employer handbook - Council on International Educational Exchange

Dear Employer,
Thank you for your decision to become a host <strong>employer</strong> for our Work & Travel
USA program. Your participation in this program continues a rich tradition of US
<strong>employer</strong>s who have capitalized on a unique opportunity to bring an international
dimension to their workplace while providing a life-changing experience
to foreign students.
While the benefits of contributing to greater international understanding should
not be overlooked, you will also likely find that these programs make good business
sense. Whether by solving your annual seasonal staffing dilemmas or by
tapping into the mindset of these global employees, our program offers benefits
for multi-million dollar corporations and sole proprietorships alike.
In the three-plus decades that CIEE has been running international work exchanges,
we have learned that the success of these programs depends on a
triangle of goodwill between <strong>employer</strong>s, participants, and CIEE staff. CIEE is
fully committed to meeting our end of this bargain by dedicating ourselves to
addressing both your needs and those of your international workers at all stages
in the exchange process.
This <strong>handbook</strong> is one tool that CIEE provides to assist you with any questions
that may arise while you have our students in your employ. It contains background
and details on the most important topics you will be dealing with over
the coming months.
Throughout the <strong>handbook</strong>, you will be directed to contact our Employer Services
and Support departments with any questions you might have. Please take
us up on this offer. We are here for you and are happy to help in any way that
we can.
Regards,
Phil Simon
Vice President
CIEE Employer Services
About CIEE
Established in 1947, the <strong>Council</strong> on
International Educational Exchange
(CIEE) is a world-leader in cultural exchange
services. Over the years, we
have become experts in international
student work exchange programs,
connecting thousands of <strong>employer</strong>s
and hundreds of thousands of satisfied
participants. All have benefited from
CIEE’s range of services.
This year alone, we will help more than
5,000 <strong>employer</strong>s with their seasonal
hiring needs, and sponsor more than
34,000 students on their cultural and
work exchange experiences. CIEE facilitates
these exchanges in our capacity
as a designated sponsor organization
as certified by the US Department
of State.
We are devoted to helping people
around the world to gain understanding,
acquire knowledge and develop
skills for living in a globally interdependent
and culturally diverse world.
How CIEE Can Help
Your Business
CIEE’s work exchange programs can
benefit your business in many ways.
Just consider the following advantages
of hiring international workers through
CIEE:
• Overseas workers can help to serve
your customers better. Our Work &
Travel USA participants are all fulltime
university students who have
all been screened for their English
ability. At the same time, these par-
ticipants speak one, if not several
foreign languages and bring with
them a global perspective that can
be refreshing. If your business caters
to international customers (or even
if it doesn’t), having workers with an
expanded world view can be a real
plus.
• Our participants are highly dedicated
to their program and in turn
to their <strong>employer</strong>s. The chance to
work in the United States is often
a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for
these participants, and the special
nature of this work exchange often
shows in the students’ enthusiasm
and willingness to work.
• Your US workforce will benefit from
the experience as well. By working
closely with international participants
for several months each year,
your American employees will learn
about foreign cultures and gain a
new perspective on their jobs by
seeing things from another vantage
point.
• CIEE handles the paperwork necessary
to allow participants to apply
for their US visa. Our experience
as a State Department-designated
sponsor means that you can leave
the details to us and instead focus
on your business.
• CIEE provides comprehensive support
services to both <strong>employer</strong>s and
participants. You may access our
Support Team at any time before,
during, and after your workers’ stay
for any assistance you might need.
Through the years, some <strong>employer</strong>s
have asked why they should work with
2 <strong>Council</strong> on International Educational Exchange Work & Travel USA
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