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CIEE The CIEE Intern Contest

Hurricane Irene Approaches U.S. East Coast

As Hurricane Irene makes its way to the east coast, CIEE wants to provide some useful information on what to do if your community is affected. We will continue to post updates to the CIEE website and provide email updates and news that will be helpful to you. You can also call CIEE at 1-888-268-6245 at any time if you have questions about the storm. Please see below for helpful safety tips in preparation for the storm’s arrival:


  • Stay informed. Watch local news for storm updates. If Hurricane Irene is a serious threat to your community, evacuation instructions will be provided on the local news networks. You may also view updates on Hurricane Irene on the National Weather Service website.
  • The American Red Cross may arrive in your community if the hurricane does happen. They are an excellent emergency response organization and we ask you to look at their website to learn their latest news on the storm: http://www.redcross.org/.
  • Local authorities or the Red Cross may organize storm shelters for your safety. These shelters are excellent places to go, even if you only have questions. If there is a shelter available and the hurricane will be in your area, CIEE strongly advises you to go there for your safety.
  • Please know the police and fire departments are friendly and they will help you in an emergency situation.
  • Prepare yourself. CIEE encourages you to read more about hurricanes on the National Weather Service and the Red Cross websites. They offer excellent ideas for how to safely prepare for a hurricane storm.
  • Ask your employer if Hurricane Irene will affect your town if you’re not sure. Your employer may have experienced these storms in the past and will be able to tell you what to expect and what to do.

In the event that you must move to a temporary shelter, and if you have access to email or a telephone, please let us know where you are and that you are safe. If necessary, we will notify your CIEE agent in your home country so that they can notify your parents. You can email us at contact@ciee.org or call us, toll-free, at 1-888-268-6245.

Extensions

If you are having a successful experience and your host organization is able to continue to provide training, you may want to consider extending your program. Here are some things to consider before you apply for an extension.

Why Do You And Your Host Organization Want To Extend Your Program?

An extension period should provide you with new and different skills than your original Training Plan. You should meet with your supervisor and discuss what additional skills you are looking to gain, and determine what additional opportunities your Host Organization can provide you with during an extension.

Are You Eligible To Extend Your Program?

You can extend your program up to the maximum length for your program type:

Internship USA The maximum length of your program is 12 months. If your original program is less than 12 months, you may extend your program.
Professional Career Training USA – General Hospitality Training The maximum length of your program is 12 months. If your original program is less than 12 months, you may extend your program.
Professional Career Training USA – Non-Hospitality/Hospitality Management The maximum length of your program is 18 months. If your original program is less than 18 months, you may extend your program.

How Do I Apply For An Extension?

Your home country CIEE representative can provide you with an Application for Program Extension, and answer any questions you may have about eligibility for extensions.

You should begin the process well in advance of the original end date on your DS-2019, to ensure that your extension can be completed before your original DS-2019 expires.

Once you have submitted your Application for Program Extension to your home country CIEE representative, they will submit it to CIEE on your behalf. CIEE will review the Application and contact your Host Organization to discuss your extension. CIEE will inform your Host Organization and your home country CIEE representative when a decision has been made. You should expect to be notified of the decision within 15 business days of our receipt of the application.

What Documentation Will I Need?

You will be required to submit the following along with your Application for Program Extension:

  • Copies of your original DS-2019, J-1 Visa, and Passport
  • A copy of your original DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan
  • New DS-7002 outlining the proposed additional training
  • Academic Endorsement for Extension from your academic institution (Internship USA current students only)

Can I Extend My Program With A Different Host Organization?

Unfortunately CIEE cannot approve an extension at a different host organization. If you are experiencing any problems at your current host organization you are encouraged to contact us to discuss them and see if we can provide any assistance.

Enter the WYSE Work Abroad Video Contest and you could win US$2,000!

As a member of WYSE Work Abroad, CIEE encourages you to showcase your creative talents by joining WYSE Work Abroad’s “Expand Your Horizons” Video Contest. Submit a 2-3 minute video about your work abroad, volunteer, work and travel, or internship experience, and you could win US $2,000!

Find out more about this exciting contest by visiting the contest microblog site: http://wyseworkabroad.tumblr.com

The 2011 contest is now closed. Check back in April 2012 for details of the 2012 contest!

Be sure to notify WYSE Work Abroad that you’ve entered the contest by emailing them your name and the title of your video. You must also indicate that you are a CIEE Work & Travel USA participant.

If you have questions, please visit the WYSE Work Abroad website or email them at mailbox@wyseworkabroad.org.