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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.

Renting

Here are some things to consider when renting your housing:

Signing a Rental Agreement (Lease)

When you rent or sublet an apartment, you should expect to sign a rental agreement (lease) with the landlord. If your landlord does not require it, you should ask for one anyway. A rental agreement protects both the tenant and the landlord. The agreement should define the terms of your rental, including the costs, dates, and any conditions agreed to. Before you sign any rental agreement, be sure to read it carefully and get an explanation of any terms that you don’t understand.

Many landlords require a one year minimum lease, which you may want to avoid if your internship is shorter. Remember, you may be charged a fee for breaking the lease if you move out early.

Security Deposits

All states allow landlords to collect a security deposit when a tenant moves in. Security deposits are usually one month‘s rent. Your security deposit will be returned to you when you leave, as long as there has been no damage to the apartment during your occupancy and you fulfilled the lease agreement. It is a very good idea to inspect your new apartment with your landlord before signing an agreement. Be sure to get a written record of existing damages and a list of all included furnishings and their condition. You can also take photos of the apartment's condition when you first move in to make a visual record.

Eviction

Your landlord can remove you from your housing if there is good reason to do so. Not paying rent on time, excessive noise on the premises, and causing damage to the property are good reasons for eviction. If you are evicted from your housing, you should get an eviction notice and be given a deadline to leave the housing.

Do not let eviction happen to you! Be respectful of your living situation. This means paying the rent on time, taking care of your property, and following all of the rules in your lease or living agreement. If you have any concerns, talk to your landlord or the person responsible.

CIEE Announces Winner of the 2011 Internship USA Contest! Click Here to Read More!

If you’re going to New York City, consider the de Hirsch Residence at the 92nd Street Y. It’s an international community of students, interns, and young professionals. What better place to call home during your program?

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.