Welcome to Spirits Online Orientation for the Jobs America Program

WELCOME
As a Jobs America participant, you will have the opportunity to experience American culture and practice English by living and working with Americans and other international students. We hope you have a wonderful experience! The following online orientation will answer the most commonly asked questions about the program. We also strongly recommend that you attend both your predeparture orientation provided by your sending office and the orientation provided by Spirit after arrival in the US. We would be happy to meet you and answer all your questions in person! For specific questions before your arrival to the US, please contact your sending office in your home country.

Spirit Policies

SPIRIT POLICIES Premium Program: Accepting a Job Offer

Accept or Decline Your Premium Program Job Offer
If you are a Premium Program participant, you have the choice to accept or decline your Spirit job offer before arrival.

Accepting Your Premium Program Job Offer means you commit to:
The terms of the position as stated on the job offer. Working at your designated employer for the ENTIRE program period. The housing terms, including any deposits due before or upon arrival. Contacting your employer AT LEAST TWO WEEKS before the program start date to confirm your arrival plans.

Spirit MUST receive your SIGNED acceptance or decline of the job offer by the deadline listed on your job offer. If Spirit does not receive your signed acceptance by the deadline date, we will assume that you have rejected the job offer, and the offer will be cancelled.

SPIRIT POLICIES Premium Program: Declining a Job Offer

If you choose to decline your initial Spirit Job Offer, you should do so by the date listed at the top of the Spirit Job Offer. One FREE replacement offer is available if you:
1) Applied as an Easy Placement applicant OR 2) Requested at least three employer preferences which you were qualified for, but were not hired. - To qualify for the free replacement job offer, signed decline of the initial job offer MUST be received within one week of posting the job offer in the Agent Support Center along with an emailed request for replacement from your sending office.

Replacement job offers are NOT available if you:

1) Received a job offer from one of your requested employers OR 2) Accepted a position at a Job Fair and later declined the formal job offer.

SPIRIT POLICIES
Premium Program: Declining a Job Offer (Continued)
If you are not eligible for a replacement job offer or choose to decline your replacement job offer, you may either find your own job or cancel the program (cancellation fees will apply).

Find Your Own Job

-If you decline your Premium Program Job Offer and wish to remain in the program, you may use Spirits list of Independent Program employers and housing leads to find employment and housing opportunities. -Independent discount will NOT apply.

If you are unable to provide a Job Offer that meets Spirits vetting requirements 6 weeks before the program start date, you will be CANCELLED from the program and subject to cancellation fees.

SPIRIT POLICIES Independent & Freestyle Programs

List of Potential Employers
If you are an Independent or Freestyle participant, you have access to Spirits online Job Board in the Participant Login section of Spirits website. These employers often require special qualifications and do not usually pre-arrange housing, so you must be willing to identify your own housing after arrival.

Written Job Offer Required

All participants must submit their written job offer to Spirit to be vetted and approved BEFORE starting work. Please give the job offer to your sending office before departure or email to support@spiritexchange.com after arrival in the US.

Freestyle Participants: Things to Remember

If you do not identify employment before arrival, you must contact Spirit immediately upon arrival in the US to provide a temporary address and contact information until you find employment. You MUST check-in with Spirit at least once per week until you secure employment and housing. Failure to communicate with Spirit during this period will result in program cancellation.
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Letter from U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT

SPIRIT POLICIES Changing Jobs

Premium Participants
Premium Program participants MUST complete their entire program period at their Spiritdesignated employer. Premium Program participants are not allowed to change jobs after arrival in the US.

Independent and Freestyle Participants

Independent and Freestyle Program participants are allowed to change jobs after arrival in the US, as long as you contact Spirit for approval first. It is recommended that you provide at least one week (preferably two weeks) notice to your employer.

SEVIS Update
Inform Spirit of any housing or employment changes through our online SEVIS Update located in the Participant Login section at www.spiritexchange.com. Spirit must receive your SEVIS Update within one week of moving locations.

Failure to notify Spirit of ANY employment or housing changes within one week of the change will result in program cancellation.

Pre-Departure

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PRE-DEPARTURE Checklist
Review Your Job Offer & Housing Options
Make sure you understand the terms! If you do not understand them, ask your sending office to help clarify.

Research Your Employers Location

Review your employers website and the community website listed on your job offer.

Communicate Your Travel Plans

Submit your flight arrival information to Spirit via the online form located in the Participant Support Center on Spirits website. Email or call your employer at least two weeks in advance with detailed travel plans!

Ensure That You Have Enough Money

You should have at least $1000 available to you upon arrival in the US to support yourself until you receive your first paycheck. Review your travel instructions and housing deposit amount to ensure that you bring enough money to cover your settling-in costs.

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PRE-DEPARTURE What to Expect From Your Employer

Types of Jobs
Spirit participants are generally placed in entry-level, seasonal jobs, such as housekeeping or kitchen work. Some positions are assigned based on English skills and participant preference, but you must be prepared to consider a position in any industry across the United States.

Job Offer
If you are a Premium Program participant, you will receive one job offer from a Spirit employer with a list of positions currently available. Most employers will assign a specific position to you after your arrival, when they can best determine your skills and where you will fit in with their needs. However, even if a specific position is assigned to you before arrival, the position is subject to change based on your performance and the employers business needs.

Payroll Deductions
In some cases, housing and/or meals may be deducted directly from your paycheck, depending on your employer. Review your job offer carefully to fully understand the terms of the offer. If there are payroll deductions, ask for a written document signed by you and your employer detailing the terms of the deductions.

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PRE-DEPARTURE Premium Program: Housing Options

Types of Housing Premium program participants will have an affordable housing option listed on their job offer, which is near the employer or close to public transportation. Housing options often cost 40% or less of your average monthly earnings and are shared with other international students or employees. Housing may be in motel rooms, apartments, or on-site at the work place. Job Only Job Offer If you accepted a Premium Program Job Only job offer, you are responsible for securing your own housing. You should research housing options and reserve at least a short-term housing option, such as a hostel or a motel room, BEFORE arrival in the US. After arrival in the US, you will generally be able to secure long-term housing by investigating housing options through the local newspaper and online postings at www.craigslist.org. Reserve Your Housing You are responsible for paying housing deposits/fees directly to your landlord or housing manager. Before arrival, carefully read the requirements of your housing arrangements listed on your job offer. In order to reserve housing, deposits are often required before or upon arrival. Failure to follow the instructions on your job offer with regards to housing confirmations or deposits required before or upon arrival may result in loss of housing. For any clarification on how to secure housing, ask your employer or sending office before you arrive to the US.

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PRE-DEPARTURE Communicate with Employer

It is VERY IMPORTANT to begin communicating with your employer as soon as you sign and accept your job offer!
Send your employer your travel plans and your expected arrival date and time.

It is usually best to contact your employer at the email address listed on page one of your job offer. If you do not receive a response within one week, please call your employer.
Ask your employer any questions you have about your job, housing, weather, uniform, etc, that were not explained in your job offer.
Make sure that you also communicate your travel plans to your sending office and submit them to Spirit via the online Participant Support Center!

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PRE-DEPARTURE Budget
Using your job offer as a guide, make a budget to ensure that you will have enough money upon arrival in the US.
PRE ARRIVAL FEES Housing/Administrative Fees Due Before Arrival POST ARRIVAL FEES & EXPENSES Housing Deposit Due Upon Arrival First Months Rent Due Upon Arrival Other fees Due Upon Arrival (uniform, key deposit, etc.) Ground Transportation Costs from Orientation to Employer (bus/train ticket) Money to cover initial expenditures until first paycheck (at least $300) $____________ $____________ $____________ $____________ $____________ $____________

TOTAL AMOUNT NEEDED UPON ARRIVAL IN US $____________ This amount should be easily available to you in cash, travelers checks or credit card.

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PRE-DEPARTURE Recommended Packing List

Dont Forget to Pack: Swimsuit / sunglasses / sunscreen / towel (summer) Warm coat / gloves/ hat / scarf / snow boots / warm shoes (winter) Prescription medications Basic hygiene items (soap, deodorant, etc.) Camera Money belt (for keeping important documents and money safe!) International calling card Important Documents + one copy of each kept separately
Visit your employment communitys website (listed on job offer) to learn more about the areas climate, elevation and area attractions. Any personal items that you forget can often be replaced after arrival by visiting a local discount department store near your employer.

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PRE-DEPARTURE Important Documents

Carry These Documents With You on the Plane:
Passport with J-1 visa DS-2019 Job offer with orientation assignment information and travel instructions Letter from Spirit to the Social Security Administration
(provided by Sending Agent)

One copy of the above documents kept separately from originals

I94 Card

(white card received after arrival in the US KEEP WITH PASSPORT)

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Arrival

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ARRIVAL Orientation in the USA

Arrival Orientation in the USA If you selected one of the Spirit orientation dates as your program start date, you may participate in Spirits orientation in Chicago. If you did not select a start date that falls on a Spirit orientation date, you opted out of the orientation in Chicago. Confirm Your Attendance at Arrival Orientation You MUST confirm your attendance at the orientation session with the sending office in your home country as least two weeks before arrival. You should plan to arrive to the orientation site no later than 18:00 on your assigned orientation arrival date. Orientation topics include:
Working and traveling in the USA J-1 Work/Travel program status Social Security application Validating Your Program Medical Insurance, taxes, etc. Money and safety issues and much more!
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ARRIVAL Orientation Schedule

Arrival Day
Arrivals (dinner on your own with provided cash allowance) Overnight accommodations included

Next Morning
Orientation Session (breakfast included) Complete Social Security application

Same Afternoon
Travel to your employer using Spirits recommended travel instructions listed on job offer

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ARRIVAL Cant Attend Orientation?

Orientation Documents Will Be Sent to Your Employer
If you do not attend the orientation in Chicago, your orientation materials including medical insurance and tax filing information will be sent to you at your employers address. Please ask your employer for this packet upon arrival.

Accommodations
You are responsible for your own overnight accommodations and travel planning if you opt out of the Spirit orientation in Chicago.

Social Security Number

Participants not attending the orientation should consult their job offers for instructions on where to apply for a Social Security number.

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ARRIVAL Traveling to Your Employer

Remember These Tips Before Traveling to Your Employer:

Review the information on traveling to your employer in your job offer.

Communicate any changes to your travel plans to your employer. Your employer expects you to arrive within one or two days of your program start date. You will be at risk of losing your job and your program status if you do not arrive to your employer as scheduled. Spirit cannot guarantee placement at another employer in this case. Spirit encourages you to purchase your ground transportation tickets before arrival in the US. Many buses and trains offer advanced purchase discounts. For more information on ground transportation options, go to: www.greyhound.com or www.amtrak.com

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ARRIVAL Social Security Information

Apply for Social Security Number (SSN) at Arrival Orientation in US If you attend the Spirit orientation in Chicago, Spirit staff will assist you in applying for a Social Security Number (SSN). If you do not attend orientation, review your job offer for instructions on applying for a SSN. In order to obtain a SSN, you must submit the following documents (+ one photocopy) in person at a Social Security Administration office:
SS5 Form (Social Security Number Application Form) Valid passport with J-1 visa I94 card issued upon entry to the United States (small white card completed on international flight) DS-2019 form Job Offer Letter from Spirit to the Social Security Administration (provided to you by your sending office)

Make a copy of all documents

Keep them in a safe place, separate from the originals.

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ARRIVAL Social Security Information (continued)

Not Attending Your Arrival Orientation?
If you do not attend the orientation in Chicago, consult your job offer for specific instructions on where and how to apply for a SSN.

Locate the closest office

www.ssa.gov

After applying for your Social Security Number:

You are legal to begin working and receiving payment. You should receive a receipt of application from the Social Security officer, which you can show to your employer as proof of application. Validate your program shortly after arrival to your employer to ensure faster Social Security Number processing.

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ARRIVAL Social Security Information (continued)

Check Your Application Status
After at least two weeks, you may call the Social Security office directly at 1-800-772-1213 (a free call) to check the status of your application. If Social Security confirms that your number has been processed, you may go to any Social Security office with appropriate identification to receive your number verbally. Social Security Numbers are not released over the phone.

Be Patient!
Please remember that it can take anywhere from 2 12 weeks for you to receive your Social Security card in the mail.

The SSN Process is Government Regulated

The Social Security application process is government-regulated. Therefore, Spirit cannot assist you in speeding up the processing time. Makes inquiries about the status of your number directly to the Social Security Administration.

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ARRIVAL Validating Your Program

Validate Your Program!
Within two weeks of arrival at your employer, validate your program with Spirit by completing the SEVIS Update form located in the Participant Login section of our website at www.spiritexchange.com. We recommend that you complete this form immediately upon arrival at your employer, as any delay in program validation could delay the processing of your Social Security application.

Failure to report to your employer and validate your program within 7 days of your program start date will result in PROGRAM CANCELLATION.

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ARRIVAL Monthly Check-in

During your program, you are required to check in with Spirit each month
To complete your Monthly Check-in, login to the Participant Support Center on Spirits website. You will receive email reminders to complete your Monthly Check-in, so be sure to check your email at least once a week for this and other important communications from Spirit!

ARRIVAL Money Matters

Additional Fees Should Be Expected
You should expect some additional fees before and upon arrival in the US. Housing deposit and rental fees, meals, international airfare, travel to and from your employer and airport transfers to the orientation site are not included in the program. Spirit recommends that you have at least $1000 available upon arrival to cover initial settling in costs.

Changing Money
Change any home country currency into US dollars at the airport at your city of entry into the US. This can be done at most international airports. Many small cities and rural areas do not offer international currency exchange services.

Keeping Money Safe

DO NOT carry large amounts of currency with you in one location. Keep part of the money in a separate and safe place.

Checking Accounts
Spirit recommends that you open a checking account at a bank near your workplace where you can deposit your checks and keep money safe. ATMs are available all over the United States and are the easiest way to obtain cash quickly from a checking account.

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ARRIVAL Taxes and Tax Refunds

Social Security & Medicare Taxes
As a J-1 Work/Travel participant, you are not required to pay Social Security or Medicare taxes. If your employer takes these taxes from your paycheck, please notify your employer immediately. You may have to pay US Federal and State Taxes, which could account for up to 30% of your paycheck.

Tax Refunds
You may be entitled to a refund of the taxes that are taken out of your paycheck. In order to receive a refund, you will need to file Federal and State tax returns no later than April 15th in order to receive any refund due for taxes paid through December 31st of the previous year.

Tax Services
Tax services exist that will assist you in filing your tax returns for a nominal fee. More information on such services is available in the Participant Login section of Spirits website.

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ARRIVAL Medical Insurance

Coverage Details: Medical insurance is provided during your program period through Aetna Student Health. Coverage includes illness, accident and liability insurance, and surpasses current Department of State requirements for the J-1 Work/Travel program.

Insurance Website: Information on the medical insurance, your medical insurance ID card, personal policy number and coverage details will be given to you at your orientation in the US. You can also obtain information about your insurance coverage or find a doctor at www.aetna.com/docfind/custom/studenthealth/index.html. Spirits general policy number is 299953-16-103.
Exclusions: Exclusions include, but are not limited to, pre-existing conditions and self-inflicted injuries, including alcohol-related injuries. Each participant is responsible for being aware of all exclusions to the policy by reading the insurance materials provided. 24-Hour Assistance: Aetnas 24-hour emergency contact number in the USA is 1-866-525-1956 (toll free from within the US). You can call this number to receive a referral to a doctor in your area. If you have an emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency room and call Aetna as soon as possible after your arrival there. Note: A $250 deductible will apply if you visit the emergency room (waived if admitted). 30 Day Grace Period Insurance: If you plan to travel after the program is complete, you should make sure that you have medical insurance during your 30 day grace period. This can be purchased after arrival through Spirit.

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ARRIVAL Telephone Use

Employers Phone Normally, you will not be allowed to use your employers phone to make personal or long distance calls. Calling Cards It is recommended that you purchase a telephone calling card to make local and international calls from the United States. Pre-paid phone cards can be purchased upon arrival at most youth hostels, currency exchanges, grocery stores, and post offices throughout the US. Payphones Local calls from a payphone in the US generally cost 50 cents. Numbers that begin with 1-800, 1-888, 1-877 or 1-866 are FREE calls and can be made from most payphones at no charge.

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ARRIVAL Work Hours & Wages

Weekly Hours: Premium Program participants should expect to work an average of 30 hours per week paid at or slightly above minimum wage. Your hours may vary week to week, but should average out to about 30 hours per week over the course of the program. Hours should not fall below 20 hours per week. Tipped Positions: Participants placed in tipped positions should expect a lower hourly wage than other workers, as it is normal in the US for tipped workers to make most of their salary from tips. Work Start Date: It may take up to two weeks before you start working after your arrival at your employer. Wages: Wages are usually paid once a week or once every two weeks. You will need to make sure you bring enough money with you to cover expenses for the first month.

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ARRIVAL Traveling to Work

Getting to Work:

In most cases, you can walk, bike or travel by public transportation from your housing to your job. Generally, your work location will be within a 30 minute walk or bike ride to work. Travel via public transportation, when available, can take up to one hour each way.
Driving:

Some participants are placed in positions where driving is a job requirement or is necessary to get to and from work. Special auto insurance is required if you plan to rent, buy or borrow a car to use during your program. You can obtain information about purchasing this extra insurance by contacting most insurance agents in the US.

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ARRIVAL Rules to Follow

Remember the Following!
You must abide by all national, state, and local laws at all times and must abide by the rules set forth by Spirit, its cooperating employers and housing facilities. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is illegal for those under 21 years of age. If you are over 21 years old, it is illegal to purchase alcohol for those under 21 years. DO NOT drink and drive and do not ride in a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking. Previous Spirit participants have lost their lives as a result of drunk drivers. Open containers of alcohol are not allowed in vehicles, even if the driver is not drinking. You must have a valid international or US state drivers license to drive a motor vehicle. Some states do not accept international drivers licenses. Shoplifting: Dont try it you will be arrested.

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ARRIVAL Safety Issues

Safety First! Traveling and spending time in the US is fun and exciting, but you must make sure that safety always comes first! Seat Belts Wear your seat belt when riding in a car even in the back seat! It could save your life. Walking At Night Do not walk alone at night, especially in big cities or large towns. It is always safer to walk with a friend or group. Valuables Make sure that you keep your valuables in a safe place. Cash Do not carry a large amount of cash with you at one time. Open a checking account to keep your money safe.

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ARRIVAL Support in the USA

The Spirit staff is available to support you!

If you need assistance while on the program, the Spirit Office is here to help. Contact us for assistance with any problems you have big or small.
You can call Spirit toll free at 1-800-390-0978. Our office is open Monday Friday, 9am 5pm Central Time. Or, email us at support@spiritexchange.com.

If you have an after-hours emergency that cannot wait until the next business day, dial 399 when you reach our answering machine. You will then be connected to our 24 hour answering service. Please only use this option in a real EMERGENCY!
Spirit Office Contact Information: support@spiritexchange.com www.spiritexchange.com 1-800-390-0978 1-708-763-8940 1-708-763-8949 (fax)

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Post-Program

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POST-PROGRAM Traveling: 30-Day Grace Period

30 Day Grace Period If you wish to travel in the US after your program ends, your J-1 Work/Travel program offers a 30-day grace period after your program end date to travel in the US. You may not work during this grace period. Return Home in Time for Classes You are required to return to your home country in time for classes or by the date required by the US Embassy in your home country, even if it is before the end of the 30-day grace period.

Limit your Travels to within the US You will not be able to re-enter the US if you visit Mexico or Canada during the 30 day grace period.
Medical Insurance During Your Travel Period Medical insurance coverage during this 30 day grace period is not included in the normal program, unless you requested it on your application. If you decide that you would like grace period insurance coverage after arrival in the US, contact the Spirit office.

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Congratulations!

You completed Spirits online orientation.

Please make sure to pick up your orientation packet (including important medical insurance information) either at your orientation site or after arrival at your employer.

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