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Welcome to the GeoVisions
Work/Travel Program
• Here are some key points for you to remember about the
program.
Program Benefits - 1
• Cultural Immersion – You will live, work, and
experience life in America
• Improve Your International English – No
matter how well – or how little - you speak
English, you can improve if you work at it
• Share YOUR Culture – You will learn about
America, but this is also an opportunity for
you to teach Americans about your country
Program Benefits - 2
• Gain Valuable Experience – Be open to
learning, and your work experience will help
you in the future
• Earn Money – This should not be your major
objective, but it’s nice!
• Meet people from all around the world – You
will!
• Travel – Enjoy America on your days off and
following your program
Partners in Your Exchange
We all have responsibilities
• You
• Our Local Partner
• GeoVisions
• Your Employer
Your Responsibilities
• Go to your designated employer on time and
stay until the date on your job offer
• Check in with GeoVisions in 3 days
• Contact GeoVisions with any problems
• Carry your ID card with you at all times
• Obey local, state and US laws
• Do not change employers on our Basic
Program
Your Responsibilities
• VERY IMPORTANT … GeoVisions will send you
an email at least once a month and ask you to
respond … there may be a short survey or a
couple simple questions. THE STATE
DEPARTMENT REQUIRES THAT YOU RESPOND
TO THESE EMAILS. If you DO NOT, the State
Department requires that we TERMINATE you
from the Work and Travel Program.
Your In-Country Agent’s
Responsibilities
• Give you accurate information about the
program
• Prepare you for your trip
• Assist you at the Embassy
• Help with your travel
• Coordinate with GeoVisions
Your Employer’s Responsibilities
• Provide good working conditions
• Treat you the same as a similar-level American
worker
• Try to give you … on average … the hours estimated
on your job offer
• Follow all state labor laws
• Pay you at least the minimum wage of US$7.25 per
hour
• Provide a good, safe place for you to live
• Keep us informed about your program
GeoVisions Responsibilities
• Find you a good employer with good, fairly-
priced housing
• Know how to contact you at all times
• Provide good medical insurance
• Give you information about your job
• Be available when you need us
• We are YOUR SPONSOR, and your FIRST
POINT OF CONTACT IN THE USA
Be Prepared
• It will be hard work
• Don’t go with pre-set expectations
• You will have disappointing and difficult days
• You may not get along with co-workers or
managers
• Be prepared for surprises
• Speak English – don’t be afraid
• Be flexible
You Have Come Here to Learn
about the United States
• You need to make an effort to learn! It’s YOUR
responsibility!
• Learn about your local area … government, culture,
recreation, customs!
• Ask your fellow workers about their impressions of
the United States
• The USA is a multi-cultural society. Not everyone is
the stereotype white, English speaker!
• Keep a Journal of your discoveries and thoughts. You
will learn positive … and negative … things about our
country.
Contacting GeoVisions
• Information is on your ID Card
• Call Toll-Free 1-888-830-9455 (24-hour
answering service will contact us in
emergency)
• Call 1-603-363-4187 (9 AM to 4 PM Eastern
Time)
• Email: visions @ geovisions.org
• Website: www.geovisions.org
• Fax: 1-603-363-8446
Check in within 3 days
• It is Important
• It is Easy
• Check in by phone
• Check in by email
• Check in on the GeoVisions website – This is
easiest … see the next two pages!
• Go to www . geovisions . org
Your GeoVisions ID Card
ID#
GeoVisions Phone #
Insurance Info
Contact Us If You Need To
• Try to solve problems on your own, but
– If you can't
– If you feel discriminated against
– If you feel threatened
– If you are in danger
• THEN PLEASE CONTACT US
You can download the Student
Handbook on our website
Read it carefully - it has
good information on
• Travel
• Work
• Taxes
• Health
• Contacts
• Safety
• Culture Shock
Student Handbook Travel Tips
• Visit local sites
• Use your days off to enjoy travel
• If you go out of the US
– Your MUST send GeoVisions your DS-2019 first. We need
to sign the Travel section to allow you BACK INTO THE US
– You need to have employer approval for your trip
• You can ONLY travel outside the US - and re-enter the
US - between the Start Date and End Date on your
DS-2019
Student Handbook Work Tips
• Be on time - THIS IS ALWAYS IMPORTANT
• Follow your Arrival Instructions that we provide
• Ask questions if you don’t understand
• You can be fired!
• Your employer may have multiple locations. You can
be moved to another location.
• Have a positive attitude, speak up and smile
Student Handbook - Housing Info
• Housing may be a part of your job agreement
• You may not be allowed to move out to other
housing you find … call us for information
• Housing rate is on your job offer
• You must stay in your housing for your whole job
period
• Keep housing clean
• Respect property … you must pay for damages
Housing – What To Expect
• Clean rooms
• Locks on doors - if not, you should purchase them
• Be careful about inviting others to your home,
and be considerate of your roommates
• Housing should be well-lit and safe
• You are responsible for cleanliness
• Return of Deposit depends on how you leave your
housing
Student Handbook -Tax Info
• Federal, State and Local Income Taxes are the only
taxes deducted - You'll have a letter to give to your
employer that explains this
• Your employer will help you with tax forms
• Give employer your mailing address in your country
before you leave
• They will send you W-2 form in January or February
of the next calendar year after you finish work
• Most students can get some tax refunded
• Contact your In-Country agent if you have questions
about filing your taxes
Student Handbook - Health Tips
• Your work will be hard - especially in the
beginning … so rest well
• Eat well
• If you are ill get help
• Your employer will have hygiene and
cleanliness standards
• You can be drug-tested for illegal substances
– failed drug tests result in dismissal from
GeoVisions program
Student Handbook -Safety Tips
• Protect Your Documents
• Be aware of crime … don’t assume you are safe!!
• Use bank accounts… guard your PIN number - don't give
your PIN number to ANYONE
• Keep living areas clean and tidy
• Hitchhiking is dangerous
• Don’t allow strangers into your room or apartment
• 911 is a FREE telephone number you can call if you are in
any danger
Important Forms – Protect Them
• DS- 2019 (keep copy
with passport)
• Passport (have a
copy of your
identification page
and visa - leave a
copy at home too)
Important Forms – Protect Them
• I-94 Card (stamp
says how long you
can stay in US)
• Social Security Card
(need number if you
get an additional
job)
IMPORTANT REMINDER AGAIN!!
• Check-in
• You will not get a social security number if
you do not check-in
• You can be terminated by the US Government
if you do not check-in
• Check-in by phone, internet, fax, email
Let’s Avoid Problems
• The first few weeks
– You are being trained and observed
– You may NOT get a lot of hours
– Bring at least US$500.00 with you to the USA
– Your paycheck might be small at first
– This will improve - it is normal
– You cannot move to another job
– Call us if you are worried about pay!
Let’s Avoid Problems
• Estimated Average Hours per week
– What does this mean?
– It’s on your Job Offer
– It’s what you SHOULD get when you are settled in and IF
there are no problems regarding work performance or
business issues like bad weather
• Good workers with a good attitude get more work
hours!
• Be patient
• Call us if you are not getting sufficient hours after 4
weeks
Let’s Avoid Problems
Can I get fired? YES
– Students get fired because:
• They are late for work
• They do not show up for work
• They do not call ahead of their shift if they are ill
• They steal from the employer (including taking
employer property and supplies home)
• They give things away to friends
• They do not follow instructions
• They do not have a good attitude
• They fail a drug test
Let’s Avoid Problems
What if I get fired?
– Call us immediately
– If you get an answering service or recording,
leave us a message with a number where we can
reach you
– Do not move from your location … unless you feel
unsafe
– Depending on why you got fired we may
terminate you, or put you on probation and find a
new employer
– You cannot find your own new employer
Let’s Avoid Problems
Follow US Laws
Students are responsible for following the laws in the USA.
Remember you can be arrested and jailed for:
• Shoplifting (taking something from a store without paying for
it.) It does not matter if it is worth $2 or $200. It is still
stealing and you will be arrested.
• Underage Drinking (US Drinking Age is 21)
• Buying alcoholic beverages for others under 21, or serving
them
• Drinking and Driving
Common Questions and Concerns
Where can I meet more Americans?
– Ask your employer or your fellow workers
– Americans may be insecure about talking to
foreigners
– Go to churches, colleges, watch newspapers for
events
– You need to take the initiative to meet people
– Be friendly and outgoing
– Don’t worry about your English ability
Common Questions and Concerns
There’s nothing to do here!
• The Fact is:
– Many placements are in remote areas
– Public transportation in US is not as good as most
countries
– Nightlife is boring
– Our “cities” are really small
– BUT … there is still a lot to learn in your area
Common Questions and Concerns
How can I find a second job?
– If you want extra hours of work, ask your employer first.
– Good, hard workers will get extra hours first
– Look in newspapers, store windows, community bulletin
boards in supermarkets
– Ask your employer about other jobs in the area
– Look on the internet (try www.craigslist.com)
– Your second job cannot interfere with your primary job
VERY IMPORTANT … IF YOU WANT A
SECOND OR ADDITIONAL JOB
You CANNOT START WORKING at another job UNTIL GeoVisions
talks to your new employer and approves your job
• Go to the GeoVisions Website (Work and Travel > Students
Click Here) and print out a Job Offer Form
• Fax it to us (1-603-363-8446) or scan it and email it to us
(visions @ geovisions.org). IF YOU START WORKING BEFORE
WE APPROVE YOUR JOB, THE STATE DEPARTMENT ADVISES US
TO TERMINATE YOUR PROGRAM … YOU ARE IN AN
UNAUTHORIZED JOB! Do NOT risk having your VISA
cancelled!
VERY IMPORTANT … YOU CANNOT
WORK AT THESE JOBS
• any position in the adult entertainment industry
• in sales positions that require you to purchase inventory that
they must sell in order to support themselves
• in domestic help positions in private homes (e.g., child care,
elder care, gardener, chauffeur)
• as pedicab or rolling chair drivers or operators
• as operators of vehicles or vessels that carry passengers for
hire and/or for which commercial drivers licenses are required
• in any position related to clinical care that involves patient
contact
• in any position that could bring notoriety or disrepute to the
Exchange Visitor Program.
Your Travel Period
• Your visa allows 30 days travel AFTER the end date on
your DS-2019
• Use this time to visit people, see famous sites, HAVE
FUN!
• If you need to get back to school earlier, use your
days off during the program to travel.
• You cannot re-enter the USA during your 30 day
travel period, not even just to catch your flight
Let’s Work Together to Avoid Problems
• Our goal is for you to have a good experience in the
USA…while following the rules
• Program rules are designed to help you have a good, safe
program. Make sure you read them in the Student
Handbook and follow them. OUR RULES MAY BE
DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SPONSORS - MAKE SURE YOU
READ THEM IN THE STUDENT HANDBOOK.
• Employers, Students and GeoVisions all work together to
solve problems…without removing you from your
workplace
• If you are flexible, open minded, have a good attitude and
work hard - the better your program will be.
GeoVisions is here to help
• Always try to solve problems yourself
• Be flexible
• Remember that the USA is different than your home
country
• Have a positive attitude
• Smile a lot
• In an Emergency …call us immediately
• We are here to help you
Be Prepared for Culture Shock
• Everyone is affected – wherever you travel
• There will be good times and excitement
when you arrive
Be Prepared for Culture Shock
• The sad times may follow and you might get:
• Depressed
• Angry
• Homesick
• Bored
• Sick
Be Prepared for Culture Shock
• You can make it better if you do things … and
think about what’s happening
Cultural Differences - Examples
• Friendship
• Greetings
• Schedules
• Workplace expectations
• Many CULTURE SHOCK videos are on YouTube
Culture Shock Solutions
• Keep Active
• Make American Friends
• Stay Healthy – Exercise and Eat Well
• Work on your English
• Meet other International Students
• Be Patient!
• CALL GEOVISIONS IF YOU HAVE ANY
CONCERNS
FINAL CHECKLIST - DID YOU ...
Check local websites of your employer and
area you are working
Read the student handbook online
Make copies of your passport and DS-2019
Get your GeoVisions and Insurance ID Cards
Understand how important it is to Check-In
Give your local agent your travel information
Email your employer
Your Medical Insurance In the
United States
• If GeoVisions is providing your Medical
Insurance, read the rest of this Orientation
Presentation carefully.
• If you agent has provided Medical Insurance,
read your insurance information carefully,
and make sure you have an insurance card to
present to a Medical Care Provider.
• If you are not sure about your insurance,
CALL GEOVISIONS.
You have Excellent Medical
Insurance Coverage
• $100,000 maximum
• $50 Standard deductible means that YOU pay
the first $50 for any illness or injury
• Bring your GeoVisions ID card to your health
care provider. It has your insurance
information on it.
• Do not use the Emergency Room for Non-
emergencies. Your deductible will be $250 if
you do.
Your Insurance Card is the back of
your GeoVisions ID Card
Your Insurance Number
ADD THE LETTERS “GV” IN FRONT
OF YOUR GEOVISIONS ID NUMBER
IN THIS CASE ID NUMBER IS
TLWBA7123456
INSURANCE NUMBER IS
GVTLWBA7123456
How to Use Your Insurance
• Call the number on your insurance card for
information or help in finding a healthcare
provider
• Get help immediately in an emergency
• Find a provider:
www. compassbenefits.com/geovisions
There is also a link on the GeoVisions website
How to Find a Healthcare Provider
(Doctor, Clinic, Hospital)
Click on Work &
Travel and go to the
STUDENT section
Or go directly to www.compassbenefits.com/geovisions
FIND A PROVIDER
FIND A PROVIDER
WATCH THIS
VIDEO ONLINE
The Insurance Company helps you
find a Provider
Find a Provider
Tell the website where you are and
you will get a list of providers
Choose that you want a Primary Care
Physician
You will get a list of Care Providers
in your area
You can go to a care provider on
the list ...
or you can go to ANY doctor,
hospital or clinic
BUT
If you go to a provider outside the
Network of the insurer, you will
need to pay all your expenses, then
file a claim form to get reimbursed
Find a Provider
•If you do not use a
provider from the
network OR if provider
wants you to pay:
•Submit a Claim Form
•Submit ALL receipts
(you will not get them
back, so make copies)
•Complete both pages
•Send to Address
•You will be reimbursed
for reasonable fees
MINUS your deductible
If you are ill or injured
• Ask employer for referral … or call Insurer
for local referral
• Call for pre-approval on serious illness
• If emergency, get medical treatment first,
then call Insurer
• You must pay your medical bills before you
leave the United States.
Have a Good Time!
