bearing on your application being accepted. Chances of receiving a visa are always uncertain.
3. Will I be eligible if I have participated in this or other US exchange programme in the past?
   Yes, you will be eligible as long as you are still a full time student who has not completed your studies at the time you apply. You should have left the USA for a minimum of 90 days at the time you apply. Priority is given to first-time student. Students who are repeating the programme at the end of their final year are accepted on a case-by-case basis.
4. Will I be eligible if I have completed my course?
   Not unless you can prove that you are a bona fide student and have already enrolled in a new continuing course. You can only apply while you are a current full time student. Final semester students should apply before they finish their exams and are encouraged to travel after their final exams instead of after their graduation ceremony.
5. My longest term break is less than two months. Can I still apply?
   Yes. You may apply as long as you are a full time student. You may consider applying before you graduate to travel after your final exams or apply for a deferment from your university / college. Although most employers prefer hiring candidates for 3 – 4 months, we have successfully placed students on eight week work periods. You may only apply for this programme while you are still a full time student, therefore, don’t miss the opportunity.
6. My English is not good, can I apply?
   Since most universities/ colleges in Malaysia are taught in English, though you may not speak it well, as long as you can understand some English, you will probably be eligible. Your English will be assessed during the interview. Though some jobs do require good spoken English, there are jobs which do not require a high standard of English.

About Work

1. Can I find my own job?
   Yes. You will have to secure a job before you apply for a US visa in Malaysia. However, we do not encourage students to find their own job as we are concerned about students’ safety and substandard working conditions of unknown employers. Please let us know if you have specific preference for a job.
2. Do I have a choice in selecting job or employer?
   Yes. The earlier you apply, the more choices there will be. All the jobs we have are entry level seasonal jobs in the service industry working in theme parks, national parks, hotels, restaurants, swimming clubs, fast food and convenience stores. We do ask students to keep an open mind when selecting specific jobs as some employers place students based on their needs at the time and might not necessarily meet your specific requirement, while others offer jobs with a wide range of tasks. Students should also expect to handle tasks that are often physically demanding and routine. The work experience is not the focus of this programme. You may learn a lot about your adaptability to new environments through the work experience.
3. Do I have to stay in one job?
   Yes. By signing your job offer agreement form, you are agreeing to work on the terms given in the form. You may not quit your job without a valid reason and you must gain approval from us or the sponsor before changing employment. If you do not show up at your job, or leave your job without contacting us or the sponsor, you will be dismissed from the programme and you will be required to return home immediately.
4. Can I hold more than one job?
   Yes, it is legal to do so as long as the job is not prohibited by the programme rules. You will require permission from your primary employer and work around their schedule. There is no restriction on the number of hours you can work although we would like to emphasize the importance of keeping yourself healthy and avoiding overworking.
5. Can I be placed at the same job as my friend?
   Most certainly. You will be required to apply at the same time and most often travel the same dates. Although the final decision is made by the employer though, we will try our best to find suitable employers who can hire you and your friend(s) together.
6. What will the work schedule be like?
   There is no fixed work schedule according to the programme rules. Students usually work on shifts five or six days a week, based on employers’ allocation. While students can request fixed schedules to allow them to find a second job more easily, it is not necessarily possible. Employers do try to provide an average of 30 – 40 hours of work per week to students. However, the total hours do vary from week to week depending on the demands of the business. You should take the initiative to ask for more hours if need be and should be willing to work longer hours during busy period to make up for quiet periods.
7. What do I do if I don’t like my job or if I have been fired?
   We always encourage students to try to resolve job issues with the employer first. However, both we and the sponsor will assist you as much as we can to resolve issues at work. If you are fired, you will have to consult the sponsor immediately. If you are terminated not based on a fault of yours, you will be encouraged to find a new job in the area and we will also assist in finding you a new job. In any case, you should inform the sponsor first. By leaving your job without approval, you will be violating the programme rules and this could result in your being sent home immediately. Termination is very rare and students are advised to follow employers’ rules and behave responsibly.
8. Can I extend my working period when I am in the US?
   Not usually. You can only work for a maximum of four months and within your term break dates. CIEE strictly prohibits extension of working period though GeoVisions will allow a minimum of 1 week extension up to the maximum working period and as long as it does not interfere with the start of new semester.
9. If I have a health condition, can I apply?
   If your health condition does not prohibit you from carrying out your job, you will not be excluded from the programme. It is advisable to inform us of the condition when you make your application to avoid complications. A medical examination is not usually necessary for the programme though the insurance included in the programme does not cover pre-diagnosed conditions in which case, you may need to consult your health insurance provider here.

About Tax

1. Do I need to pay income tax?
   Yes. Technically, if you earn less than USD 3000 a year you are not subject to tax. However, all employers are required by law to withhold part of your pay for tax purposes. You are only subject to Federal, State and local government deductions. You will not be subject to other taxes that Americans have to pay, such as social security, Medicare deductions or federal unemployment taxes. Your total deductions should not exceed 20% of your pay and you can claim a large proportion of it back at the beginning of the following tax year.
2. Do I need to file my taxes?
   Yes, especially if you earn more than USD 3000 within a year during your stay, even if the deductible is insignificant. You are required by the US Federal and State law to do so. You will require the following forms to file / claim your taxes:
   
   - Copies of DS2019
   - Passport
   - Visa
   - social security card
   - I94 (landing form)
   - last paycheck
   - W2 form (issued by your employer at the end of the year to provide details of your total wages and taxes withheld).
   
   You may file your taxes through the tax consultant we use and we can assist you with this.

About Living in the USA

1. How do I find housing?
   If your employer does not provide housing, you are responsible for making your housing arrangements. Unless arranged by your employer, you must arrange for temporary housing at a motel or youth hostel before you depart. Most employers are helpful in providing information. Once you arrive, you will be able to find housing easily by going through the local newspaper, community news and other avenues that the employer provides. Although you may have to pay more initially, some students find that the advantage of not having housing arranged by the employer is that you will have the flexibility of finding something that fits you and your budget.
2. What if I don’t like the housing arranged for me?
   Some employers do have requirement of students remaining in the housing arranged for the entire stay. If you have great difficulty adjusting to your pre-arranged housing, you will have to notify sponsor. Some employers do also require some non refundable deposit if students move out prematurely. Therefore, it is important that you understand these conditions before agreeing to a job and is flexible with living conditions. We are here to assist in providing as much information as we can.
3. How do I travel to work everyday?
   Most arranged housing is within walking distance to your work place. Some employers do offer daily ride to and fro work if your housing is further away. Otherwise, you may rent a bicycle or take public transport to work.
4. What kind of food is available and how much does it cost?
   You can get a great variety of food depending on the area you are in. If you work for a food outlet, you are likely to get a free meal during your shift or discounts on meals. Pizza, burgers, hotdogs and fries are the most common food, however, fresh vegetables, roasts, stews, Italian, Mexican and Chinese food is not difficult to find. Some housing do have cooking facilities in which case, you could prepare simple meal for yourself. Students generally spend between USD 50 – USD 120 a week on food.
5. Will I be able to use my mobile phone in the USA?
   As long as your phone is a tri-band phone and you subscribe to roaming service, you will be able to use your current phone in the USA. Prepaid mobile network service is easily available.
6. Should I carry my laptop with me and how easy is it to find internet access?
   It depends on how often you would like to be online and whether you would like to store your photos on your laptop etc.. You could usually find internet access at a local library for free though there is limited time usage per visit. If you are bringing your laptop, make sure you keep it safe.
7. I don’t seem to be able to meet any Americans?
   This is not possible. Although most students will find Americans friendly and open, it is up to the individual to interact with fellow American workers, supervisors and customers. You will notice the cultural differences immediately and may find it uncomfortable dealing with the new environment at the beginning. However, since the reason you are participating in an exchange programme is to explore the culture, do make the most of it. Most Americans are insulated from the world and therefore, are curious about your culture as well. Most students learn a lot about themselves the same time they discover the new environment. Seek advice from your employer or sponsor if you experience prolonged difficulty. Most students will also improve their English even if they do mainly work alongside exchange students from other countries as all students will have to interact with the common language which is English.
8. What if I do not meet anybody whom I can travel with at the end of the trip?
   Travel is an option to this programme and we do not arrange sight seeing tours. If you travel during the busy period it is very easy to find friends to travel with. If you prefer to do it yourself, take advantage of the group activities arranged by your employer or join the activities recommended by local state travel information or major youth hostels. Travel information is also easily available on the internet and most big cities are easy to get to and travel around. Make use of the resource we have at the useful link here. Most students find it very rewarding tailoring their own holiday.

About Travel & Insurance

1. Can I arrange for my own flight?
   As we are not a travel agent, you are expected to book and buy your own air tickets from your favorite travel agent or airline. We do however, offer reliable travel agent contacts and advice on how to go about selecting your travel options. Requests can be made for quotations from us however, it is limited to 2 quotations per applicant.
2. Can I buy a one-way ticket?
   No. You will have to purchase return air tickets.
3. Can I travel in the US before my job starts?
   You are given only 5 days by CIEE to report to your work place in the US and up to 2 weeks by GeoVisions. Failing to report to work may cause termination of your status. To ensure your safety, we will strongly advice you to travel only during or after the work period.
4. Can I extend my stay in the USA?
   Absolutely not. Your J1 visa cannot be extended. You are expected to return home within a month after your job (DS2019) ends and it is an immigration violation to overstay.
5. Do I have to make my own arrangement to arrive at my employer’s place?
   Yes. Information will be provided on how to get to your workplace or housing from the airport you arrive in. However, you are expected to make the necessary reservations on ground transport and temporary accommodation between transit and before arranged housing is available if you arrive early. Some employers do offer pick up service or would meet students at the train station especially if public transport is difficult to find in the local area. Although it may sound like a daunting task especially if you are traveling alone, it has never been a problem as most students find local people very helpful. We encourage students to get as much information from the internet before arrival to familiarize with the area they are traveling through and take note of all the advice given by reliable source. Sponsor and we are always prepared to assist in any way we can.
6. Do you arrange group travel to the US?
   Since most students have short term breaks, they will want to travel as soon as their exams finish. If you cannot find a friend to travel with, we will try our best to match you with other students who are traveling within the same period but you will have to be flexible on departure dates. We prefer not to impose set departure dates though some employers have check-in dates.
7. Can I travel to Canada during my trip?
   You will need a Canadian visa to travel into Canada. Your J1 visa allows multiple entry before it expires at the end of your work period. Therefore, if you plan to travel to Canada after your work period, you will have to return home from Canada and not be permitted to enter the USA again without a visa. If you wish to do so during your work period, please make sure you have your employer’s as well as sponsors permission before doing so. You will also be required to send your DS 2019 form to your sponsor for endorsement before you travel out of the US.
8. Do I need insurance and what is the premium?
   The insurance premium is included in the programme fee and it is mandatory under the programme rule. The insurance provided by our sponsor is specifically designed to cover all that is necessary ie. injuries, illnesses, emergencies and third party liability. For detail coverage provided by CIEE, please visit www.ciee.org/insurance. For detail coverage provided by GeoVisions, please contact us.

About Money Matters

1. Will I be able to earn enough to cover my expenses in the USA?
   As long as you are willing to live within your means and put in a fair share of work, it is not a problem. It is a good opportunity for students to learn to manage their expenses.
2. Will I earn enough to cover fees and air fares?
   There is no easy answer to this as it will depend on how hard you work, the amount of work available and how you choose to spend your money. Most students who have been on the programme have managed to save between USD 1 – 3K at the end of their working period. While most of them spend the money on traveling and shopping, some students do mange to bring home most of the money spent on air fares or fees. This programme offers a great experience and most if not all our past participants have felt it worthwhile even if they have not earned enough.
3. How will I be paid?
   Students are usually paid every 1 - 2 weeks in cash, cheque or into their bank accounts. Some employers also deduct housing rental or food cost from students’ pay. It is advisable for students to bring adequate money at the beginning of their trip to see them through the first month.
4. Do I need a bank account in the USA?
   It is advisable to have one. Checking account is common in the USA and the easiest account to open in a bank. Your employer will most likely be providing assistance in this area.
5. Can I access my home country bank account in the USA?
   Not directly. While you may withdraw money with your credit or debit card in the USA if your bank offers Cirrus or Plus service, it will not be possible to deposit cash directly into your home country bank account without a telegraphic transfer. There are bank charges to these transactions. Please check with your local bank.

About Legal Matters and Visas

1. How do I know if this programme is legal?
   The Work and Travel USA programme has been offered by CIEE since 1969. It is one of the exchange visitor programmes offered by the US Department of State and administered under the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This programme is only offered in Malaysia through us since 2005. Please visit this website for further information http://exchanges.state.gov/education/jexchanges/private/swt.htm.
2. What is DS 2019 form?
   DS 2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor status) is the legal document which will allow you to work as a Work and Travel USA exchange student and you will need this form to apply for your J1 visa. These forms are only issued by legal sponsors designated by the US Department of State. CIEE and GeoVisions are OOTB partner sponsors in Malaysia.
3. What is J1 visa?
   A US visa allows you to enter into the USA as an Exchange visitor. You will require a DS 2019 form to apply for this visa. The maximum period a J1 visa is valid for is 4 months and the period you apply for follows the dates on your DS 2019 form. The visa in itself is neither extendable nor renewable. There is a grace period of 30 days after the J1 visa expires of which you may remain in America to travel. You may not work during this grace period. For verification, you may visit http://exchanges.state.gov/education/jexchanges/participation/grace.htm.
4. Do I need to apply for a visa if I already have a B1/B2 or other US visa?
   Yes. You are not allowed to work on a B1/B2 visitor visa. If you do previously have a J1 visa, it will likely to have been expired. Therefore, you will have to apply for a new J1 Work/Travel Visa.
5. Is visa guaranteed?
   No. We cannot guarantee visa under any circumstances though we try to be as diligent as we can in accepting students with a good chance of a visa. You are required to attend a visa interview at the US Embassy in person and present your purpose of your visit which will determine the success of your visa application. 98% of our students have obtained their visas.
6. What happens if I have been rejected a visa?
   You will need to cancel your flight reservation. We will refund all except RM 600 of the programme fee. The visa fee however, is not refundable.
7. What is SEVIS?
   SEVIS is an acronym for Student Exchange Visitor Information System which is setup by the US government with the effort to keep track of all J1 participants during the programme. It is therefore, important for students to validate their SEVIS status through their sponsors upon arrival in the USA. Failing to do so will jeopardize your valid program visa status.

General Questions

1. Is it safe to travel to the USA?
   Yes. Despite most misconception about security in the USA in recent years, students do find it safe to travel and live in the US. It is to the interest of everybody involved in the programme which includes sponsor, their representatives like us and employers that students are safe. Therefore, unless students do not pay attention to advices or rules, it is as safe as living at home.
2. What should I do if I need help in USA?
   If you require immediate medical help, police protection or have been a victim of crime, dial 911.
   
   Sponsors are there to assist you during such emergencies 24 hours a day. Call their emergency number if
   - you are a victim of crime
   - you have been arrested
   - medical emergencies
   - if you are in need of urgent counseling under tremendous stress
   
   You may call their office or toll free number during office hours for general advice or other difficulties.
3. Why must I apply for Social Security Card?
   To work legally in the USA, you will need the social security card. The number given is also used by the government to track tax payments and is an important form of identification. It is common practice for employer to see the actual card before providing you with a job, therefore, while the first employer could start paying you without the SS card, if you want extra hours from 2nd employment, you will need apply one soon after you arrive and register your SEVIS. It is free and you will only need to apply it once in your lifetime. In most cases, your employer will help you with the application.
4. Can I return home early?
   Yes. If you wish to leave the programme early, you will need to inform your employer and the sponsor with a reason. You will not be refunded on any fees.