A BridgeUSA J-1 Internship or Trainee Program in the United States is a unique experience that will help you grow on a professional and personal level. International Trainee Network and Odyssey International Exchange provide immersive internships and trainee programs that, without a doubt, will be life-changing and broaden your horizons. Our programs allow internationals from all around the world to get out of their comfort zone, experience American culture, learn new skills, train in their occupational field, improve their language skills, meet locals and other internationals, travel in the United States, and many many other benefits!

The entire process of a BridgeUSA J-1 Intern or Trainee Program might be scary or overwhelming in the beginning, but our international teams are there for you to provide the necessary assistance and support you during every step of the process. From the initial application until the completion of your program in the United States, you will receive accurate and transparent information from our experts in the field.

With that in mind, we put together a list of the most important reminders for your J-1 Internship or Trainee Program with ITN & Odyssey International Exchange. Let’s explore them together:

1. Complete the Check-in with Odyssey International Exchange

Although you may be very excited and distracted with the new experiences upon your arrival in the United States, completing your Arrival Check-in is very important. On the day of your arrival in the United States, you will receive instructions on how to complete your online check-in at your email address. If you do not receive the email, please contact Odyssey directly at info@odcinternational.com

2. Maintain Contact with Us

During your J-1 Intern or Trainee Program, you must maintain contact with us and make sure that all your personal information is accurate. If you change your phone number, living address or if there are any other changes to your training, you must inform us.

3. Complete Your Monthly Check-ins and Evaluations

Monthly Check-ins: You will receive a monthly check-in website link from Odyssey International Exchange. It is very important that you complete each monthly check-in.
Mid-Term Evaluation: A mid-term evaluation will be received from us at the half-way point of your program in the United States. It is very important that you complete the mid-term evaluation form.
Final Evaluation: A final evaluation will be received at the end of your J-1 Intern or Trainee Program in the United States. You must complete the final evaluation for the program.

4. Do Not Leave Your Host Company

You should never abandon your position or host company without first consulting Odyssey International Exchange. Your BridgeUSA J-1 Program Visa is tied to your position at your host company. If you leave your position, you may be in danger of being out of status.

5. Know Your Health Insurance

We are providing you with the medical insurance which is mandatory for a J-1 Intern or Trainee Program in the United States. It is very important that you review all the information on your medical insurance and kindly note that the insurance is provided for emergency situations, not for basic care. In the event that you need to use the insurance for an emergency situation, it is important that you do the following:

Call Your Insurance Company First: The phone number is listed on your insurance card. Give them your unique ID number, or the certificate number listed on your insurance card. The company will find a doctor in their network in your area and make an appointment for you.
Always take your insurance card, photo identification, and DS-2019 form with you to the doctor.
When you go to the doctor, you will have to pay a fee for the first visit and an additional fee for each follow-up visit. This cost is called a deductible and it is normal for every insurance company.
Only go to a hospital in a true emergency: The deductible (fee) for a hospital is much more than a doctor’s visit.
If you fail to call the insurance before seeking medical attention or within 48 hours of receiving medical care, you are responsible for paying any bills and must then use a claim form to seek reimbursement from your insurance company. If you wait longer than 48 hours after receiving care to contact the insurance company, you will not be eligible for a reimbursement claim.

6. Housing

Some of our host company partners provide housing options, while others do not. If Unless your host company explicitly confirmed that they will be providing housing, do not assume that housing will be available upon arrival. It is important that you reserve housing or temporary housing before arrival in the United States.

7. Important Documents

Always keep all your documents in a safe place. Replacing them might be very costly and take a long time. The most important documents for your J-1 Intern/Trainee Program are:

Passport and J-1 Visa
DS-2019
I-94
Training Plan (DS-7002)
Sponsor Letter
Birth Certificate (or official picture ID that is at least 1 year old)
Social Security Card

8. Check Your Email Often

All important messages and reminders for your J-1 Internship or Trainee Program will be sent to your email address. We encourage you to check your email at least once every day and it is important that you respond to all the messages from Odyssey International Exchange.

9. Applying for Social Security

After arriving in the United States and completing your check-in with Odyssey International Exchange, please wait 5 business days before applying for your social security card. Learn more about the Social Security Number (SSN) here.

10. 30-Day Grace Period

Upon completion of your J-1 Internship or Trainee Program, you will have 30 days after the end date listed on your DS-2019 to travel the United States, explore American culture, do all the things you have always dreamed of and depart from the United States. You may not work during this time and it is important that you depart the country within the 30 days period. Learn more about the Travel Grace Period here.

If you have more questions in regards to your BridgeUSA J-1 Intern or Trainee Program with ITN & Odyssey International Exchange, please do not hesitate to contact your ITN or Odyssey representative. We would be more than happy to assist you with your questions, concerns, or inquiries.

Important Reminders For Your J-1 Intern Or Trainee Program