Frequently Asked Questions

Some of our most frequently asked questions about the Global Career Launch program are answered below. If you have additional questions, please contact us at gcl@culturalvistas.org

Is the GCL internship a paid internship?

No. Every GCL internship is an unpaid work experience.

When is the deadline to apply for a GCL internship?

There are three deadlines for application and deposits: The first deadline is for the application fee due on Monday, January 2, 2012. The second deadline is for the program deposit due on Friday, January 20, 2012. Those who pay the deposit by then will have access to the first round of placements. The third deadline is Friday, March 9, 2012 for the final deposit.

What kind of visa do I need and how do I get it?

You are required to obtain a J-1 visa to participate in the GCL program. Cultural Vistas is designated by the U.S. Department of State as a sponsor for the J-1 visa, and Cultural Vistas will provide you with the documentation, guidance, and support necessary to obtain the visa. It is your responsibility to pay the visa fee to the United States Consulate.

How does the selection process work?

Selection to the Global Career Launch program is based on a completed application and a follow-up interview, if necessary. GCL interviews may be conducted in-person, by telephone, or via Skype. You will be contacted either by Cultural Vistas or your university if an interview is requested. Global Career Launch applicants are then notified of their acceptance and informed of the program city where they have been accepted.

How does the placement process work?

The Global Career Launch placement process begins once the program deposit has been received and continues through an offer. During this period, participant resumes are circulated regularly to GCL host employers. Participants will not know which company or organization they are working at until accepted by an employer. About half of all GCL host employers request phone interviews before accepting an intern.

Be prepared to make time in your schedule (usually early in the morning or late at night – due to the time zone difference between the United States and your country) for employer interviews. If you are selected for the internship, the placement process is complete. If you are not accepted for the job after the interview, your resume will continue to circulate among additional employers. The first job offer received is always the best job offer available. Unplaced participants will receive regular updates on their placement status.

How exactly does Cultural Vistas help me obtain a J-1 Visa?

Cultural Vistas is designated by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor J-1 visas. Once accepted into the GCL program, Cultural Vistas will issue you a DS-2019, the document needed to apply for a J-1 visa. Once you receive this document, you may then apply for the visa at your nearby U.S. consulate, and bring the DS-2019 with you. It is your responsibility to pay the visa fee and make the visa interview appointment. Being accepted for an internship does not guarantee the U.S. Government will issue you a J-1 visa. If you are declined a J-1 visa, Cultural Vistas will refund all of your program payments minus a $100 administrative fee.

When should I apply for the Visa?

Cultural Vistas will issue the DS-2019 form at the end of March and you should schedule your visa appointment by the beginning of April. You are responsible to schedule your own visa interview at a U.S. Consulate. It can take anywhere between 2 days to 4 weeks to obtain an appointment, so we recommend you stay updated on the current visa appointment wait times at your nearby U.S. Consulate.

What if I don’t like my internship once the job begins? Can I change employers?

Once you begin your internship, it is not possible to change host employers. Securing internships for GCL students can take months, and it is nearly impossible to make any changes once you have accepted the position. We strongly encourage you to complete your internship with your host employer.

Can I make my own housing and transportation plans and remove these arrangements from the cost?

No, GCL is all-inclusive program and unfortunately we cannot make exceptions.

What type of in-country support can I expect?

You are provided with the support necessary to succeed and be comfortable living and working in a new country. We will show you how to use the public transportation system, how to arrive to your internship, and provide you up with a safe and comfortable living situation. There will be one Cultural Vistas Program Coordinator in each city for the duration of your internship. This person will be available to help you learn about your new city, new culture, and answer any questions you may have during your time in the United States. GCL staff provides you with everything necessary to make your experience a success.

What kind of cultural and social activities can I expect?

Every GCL program city offers unique and wonderful options, and the cultural activities of the program vary to take advantage of each city’s exciting culture. Previous activities have included Major League Baseball games, group dinners, city tours, amusement parks, wine tasting tours, happy hours, lunch boat cruises, and trips to nearby cities. You can expect up to three group cultural activities included in the program. This will leave you with some weekends for free time to explore other parts of your city or the country.

What are the working hours for a GCL internship?

Typical working hours are Monday – Friday, 35-40 hours per week between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Some internships may have different hours depending on the nature of the duties assigned. For example, you may work earlier in the morning or later at night in the hospitality business. You will not be working more than 40 hours per week.

When do we make our acceptance decisions?

Final decisions are made by the end of January 2012.

What if I do not have a valid passport by the deadline of application?

If you do not have a valid passport you must obtain one as quickly as possible. You will still be able to apply for the program, but you will have to submit a photocopy of your current passport with a note saying you have applied or are applying for a renewed passport. We CANNOT process your visa paperwork until we have a valid passport with an expiration date at least 6 months after your program end date.

Can I travel in the United States before or after the program date?

The GCL program is for six or eight weeks. At the end of the program your visa allows for a 30 day window where you are allowed to stay in the United States and travel. However, if you decide to stay, you will be on your own to make those arrangements. This 30 day window is for travel purposes only; you cannot work in the United States during that period.

What can I do if I am currently participating in an exchange program overseas, how can I attend the interview?

If you are currently studying abroad you still have to interview. Interviews, though good to be done in person, can also be conducted via telephone or Skype. You will have to inform a GCL manager of your circumstance and help arrange this interview at a time that is convenient for both yourself and the interviewing manager.

Please note: If you are studying abroad in the United States, you must leave and return to your country of origin to do your visa interview with the United States Consulate. If you are studying in another country that is not your home country, but NOT the United States, you will have to check with the local U.S. Consulate or Embassy to make sure you can do your visa interview there.

Can final year students apply?

Yes, students that are graduating at the end of the 2012 Spring Semester – that is, those that are currently attending classes at the time of application - are allowed to apply for the program.

Can post-graduate students apply?

Graduate-level students are welcome to apply. Students that have been out of school for longer than 12 months and do not have an offer of school admittance for the upcoming fall semester for graduate courses are not eligible.

Can I get the deposit back if I am not placed?

The refund policy is clearly outlined on the Global Career Launch Website. To date, we have never had a student who has not received an internship placement.

Are the dates of the program flexible?

No. Your internships and housing are set for the dates of your internship program. If you would like to arrive earlier or leave later than your program dates, you may do so provided you are within the regulations of your visa.

Is attendance mandatory at everything?

Participants are required to attend their internship for the duration of the program. If you must take time off, it is your responsibility to obtain permission from your supervisor. Attendance for planned weekend excursions and cultural events is optional. If you would rather spend your free time traveling or independently exploring your host city you are welcome to do so.

Will I have a roommate?

Yes. You will have at least one roommate on the program.

Will I have internet available in the housing?

Housing options do provide computer access on campus; however, we cannot guarantee wireless internet service.

Will I have phone service?

You will not have any phone service in your residence. If you would like to purchase a mobile phone, we recommend a “pay as you go” phone. These phones are inexpensive and you will only pay for the minutes you use.