Travel

CIEE hopes you have time to travel during your stay in the U.S. Before traveling, you should be aware of the following:

• If you intend to travel at the end of your program, you are free to travel in the U.S. until the Program End Date listed on your Confirmation of Insurance form.
• You are permitted to take time off during your internship to travel in the U.S., as long as you get permission from your supervisor. It’s customary to give at least one week’s notice when requesting time off, if not more.
• Depending on the agreement you signed with your CIEE representative and CIEE, you may have insurance coverage for up to 30 days past your DS-2019 end date. You can find your Program Dates on your Confirmation of Insurance form. The U.S. Department of State has a grace period that allows you to legally remain in the U.S. for an additional 30 days after your DS-2019 expires. Please visit the U.S. Department of State website http://exchanges.state.gov for more information about the grace period.
• If your program dates indicated on your Confirmation of Insurance are the same as those indicated on your DS-2019 Form, and you decide to take advantage of the grace period to travel in the U.S., you must be aware of these important details:
• You will no longer be covered by your CIEE insurance, and CIEE will no longer be responsible for you
• You should not travel outside the continental U.S. during the grace period

CIEE recommends that you return home when your program comes to an end and that you do not stay in the U.S. after your Program End Date.

Traveling Outside the U.S.

If you plan to travel outside the U.S. during your program, please remember the following:

• You may only return to the U.S. before your DS-2019 End Date
• You may only return to the U.S. before your J-1 Visa Expiration Date, and your J-1 Visa must be for “multiple” entries. The number of times you are allowed to enter the U.S. is indicated on your J-1 Visa under the “entries” section:
• If the letter “M” appears in this section, you are permitted multiple entries
• If it does not, you are only allowed to enter the U.S. the specific number of times indicated
• You cannot leave the U.S. for longer than 30 days.
• Before traveling, you must have your DS-2019 signed for travel by CIEE and receive a Good Standing Letter. You must bring your DS-2019 and Good Standing Letter with you when traveling.
• Travel to Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas) is covered by your CIEE insurance. Travel anywhere else outside the U.S. is not covered.
• You may need a visa for countries you are visiting – you may want to check with your country’s U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

To obtain proper travel validation from CIEE:

1. Contact CIEE at least two weeks before any trip outside the U.S.

2. Mail your DS-2019 to CIEE with a letter that explains your travel plans.

3. Include a prepaid return envelope (from CIEE to your U.S. mailing address) using the same mail service you used to send your DS-2019. CIEE recommends FedEx, UPS, or the U.S. Postal Service. Do not send money in the mail.

4. CIEE will return your DS-2019 along with a Good Standing Letter. You will need to present these documents to the U.S. Customs Official upon your return to the U.S.

If you have multiple trips outside of the U.S. planned, please contact CIEE before sending in your DS-2019 so that we can correctly advise you.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact CIEE.