COVID-19 Program Updates: Host Families, Host Employers, and Host Organizations

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Communications

At CIEE, the health, safety and welfare of our program participants is our highest priority, and our actions during the most challenging of times reflect that commitment. CIEE has a long history of anticipating and responding to world events as they unfold, whether they be natural disasters, social unrest, or – as now – disease outbreaks.

In consideration of the increasing spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) around the world, CIEE continues to assess our current and upcoming J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program options. CIEE refers to the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory and Centers for Disease Control warning level alerts, as well as World Health Organization advice, when evaluating our program in terms of the safety of our participants and host communities. We are tracking this issue closely and will keep affected parties swiftly informed of any changes.

CIEE understands that changes to the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, in addition to potential shifts in tourism, may have serious implications for your organizations and surrounding communities. We encourage you to contact us to assist in what ways we can. We may assist in identifying other potential candidates for unfilled positions or assisting with messaging. Additionally, we recommend reviewing this CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers to learn about workplace exposure and develop a contingency plan for your organization for the months ahead.

This is a stressful time for many. Such anxieties can lead to social stigma against particular people or places. As ambassadors of cultural exchange, we appreciate your help in raising awareness without increasing fear. For more information on this, please visit the Center for Disease Control page on Stigma and Resilience.

We believe that international exchange prepares the next generation of leaders to work across cultures and tackle global crises — such as COVID-19 — that require global cooperation on solutions. CIEE plans to continue bringing the world together to increase intercultural understanding and humanize international relations for years to come. We thank you for your continued partnership in this effort.

High School USA

Participants currently in the U.S.

  • Programs already underway may continue as planned. Participants should contact CIEE Support Team at 1-800-448-9944 to alert us of any difficulties completing their program as planned or returning home.
  • Natural parents should not plan to visit the U.S. while participants are still on program if they originate from areas placed under the CDC recommendation to avoid non-essential travel.

Prospective Participants

  • After careful consideration of the above advisories, CIEE will continue to accept students on the High School USA program and we are moving forward with our effort to ensure every student arriving in August 2020 has a welcoming home in the United States.

Professional Exchange Programs (Intern, trainee, research scholar, short term scholar, specialist, professor)

Participants currently in the U.S.

  • Programs already underway may continue as planned. We have not placed any limitations on participant travel within the U.S. at this time. Participants should contact CIEE Customer Service at 1-888-268-6245 to alert us of any difficulties completing their program as planned or returning home.

Prospective Participants

  • CIEE has suspended programs for participants originating in China for programs beginning now, through summer start dates.
  • All prospective applicants must plan to arrive in the U.S. on May 11, 2020 or later.
  • Currently, CIEE plans to continue to offer programs to participants from all other countries where we typically operate.
     

work & travel usa

Participants currently in the U.S.

  • As of March 17, CIEE is recommending that all CIEE Work & Travel USA participants currently in the U.S. return home as soon as possible.
  • We understand that many countries have closed their borders to both nationals and foreigners. While participants may not be able to return home immediately, they should begin to make plans to return home as soon as they are able. Participants should contact their international representative for assistance booking flights.
  • Participants should contact CIEE Customer Service at 1-888-268-6245 so that we can understand their situation in the U.S.
  • Additionally, in-country participants should continue to check their email frequently for updates and advice from CIEE.

Prospective Participants

  • Based on elevated travel advisories, CIEE has suspended programs for participants originating in China for the upcoming 2020 summer season. It is CIEE’s intention to continue to offer exchange opportunities to exchange visitors from China in future seasons.
  • All prospective applicants must plan to arrive in the U.S. on May 11, 2020 or later.
  • Currently, CIEE plans to continue to offer programs to participants from all other countries where we typically operate.

Camp exchange usa

Prospective Participants

  • Based on elevated travel advisories, CIEE has suspended programs for participants originating in China for the upcoming 2020 summer season. It is CIEE’s intention to continue to offer exchange opportunities to exchange visitors from China in future seasons.
  • All prospective applicants must plan to arrive in the U.S. on May 11, 2020 or later. 
  • Currently, CIEE plans to continue to offer programs to participants from all other countries where we typically operate.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Please call 1-888-268-6245 any time to speak with a CIEE representative if you have any questions.