Q. What kind of positions can I expect to be offered through this program?
A. Through this program, you will have access to various entry-level positions, depending on your background but there are three basic scenarios under which your training may fall under:
- The first and most ideal for you (the graduate), hotel and USA Placement would be that you have impressed the hotel so much that you are offered a supervisory or management position right away. However, this is not mandatory. Even in this position you would still be required to be constantly learning for your future career.
- The second is that the hotel may not have a management position open and/or you may not be ready for this role right away. However, when or if the position becomes available and you are proven capable, you may have the possibility to be promoted.
- The third and final but no less than the others, is that the hotel will not have a management position throughout the whole 12-18 months, but you will get the training to be able to become a manager in the future.
Note: You must remember management training does not mean management is guaranteed. It will be based on your performance and the availability of the position
Q. Am I assured an 18 month Management Training in the United States?
A. Qualifying for the 18 month management training is determent on your experience, the training plan set forth by the host property and approval from both Sponsorship Organization and Department of State. You must understand that although the Host Property may want you for 18 months, you may want 18 months and we feel you may qualify for 18 months the final decision is up to the Department of State so you must be willing to accept 12 to 18 months.
Q. Do I have to take a TOEFL or TOEIC exam in order to qualify for the program?
A. No, TOEFL or TOEIC scores are preferred. These test results aid in the application process. Your English skills will also be evaluated in a phone interview during the application process.
Q. Who should I ask to write the letters of recommendations for me?
A. If possible, you should ask your previous managers or supervisors to write them for you. If you are not able to ask your previous managers or supervisors, you may ask your professors or teachers to write them instead.
Q. How can I prepare for the preliminary USAP interview?
A. You do not have to spend any significant time preparing for this interview. The main purpose is to verify your English language skills and your motivation for this training. Bottom line: BE YOURSELF!
Q. If my application is rejected, can I apply again later?
A. If your application is rejected, you should discuss the reasons for rejection with us to see if you can improve your chances in the future. You can apply again later if you meet the requirements.
Q. Can I choose the location for my new internship?
A. No. You may suggest a location for your new traineeship, but USA Placement will not guarantee a specific location. Remember, the focus should be on the quality of the hotel and the training you will receive, not the location.
Q. Can I stay longer than 18 months in the United States through this program?
A. Through USA Placement's program, you can stay only up to 18 months in the United States. Generally, you must return home within 30 days after your traineeship has ended. This is due to U.S. visa regulations.
Q. Who decides how much my stipend will be?
A. USA Placement will handle all stipend and benefit negotiations. You will not be able to participate in those negotiations. The minimum monthly stipend for the program is US $1,750. However, we always try to get you the highest stipend possible.
Q. How can I prepare for the phone interview with the hotel?
A. You are required to contact us prior to the interview so we can prepare for it. You should be prepared to discuss your background, including education and experience, professional goals, and expectations for the program. We will be happy to answer any questions you have prior to the interview. You should also research the property's website to familiarize yourself with the hotel. Having knowledge of the property will show your eagerness to be a part of their team.
The length of this interview can vary from a few minutes to up to an hour, and can lead to additional phone interviews before the host hotel makes a decision. USA Placement representatives are not present during this phone call, but will contact the prospective hotel after the call to evaluate their reaction to the interview. The most important thing to remember is to rely not just on you education but on your personality. Remember the key word in this industry is "Hospitality".
Q. Can I change host hotels in the middle of the program?
A. In most cases you are not allowed to leave your host hotel in the middle of your program, or your J-1 visa status will expire and you must return home. If your training is terminated for any reason you may be required to return to your home country within 30 days. You are not allowed to look for another position within the United States in these conditions. Under rare circumstances that are clearly beyond your control, such as the host hotel going out of business or reducing its staff due to bad economic situations, the sponsoring organization and USA Placement will evaluate the situation separately. USA Placement will help file for the necessary approvals from the sponsor organization and make appropriate arrangements for you to find another host hotel if approval is granted.
Q. Does the program guarantee that my J-1 visa application will be approved?
A. No. USA Placement does not guarantee that your J-1 visa will be approved. Each U.S. Embassy and Consulate makes these decisions independently. However, if you have followed all the program guidelines and your DS-2019 form has been approved, you have a great chance of getting your J-1 visa approved as well. If for some reason, the staff at the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate asks you to come in for an interview during your J-1 visa application process, please contact for advice prior to the interview.
Q. How can I prove I have training experience from a hotel in the United States once I return home?
A. You can prove that you have this experience by taking these steps prior to the end of your traineeship:
- Before leaving the host hotel, request a written letter of recommendation that you can take with you to show prospective employers in your home country. This letter serves as a proof of business experience in the United States and should list some of the main job functions handled by you while training for the host hotel.
- Before leaving the host hotel, ask your supervisor and other co-workers if they would act as references for you when you begin the job search in your home country. If you have done your job well during the program, you should not have any problems getting them to agree to this.
