Lsi Usa Work Experience 2009

LSI USA Work Experience Program Information www.LSI.edu

Thank you for your inquiry regarding the LSI work experience programs.

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GENERAL INFORMATION:

LSI offers several types of programs through our partner organization, Cultural Homestay International (CHI). All of these programs require a minimum of 4 to 8 weeks of Intensive English classes at one of our LSI centers in the USA, and in general a strong upper-intermediate level of English. Applications are submitted to LSI for review, and sent on to CHI for approval. Work placements can be anywhere in the USA and applicants should be made aware of this and be prepared to relocate if necessary following their language program If approved, placements in work experience situations are made and monitored by Cultural Homestay International. All Registration packets and all fees, including the placement fee, course tuition, homestay fees and any other services booked are to be sent to LSI.

Work experience programs available in the USA are as follows:  Short and long-term  Paid and unpaid  Placements in profit or nonprofit businesses Please note that not all programs are offered in all locations

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APPLICATIONS:

All work experience application packets will be sent to you once an LSI Enrollment Form has been submitted. Applications must be fully completed with all supporting documents as well as payment and sent to the LSI school where the student wishes to study. All documents must be ORIGINALS (faxed or emailed copies are not acceptable). These must in turn be received by CHI, the placement agency 14 weeks in advance of the planned departure for the US (see specific program requirements below and note that LSI needs to receive the applications more than 14 weeks in advance to be able to assess the application and forward on to CHI for placement). PLEASE MAKE SURE TO PLAN IN ADVANCE AND ALLOW ENOUGH TIME FOR THIS! Note that placements will only be made after the required level of English is achieved!

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ACCOMMODATION:

Accommodation is optional and not a requirement for LSI or the work experience program. Students are free to secure their own housing, ask LSI for assistance in cities where LSI is located or secure a host family through CHI where LSI does not have programs.

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HEALTH INSURANCE:

Health insurance is required for all students and is one of the application requirements. Students must purchase CHI’s approved insurance through LSI at the time of registration. Currently the cost is $42.00 per month and fully satisfies the Department of State requirements for the J-1 visa

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AIRPORT TRANSFERS:

Arriving LSI students may wish to book an airport transfer; this is optional and costs vary from $80-$120.00 depending on location. Please, note that these are only available where LSI has a center.

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TYPES OF WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAMS

I. UNPAID PROGRAMS 1. STEP: The short term enrichment program allows up to 8 weeks of full time work experience following ESL classes. It is observational in nature with some opportunity for students to practice their English skills in a business environment such as general office help in many different areas of business. Once at LSI, the student attends ESL classes until he/she achieves the required level of English, and then goes to his/her 4-8 weeks of work experience. There is no specific study or work experience requirements for this program; participants’ level of English must be at a level sufficient to communicate effectively in English. 2.

The Unpaid Internship Program allows for an initial 4 weeks of English classes followed by 3-11 months of the work experience program OR 8 weeks of English classes followed by 3-10 months of the work experience program. It is an entry level based internship in any field in which the candidate has educational background. These are the following requirements for candidates:  The candidates must be currently enrolled in a degree or certificate granting post secondary academic institution OR must have graduated from an institution within 12 months of the internship start date in the US.  The Internship program is for a maximum of 12 months.  This is an entry level work based internship.

3. The Unpaid Training Program allows for an initial 4 weeks of English classes followed by 3-17 months of the work experience program OR 8 weeks of English classes followed by 3-16 months of the work experience program. These are the following requirements for candidates:  The candidates must have graduated from a degree or certificate granting post secondary academic institution AND must have at least 1 year of work experience in their occupational field – OR – 5 years work experience in their occupational field.  Trainee program is for a maximum of 18 months  This is a high level training that is more advanced than entry-level positions Please note: Placements for Unpaid Internship and Training programs are available in the same areas as Paid programs (see below). Placements in New York are only in nonprofit businesses.

II. PAID PROGRAMS The PAID Internship or Training Programs have the same requirements as the unpaid programs internship and training program. Currently, placements are available in the following areas (if you are interested in another field, it is possible to inquire to see if there are openings): A. Business Management B. Marketing C. Civil Engineering D. Architecture E. Hospitality Tourism There are no placements in New York City in this program. LSI NY students will be placed in other locations around the USA and should be prepared to relocate. 1. The Paid Internship Program allows for an initial 4 weeks of English classes followed by 11 months of the work experience program OR 8 weeks of English classes followed by 10 months of the work experience program. It is an entry level based internship in any field in which the candidate has educational background. These are the following requirements for candidates:

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 The candidates must be currently enrolled in a degree or certificate granting post secondary academic institution OR must be graduated from an institution within 12 months of the internship start date in the US.  Internship program is for a maximum of 12 months.  This is an entry level work based internship. 2. The Paid Training Program allows for an initial 4 weeks of English classes followed by 17 months of the work experience program OR 8 weeks of English classes followed by 16 months of the work experience program.  The candidates must be graduated from a degree or certificate granting post secondary academic institution AND must have at least 1 year of work experience in their occupational field – OR – 5 years of work experience in their occupational field.  Trainee program is for a maximum of 18 months.  This is a high level training that is more advanced than entry-level positions. Stipend: The amount or kind of stipend offered varies from company to company. Some companies may pay a flat fee, while some prefer to pay an hourly wage; in some cases employers may offer free room and board instead of a cash payment. The average salary is approximately $1200 per month or the going minimum wage in the area as a minimum.

 PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: General Requirements for ALL programs:    

Minimum 4-8 weeks of Intensive 30 English classes at an LSI center in the USA High-intermediate to advanced level of English (see specific language requirements under each program description) Placement is in the most appropriate Host Business available with regard to the applicant’s field of study (except the STEP Program) Placements can be anywhere in the USA - there is no guarantee that they would be where LSI has a program or where the student attends English classes; placements can also be in any type of business, for profit or nonprofit; if it is likely that relocation would be necessary and students should be prepared to pay for their relocation expenses; the placement coordinators will do their best to place students in the types of placements they request, but no guarantee can be given

Specific Requirements based on type of program: 1. STEP Program:  Placement Fee (required at time of registration): Prices subject to change 4-8 weeks:

$950

 Visa Required: F-1 (student) - I-20 form issued by LSI upon submission of financial certification and all other I-20 requirements; Students must be prepared to depart the USA immediately upon completion of an 8-week work experience program  Length of program: 4 - 8 weeks after completion of ESL classes (program takes place in the 60-day grace period given by the F-1 student status after course completion and once the I-20 expires)  ESL Course Requirement: minimum 4 weeks of Intensive 30 at an LSI center – no maximum restriction on length of course on an F-1 visa; ESL program can be extended as needed to meet the English level requirement  Application Deadline: minimum 14 weeks before of program start date  Age Requirement: accepts students 20-30 years old (It may be possible to accept older participants on a case-by-case basis  English Language Level Requirement: in general, a TOEFL score of 550 on the Paper-Based Test (PBT), 213 on the Computer-Based Test (CBT), or 79-80 on the New Generation TOEFL Test (iBT) OR high intermediate level

 Application Requirements to be submitted in the application packet (in English):   

Application Packet Resume / Curriculum Vitae Letter of Intent to Host Business

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1-2 Letters of Recommendation 2 passport photographs Proof of technical certification or work experience

2. UNPAID and PAID (Internship or Trainee Program):  Placement Fee (required at time of registration): Prices subject to change a. b. c. d. e. f. 

UNPAID 3 - 6 months: $1720 UNPAID 7- 9 months: $2080 UNPAID 10 -12 months $2425 UNPAID 13 – 18 months $3100 PAID 12 months: $2050 PAID 13-18 months (Training only): $2600

Visa Required: J-1 (exchange visitor under the “ Intern or Trainee” category) – DS-2019 form issued by CHI (sponsor organization) upon placement in a host business; student may remain in the USA for 30 days for tourist purposes following the work experience

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Length of Work Experience program: a) 4 weeks of LSI + 3-11 months of Unpaid Internship Program + 1 month for travel OR 8 weeks of LSI + 3-10 months of Internship + 1 month of travel. Maximum time in USA - 13 months. b) 4 weeks of LSI + 3-17 months of Unpaid Training Program + 1 month for travel OR 8 weeks of LSI + 3-16 months of Training + 1 month of travel. Maximum time in USA - 19 months.

c) 4weeks of LSI course + 11months PAID Internship Program + 1 month for travel OR 8 weeks of LSI course + 10 months of Internship + 1 month for travel. Maximum time in USA - 13 months d) 4weeks of LSI course + 17 months PAID Training Program + 1 month for travel OR 8 weeks of LSI course +16 months Training + 1 month for travel. Maximum time in USA - 19 months

 Application Deadline: 14 weeks in advance of planned departure to the USA  Age Requirement: accepts students 20-35 years old for either the Internship or Training Program  ESL Course Requirement: minimum 4 weeks to a maximum 8 weeks of Intensive 30 at an LSI center Eligibility Requirements: a) b)

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Internship Program - Candidates must be currently enrolled in a degree or certificate granting post secondary academic institution OR must be graduated from an institution within 12 months of the internship start date in the US. Training Program – Candidates must be graduated from a degree or certificate granting post secondary academic institution AND must have at least 1 year of work experience in their field of education.

English Language Level Requirement - a) or b) – only one is necessary: a)

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An official English test score: 

minimum TOEFL score: 550 on the Paper-Based Test (PBT), 213 on the ComputerBased Test (CBT), or 79-80 on the New Generation TOEFL Test (iBT)  minimum 760 TOEIC score  6.6 IELTS score  a passing grade on CAE or passing grade of A or B on FCE (Cambridge) exams Verifiable English Skills by an English Test or via documented interview conducted in person or via webcam or other documentation from a school or English teacher verifying the student’s language skills.

A documented interview will be conducted by LSI upon the student’s arrival and sent on to the placement agency to complete the application. c) A phone interview may be requested by the potential employer prior to verify English skills.

 Application Requirements to be submitted in the application packet (in English):     

Application Packet Resume / Curriculum Vitae Letter of Intent to Host Business 2 Letters of Recommendation 2 passport photographs + 2 professional demeanor photographs

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Proof of University Attendance OR Diploma OR Current Enrollment Certificate Official English Language Test OR Signed documentation of Language Skills

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY:

Please, note that the cancellation fees below only refer to the Work Experience Placement Fee and no other services paid for to LSI (tuition, accommodation, transfer, etc.) – please, refer to the LSI Refund Policy for information on any cancellation fees applicable to tuition, accommodation and other services booked. SITUATION CANCELLATION FEE (to be deducted from Placement Fee Refund) STEP & Part Time Program: Applicant cancels prior to arrival and has NOT been placed in a Host $200 Business. Applicant cancels prior to arrival and HAS been placed in a Host Business. $400 Applicant is rejected by CHI (placement organization) after booking has been made. Unpaid & Paid ITP Programs: Applicant cancels prior to arrival and has NOT been placed in a Host Business. Applicant cancels prior to arrival and HAS been placed in a Host Business. Applicant is rejected by CHI (placement organization) after booking has been made. Applicant is denied a visa, returns the unused immigration form and submits proof of denial. ALL Programs: Applicant has entered the USA and cancels, departs early or is dismissed from the program.

$150 $300 $800 $150 $250 No Refund

For further information please check the website for information on all LSI programs and locations at www.LSI.edu. You may also contact any of our US schools at their email addresses at [email protected] (LSI Berkeley), [email protected] (LSI Boston), [email protected] (LSI New York) or [email protected] (LSI San Diego) for assistance. Very truly yours,

LSI USA www.LSI.edu

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