Housing

You are responsible for finding your own housing in the United States. Asking your host company for suggestions is a good way to begin your search. We also encourage you to reach out to other CDS interns/trainees. The CDS J-1 visa Facebook group is an excellent place to connect with CDS interns/trainees and alumni who may have housing tips.

You may choose to find housing before or after your arrival in the United States. If you secure accommodations before you arrive, beware of scams. Never make any payments until you have visited the space and signed the necessary documents! If you plan on finding housing after you have arrived, you should coordinate short-term housing before leaving your home country. If your host company is unable to assist you, the search for long-term housing may take up to a month, so it is essential that you arrange a temporary place to live during your search.

Where to find it

Many young professionals in the U.S. find housing through online resources such as Craigslist, a free, online collection of classified advertisements. Craigslist can also be a resource for finding other items to help you settle into your new home (i.e. furniture, appliances, bicycles, etc). Other resources to consider include local newspapers and a Google search for “housing in (your city)”.

You may also consider hiring a real estate agent. Agents typically charge a fee for their services, which varies depending on location in the United States.

Sign the documents

It is best to sign a lease in order to secure your place to live. A lease is a contract between you, any roommates, and your landlord that outlines the terms of your living arrangement. It should include the amount of your rent, the duration of your stay at the property, the utilities that will be paid (if any), and the responsibilities of you and your landlord. Always get your lease in writing! Be sure to read through your lease carefully and to ask questions about anything you don’t understand.

Many landlords require a security deposit before you are allowed to move in. A security deposit is money given to a landlord as protection for damages that may occur during your time living there. It is typically equivalent to one month’s rent and will be returned to you at the end of your lease, assuming there are no damages and all other bills are paid. It is illegal for your landlord to keep this money without notifying you. Make sure your landlord has your contact information in your home country so he/she can return this payment to you after you move out.

Notify CDS of Your New Address

You must notify CDS of your new address within 10 days of any change in living situation. We will then update your contact information in both the CDS and government databases. It is important that you do this each time you move.

Financial Overview

Credit cards and checks written from U.S. banks are the most widely accepted forms of payment in the United States. Wire transfers are rare and tend to be costly and time consuming. Consider opening a bank account as soon as possible.

Bring funds from home

You should bring enough funds with you to cover regular expenses in the United States for at least a month, regardless of the pay at your internship. Your host company may need several weeks to add you to its payroll and if so, you may be unable to receive a paycheck until it does (See the Social Security Number Section). You should also be prepared to pay large, up-front expenses such as a security deposit on your apartment or transportation costs.

Open a Bank Account

Opening a local bank account can be beneficial to both you and your host company. Your host company will most likely be able to deposit your paycheck directly into your account, saving you both time and unnecessary work. A bank account will also give you access to checking and online banking.

You should open a bank account as soon as possible. Different banks have different requirements for opening a new account. Most of the time, you will be asked to provide the following:

• your passport
• your Social Security Card
• a letter from your employer verifying your status as an intern/trainee
• proof of address, such as mail addressed to you or a copy of your lease
• a letter of credit from your bank at home (optional)

Choose the bank that best fits your needs. You should find out whether your bank has a monthly service charge, a minimum balance, and/or fees for services such as ATM withdrawals. You should also ask how long it will take for deposited funds to be available for withdrawal.

You will probably have the option of opening a checking account or a savings account. A checking account is usually the best option, as this will enable you to pay bills by check and to make deposits and withdrawals.

Debit Card

You should request a debit card when you open your bank account. Your debit card will allow you to make purchases online and at places where credit cards are accepted. You will also be able to use it to withdraw money directly from an ATM.

Be aware that many ATMs charge a usage fee. Your bank may also charge you for using another bank’s ATM. To avoid unnecessary charges, it is a good idea to choose a bank that has ATMs near your apartment and/or workplace.

Checks

It is typical to use checks when paying bills in the United States, including rent and utility bills. When you open your checking account, your bank will provide you with a checkbook. It is important to fill out checks correctly so that funds are properly transferred. Below is an example of a check properly filled out:

Be careful not to overdraw your account by writing a check when you do not have the funds in your account to cover it, or by forgetting about an outstanding check that the payee has waited to deposit. If you do not have funds to cover a check, the check will “bounce”, and your bank may charge you a sizeable fee. The payee may also ask you to cover a fee charged by his or her bank. A bounced check can be an expensive mistake. Remember to cash any checks you receive as soon as possible; if you hold on to one for an extended period of time, your bank my reject it.

Credit Cards

It is often difficult for a J-1 visa holder to obtain a credit card in the United States, so we recommend bringing a credit card from your home country. Check with your bank to be sure the credit card will be accepted in the United States. You may also want to ask your bank whether you will be charged additional fees for using your credit card internationally.

Sales Tax

A sales tax is a tax charged on items purchased at stores, online, or in restaurants. State and local governments regulate the sales tax, so it may vary from 3% to 10% depending on where you are. A sales tax is usually not included on the price tag or menu, but will be added to the final list price when you pay. For example, an item listed as costing $3.99 may actually cost about $4.23 with tax included.

Tipping

Tipping is a common practice in the service industries in the United States. Tips are often the major source of income for many workers in these industries, making tipping an important part of American culture.

The most common situation in which you should tip will be in restaurants. You are expected to tip 15% to 20% of the final bill when paying for a meal. For example, if your total bill including sales tax is $15, you should pay between $17.25 and $18.00. It is typical to leave the money at the table instead of handing it directly to your server.

Please keep in mind that servers in U.S. restaurants often earn less than minimum wage and depend on tips as their main source of income. Tipping less than 15% in a restaurant with table service is usually considered rude.

Occasionally, if you dine in a restaurant with a large group of people, the tip may be included in the bill. If this is the case, it should be clearly indicated on your bill, probably with the word “gratuity” or “service charge”. Ask if you are not certain whether a tip is included in your bill. Usually, it is not.

Tipping is also common in other parts of the service industry. One generally tips hairstylists and spa technicians between 10% and 15% and taxi drivers 10%. At bars it is standard to leave an additional dollar for every drink you purchase.

U.S. Work Culture

Your workplace in the U.S. may be very different from what you are used to. Office culture varies greatly between companies; however, there are some general guidelines you should follow during your internship.

Responsibilities and the Training/Internship Placement Plan

It is important that you become familiar with the Training/Internship Placement Plan (Form DS-7002) that you and your supervisor signed during the visa application process. This document should serve as a general outline of your responsibilities and tasks.

You should expect to take on additional tasks not listed on your training plan, as flexibility is highly valued in the American workforce. If you feel that your employer is not following the training plan, ask to speak with your supervisor and find out how you both can best benefit from a renewed plan of action.

The Training/Internship Placement Plan should be seen as a contract between you and your employer; therefore, under most circumstances, you are not allowed to change host companies as a J-1 visa holder. In extreme cases, you may petition CDS for a host company change. Speak with your CDS representative for more information.

Office Culture

American offices are often team-oriented and social. Colleagues are generally addressed by their first names, though you should ask fellow interns how best to address senior staff.

Dress code varies. Check your staff manual or ask your supervisor for information about appropriate attire before starting your internship.

Business Hours

Typical business hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Check with your supervisor to find out what your hours will be. It is very important that you show up on time every day. The quickest way to lose the respect of your colleagues is to arrive chronically late. Show up five minutes before any scheduled appointment to make a good impression.

You should anticipate working a full 40-hour week. There will probably be times when you will be asked and expected to work past normal business hours. This is common in the U.S. workplace. If working overtime continues for an extended period, you may want to meet with your supervisor and discuss your role within the company. When working more than 40 hours per week, you may be eligible for overtime pay or compensatory time off (“comp time”). Speak with your supervisor or with human resources about the policies at your company.

You may also be entitled to vacation and sick days. The number of vacation and sick days granted per year varies between companies. Contact your supervisor to find out what is available to you.

Salary / Paycheck

If your position is paid, you should expect to receive a paycheck once or twice per month. Find out from your supervisor when paychecks will be distributed. It may take up to a month for you to be added to active payroll, so don’t get too discouraged if you do not receive your first paycheck immediately. Once you set up a bank account, you may be able to request that your paycheck be deposited directly into your account. This option is often easiest for the company and will also save you a trip to the bank.

Your paycheck will probably be less than your salary because taxes are typically withheld for every pay period.

As a J-1 visa holder, you should pay the following taxes:

• Federal Income Tax
• State Income Tax (if applicable)
• Local Income Tax (if applicable)

You should not pay the following taxes:

• Social Security and Medicare Tax (FICA)
• Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)

It is your responsibility to inform your host company of the taxes you do not have to pay. When you receive your first paycheck, review it and discuss anything you do not understand with your supervisor or human resources representative. Find out more information about taxes.

Discrimination and Harassment

In the U.S., workplace discrimination and harassment based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, or disability are illegal and should not be tolerated. You should not make jokes related to these attributes. These norms reflect many Americans’ desire to be sensitive to individuals coming from very different backgrounds.

Similarly, if your colleagues make comments or engage in behavior that makes you feel uncomfortable, you should inform your supervisor or human resources representative. If your host company does not promptly take action to resolve the problem, please notify your CDS representative. Learn more about U.S. laws concerning discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

Workplace Safety

All employees and interns are entitled to a safe work environment. If you notice conditions that could lead to serious injury or death, contact your supervisor or human resources representative immediately. If your host company asks you to complete tasks you deem unsafe, notify your CDS representative.

Drug Testing

Your host company has the right to test you for any illegal drug use. Every organization operates differently, but you should be prepared to submit to a drug test before your internship begins and at random times throughout your program. A positive result will most likely lead to your dismissal from the company and termination of your visa status.

American Laws

You are subject to all local and federal laws during your stay in the United States. Federal laws apply to every person in the United States. Local laws can apply to state, city, and county districts and change from region to region. Check with your colleagues and regional websites to find out what laws are enforced in your area. The following is a short summary of some laws that may affect you while in the U.S.

Legal Drinking Age

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or consume alcohol. This law applies to everyone living in the United States. Some states may allow people under the age of 21 into bars; however, they are still not allowed to drink. It is also illegal to purchase alcohol for people under the age of 21. Be prepared to show identification when purchasing alcohol or entering bars.

Open Container Law

It is illegal for a person of any age to possess an open container of alcohol in a public space, including parks, streets, and public transportation vehicles. Specific laws and the strictness with which they are enforced vary from state to state.

This law also applies to moving vehicles; it is illegal for a passenger or a driver to possess an open container of alcohol, even if he or she is nowhere near the driver's seat. If you are transporting alcohol, it should be in a closed container and preferably in the trunk of the car.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI)

It is illegal and dangerous to operate any vehicle after consuming alcohol. The legal blood alcohol content limit in most states is .08%. If you are caught driving drunk, you can expect to spend time in jail and will also lose your driver’s license. These laws extend to the operation of other vehicles, including motorcycles, boats, and bikes. Bottom line: if you’ve been drinking, take a taxi. It’s not worth the risk!

Drug Possession

Drug laws in the U.S. are punitive. It is illegal to possess certain drugs for personal use, distribution, or sale. These include marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, and pharmaceuticals without a proper prescription. If caught with any illegal drug, you will face fines, jail time, and possible deportation.

Smoking Laws

Smoking laws are enforced at the local level and differ from region to region. As a rule of thumb, do not smoke in an enclosed space. This can include offices, restaurants, bars, planes, and trains. It is also impolite to smoke in someone’s home without asking for permission. If you would like to smoke outside in a park or a café, it is considered impolite to smoke without asking the people around you if they would be disturbed by cigarette smoke.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is unsafe and is illegal in most regions of the United States. CDS strongly advises against it.

Emergencies

The first thing to do if you find yourself in an emergency situation is to dial 911, which will connect you to a national emergency call center. They will determine whether the police, the fire department, or an emergency medical service should be sent to you. It is important that you state clearly the reason for your call and that you stay on the line until the call is complete.

After speaking with local authorities, you should consider calling the CDS 24-hour toll-free emergency help line at 1-877-CDS-3222. Please note that this number should only be used in case of an emergency. Emergencies include:

• Detainment upon entering or leaving the U.S.
• Serious illness or injury
• Violent crime
• Arrest or detainment

If you are arrested, you should not answer any questions from the police until you have spoken with a lawyer. Call CDS immediately.

The following are not emergencies; please resolve these issues with your CDS representative during normal office hours.

• Lost or stolen Form DS-2019, Form I-94, passport, or other documents
• Questions about medical insurance
• Social security or tax problems
• Non-violent crime (theft, etc.)
• Disputes with money or contracts
• General information related to housing, travel, etc.

How to Meet Americans & Stay Involved with CDS

We hope that you find time outside of work to relax, explore your area, and meet other people. We’ve put together a Facebook group to help you meet fellow CDS interns/trainees in the United States. Find us online on Facebook and join the discussion!

We also have a group on the professional networking site LinkedIn—join our group!

We are also active on Twitter! Follow us and stay in touch!

CDS organizes get-togethers and networking events throughout the United States. These can include happy hours, cultural outings, and volunteer events. We’ll send you an email when if we are planning a trip to your area.