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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.

CIEE Orientation

Before you start your program, you must to complete a CIEE Orientation. In this orientation you will learn about program rules and regulations, and get advice on how to have a successful program. The CIEE Orientation is online. You can complete the orientation any time after you receive your DS-2019 form, but you must complete it before you travel to the U.S.

You will receive a reminder and instructions from CIEE approximately 30 days before your program start date. Make sure you have provided CIEE with your correct email address, and check with your CIEE representative if you have not received an email from us a month before your program start date.

To View The CIEE Online Orientation:

Before You Start, Make Sure You Are Using A Computer With At Least:

  • High Speed Internet access – connection of 150kbps or higher
  • Operating System – Windows XP or Vista, or MAC OS X 10.3 or higher
  • Browser - Internet Explorer version 6.0 or higher, Firefox version 2.0 or higher, Safari
  • Monitor - 1024 x 768 resolution, or ability to zoom out using your web browser
  • Adobe Flash Player 9 or higher - if you do not have this on your computer, you will be prompted to download it or you can download from http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer
  • Pop-up blocker turned off
  • Headphones/speakers

If you have any problems logging in or viewing the presentation, please contact your CIEE representative for assistance.

Remember, you must complete the entire orientation before you travel to the U.S. to begin 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.