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The following contains a list of the most common questions we're asked. If
you do not find an answer to
your question below, please feel free to contact
us.
In which countries do you offer positions?
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Participating countries include England, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland,
Australia, Singapore, China,Japan and Argentina. See our countries
listing for more detail.
What language skills are needed? | Top
Language requirements depend on the position you are assigned. For instance,
you'll simply need English for positions in England and Australia.
If you are interested in a position in a non-English speaking country, you
should
be
enrolled in a foreign language class (5 units class including grammar and
literature) of your country of interest, e.g. German for Germany. Note,
you
must have
completed
at least one year of language studies and received a B or better grade before
your departure on an ICE Program.
Is there an age limit? | Top
Yes. Age requirements set by foreign governments limit
student work permits to applicants between the ages of 18 and 30.
Is the program open to all nationalities? | Top
Yes, with the exception of specific restrictions imposed by governments of
some countries.
What are the student's obligations and responsibilities?
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Students selected for an ICE Program are required to:
1. Send in application with the application processing fee of US$250.
2. Participate in a personal or telephone interview with the ICE coordinator.
3. Send payment of $700 placement fee, and other fees if applicable, one week after notification of placement.
4. Required assignments: The student, upon being awarded placement in the ICE Program, must submit a 5-page paper of intent; learn job related vocabulary; become acquainted with current events in the U.S. and host country, write a letter of introduction to the employer as well as a 10-page pre-departure paper on the host country; and, summarize the actual experience in a 15-page final report, which is due by October 1.
5. Contract for medical insurance coverage for the entire stay abroad.
What costs are involved? | Top
1. Application fee - US$250, non-refundable, to be submitted with
the application.
2. Placement fee - A US$700, non-refundable, placement fee for professional
services relating to employment placement, housing, work authorization
and visa
application, due one week
after notification of placement.
3. Any student holding a foreign passport, or a student residing outside
of the U.S. during the placement period, is required to pay an additional
US$100 to cover miscellaneous expenses.
4. Students are required to pay for own round-trip airfare.
5. Students must have a minimum reserve of US$1000 at the
time of departure to pay for private expenses during their stay.
6. Local academic fees, if applicable.
7. Consular fees for work visas, if required.
8. Students must purchase and show proof of insurance coverage
for the entire stay abroad. Instructions regarding insurance requirements
will be issued separately.
What is the length of the program? | Top
The program typically lasts 2-3 months starting in early June and ending
in August/September. We also offer internships that last one or two
semesters.
What type of positions are available? | Top
Positions are available in retail sales, supermarkets, hotels/restaurants,
agriculture, offices, hospitals, banks, computer science, engineering, marketing,
recreation, and teaching.
What salary range can I expect? | Top
Salary varies between US$300 and US$2300 per month. Some firms pay a full
salary while others pay a reduced salary or stipend and provide accommodations
at a reduced or no cost. A few jobs are unpaid. Many of these jobs pay well enough for you to be
able to earn back the program fee and the cost of airfare, and at least break
even. In general, the positions with corporations in Germany and Belgium pay the best.
The positions in China generally pay at local rates (low by US standards), which may be enough to
cover local expenses, but not enough to recover your expenses for flight and
program fee. The positions in South America generally provide room &
board (payment-in-kind) or pay at local rates that are very low by U.S. standards. Teaching jobs in Ethiopia are unpaid.
Can I choose the type of job I would like?
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You may indicate your preference. Placement will depend on language skills,
previous work experience, and field of study. The availability of employment
varies from country to country and the good will of an employer. Be
as specific as possible. If you will only accept a certain type of job
and are not flexible, make sure to indicate that on your application form and
during the interview. Our program works best for students who are
flexible about the type of work they will accept.
What is the application deadline? | Top
Most internships occur during the summer, for which you should apply no later than
mid-March to give us time to find you an appropriate internship.
Excellent internships are often available past this date, but it becomes
increasingly difficult for us to place students as summer approaches. We
need time to match you with a suitable employer, and get a work permit for you through
the government authorities of the country in which you want to work.
What are my chances of finding a job through ICE?
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The ICE director conducts an interview with students who are interested in
applying, either in person on the college campus during a scheduled visit, or
over the telephone. The purpose of the interview is to determine your
language fluency, people skills, and other personal characteristics necessary
for working abroad. At the end of the interview, he will tell you if he
thinks you would be accepted by the employer you have requested. Based
on his 36 years of experience, if he thinks you would suit the employer, then
you have about a 90% chance of getting the job.
When will I know where I may be working? | Top
As soon as the employer confirms a position, you will be notified. The placement
process is lengthy and takes place from February through mid May.
After I have my interview, what happens next?
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Your interview with the ICE director was purely for
informational purposes. Hopefully,
you were able to find out what types of positions he believes you
are qualified for, meaning which for which jobs he thinks he can convince the
employer to hire you. The interview does not mean that you have applied. To apply for placement
into the internships you discussed, you must first send in the application
form along with an application fee of $250. Once you later accept a position,
there's an additional program fee of $700 to cover costs of work permits,
housing arrangements, etc.
Can I get university credit for the internship?
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Many universities will allow you to earn credit via an independent study
program. If interested, make arrangements with your department in
advance. They will usually want you to submit the final report you sent
to ICE.
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