8 Questions You Should Ask As A Future Host:

What is a host?

Hosts are farmers, businesses, public agencies, researchers, or educators; they are experts in their field; and they are interested in learning about the world.

As a host, you offer 6-18 months of practical work experience and on-the-job training to an international trainee. Your trainee becomes a productive team member and makes significant contributions to your day-to-day activities and longer term projects - they learn by doing, by working with professionals in real-life settings.

Why me?

Each year, Experience International places qualified and highly motivated international trainees with hosts throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and N. California.

You are selected on the basis of demonstrated expertise and an expressed interest in providing quality work experience to an international trainee in a safe and challenging environment.

What's in it for me?

Through the Program you will:
• Work with experienced, reliable, and motivated young professionals.
• Share and exchange new ideas.
• Establish new professional contacts.
• Have exciting cross-cultural experiences.
• Form lifelong international friendships.
• Bring an international perspective to your family and/or business; and broaden the horizons of your staff.

When can I participate?

Approximate 1999-2000 start dates:

• September and November 1999.
• March, May, July, September, November 2000.
• Alternate dates are possible.
• Placements can last up to 18 months.
• Most hosts find that a longer placement provides greater
  learning, productivity, and opportunities for exchange.

Are the trainees qualified?

Trainees selected for the Program have a minimum of two years practical experience, two years post secondary education in their career field, and speak conversational English. All are carefully screened by Experience International. As part of the placement process, you have a chance to review applicant resumes, references, and speak with them over the phone.

How much will this cost?

Trainee compensation depends on what suits you best - while being fair to the trainee; a wage of $5.75 per hour or combination of wage, stipend, room, and/or board. Hosts make a $85 monthly contribution to Experience International for ongoing program support. There is no host initiation fee. Trainees are exempt from all federal payroll taxes and in some states from SUDA and SUTA. They must be covered by worker’s compensation.

Trainees provide their own personal accident and health insurance. They are responsible for all personal expenses and international and non work-related travel.

What support can I expect?

Experience International staff work closely with you to assure a positive and productive experience.

Ongoing support includes:

• Screening and selection of participants.
• Placements tailored to your interests and needs.
• J-1 visas.
• Travel logistics and arrival orientation.
• Host orientation.
• Development of individual training plans.
• Site visits, Check-ins and Newsletters.

How do I sign up?

The first step is to call, write, or fax us directly.

Once we know you’re interested, we will discuss hosting options, share resumes, put you in contact with applicants, and do whatever follow-up is necessary to assure you the best possible trainee.

If you would like to be more "proactive," we will help put together a position description tailored to your placement site, circulate it to our representatives abroad, and share with you the responses.

Finally, if through personal or professional contacts you already have someone in mind, we can work with you so that they come through the Program.