ciee - council on international educational exchange

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.

Change of Host Organization

If you think you need to change your Host Organization, you should contact CIEE as soon as possible to discuss your situation. Changes of Host Organization are granted only in rare cases. Please read the following information carefully before proceeding.

When does CIEE allow a Change of Host Organization?

A change of Host Organization is granted in the rare case when it is determined that a program participant and a Host Organization cannot continue the internship. Should this situation arise, CIEE Customer Service staff will provide you with assistance and guidance.

Acceptable reasons for requesting a change of Host Organization include:

Financial difficulties at your Host Organization
Unwillingness or inability of the Host Organization to follow the training plan
Host Organization unwillingness or inability to provide appropriate support and supervision
Conflict between you and your Host Organization that cannot be resolved
Physical or emotional abuse, or harassment by co-workers or management at your Host Organization

Please note that CIEE cannot grant a Change of Host Organization to participants with less than 25% of their total internship duration remaining.

The Process: What to Expect

The CIEE Customer Service Department will discuss the problems you are experiencing and work with you to address the issue. They will also contact your Host Organization to discuss the issues and determine their willingness and/or ability to resolve the problem. You will also be requested to submit a personal statement describing why you want to change your Host Organization, and whether you have identified a new Host Organization.

If it is determined that it is not possible for you to continue your program with your current host organization, a change of host organization may be granted. Your new host organization will need to complete a new DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan, which both you and your new supervisor should review and sign. You should also submit your original DS-2019.

A change of host organization will only be approved by CIEE in extenuating circumstances and you must not change your host organization without the express prior consent of CIEE. Failure to notify CIEE prior to leaving your initial host organization will result in your withdrawal from the program, and you will be required to return to your home country.

Timeline

Once you have submitted all required materials, CIEE will process your Change of Host Organization application within five to seven business days. If your new host organization requires a site visit, this can take three or four additional business days. You should not begin training with your new host organization until your new Training Plan has been approved. The CIEE Customer Service Associate working with you will notify you if/when your application has been approved and when you may start your new program.