Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is the Intrax WEST Program? The Intrax WEST Program is a premier program for motivated, academic and career-oriented Korean university students, looking to learn English, gain valuable work experience and live in the United States. This 18 month “Work, English Study and Travel” Program was created by the Republic of Korea and US governments in the fall of 2008.

Where do you offer classes and internships? English classes are offered at Intrax schools located in San Francisco, San Diego or Chicago. Internships will be available at companies across the United States.

How long is the program? 18 months, including up to 5 months of English instruction, followed by an internship lasting up to 12 months and one month of travel.

When does the program start? Round 1: April 2009; Round 2: August 30 2009 & September 28, 2009; Round 3: April 5, 2010 & May 3, 2010.

Application & Program Requirements

What are the Intrax West Program requirements? All participants will be interviewed and must meet the following program eligibility requirements:

• Be a citizen of the Republic of Korea
• Be approved for participation by the Republic of Korea
• Be a bona fide post-secondary student or recent graduate
• Provide proof of sufficient financial resources for the program duration, prior to coming to the United States. Participants may prove financial resources by providing a bank statement, letter of support from family or loan approval document with translations. Proof of financial resources should show that the participant will have access to $1000 per month for each month on program
• Not be accompanied by spouse or dependents
• Must have sufficient English skills to successfully participate in the program as measured by a TOEIC score of 750 or above

How do I apply?Please download the Intrax WEST Application form. This form must accompany the application materials you completed as part of the program selection process. Please fill out, sign and print the Intrax WEST Application form and submit a hard copy to your GISC representative. Once received, your GISC representative will forward the complete application to Intrax for final processing.

What does the application consist of?

• The Intrax Cultural Exchange WEST Application Form - Please be sure to complete this information carefully as the information you provide in this document will be reflected in your J-1 Visa Eligibility form (DS 2019 Form).
• WEST Terms & Conditions Form – Please carefully read each point and sign on page 2. The English Language Assessment portion of the form must be completed by your Global Internship Support Center interviewer.
• WEST Accommodations Terms & Conditions - Please carefully read each point and sign at the bottom of page.
• Copy of Diploma or Transcript from Post-Secondary institution outside the USA - Please submit a copy of your diploma showing that you have completed a post-secondary educational program at an institution outside the USA.
• Translation of Diploma or Transcript in English - Please submit a translated copy of your diploma or transcript in English.

How do I obtain a visa for the internship program?

• In order to enter the U.S., you must obtain a visa from the U.S. embassy or consulate.
• As an official J-1 visa sponsor designated by the U.S. Department of State, Intrax will help you take care of the necessary documentation needed to apply for a visa. You will need to pay all visa fees directly to the U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Please keep in mind that you will need a valid passport to participate in our programs. We strongly recommend that you apply for your passport as early as possible to avoid any complications.
• Visa requirements differ depending on your citizenship status. Check with your local U.S. embassy or consulate for updated visa and entry requirements at www.usembassy.gov. Passport and visa information is also available at www.travel.state.gov

Placement & Program Details

Can I choose where I am placed? We match participants and companies through a comprehensive pre-screening and consultation process. While applicants may indicate preferred employers, Intrax will work with host companies to determine the best candidate for their company and host companies make the final placement decision.

What kind of assistance will I receive during the program? Our Program Advisers will be available to personally assist you with any questions or concerns, related to housing, insurance and assimilating into a new company and culture. Our staff will conduct periodic check-ins to monitor progress and address communication issues to ensure that you gain the most out of your experience.

Can I get a part-time job to supplement my income in the US? No, according to J-1 visa regulations, participants may not get a part time job during their internship.

Do people ever get hired by their sponsor company? You must return to your home country upon completion of the program. Upon your return, your sponsor company may re-hire you to work in the U.S. if the company provides the appropriate visa and pays for legal help and assistance. Intrax does not assist with processes that take place after the program is completed.

Can I continue to live in the accommodation after the education portion of the program finishes and during the internship portion of the program? Yes, if your internship is in the same local area as our Intrax school and there is availability, you may choose to stay in your accommodation and commute.

Does my medical insurance cover me for my 13th/travel month? No, but you can extend your AVI Travel Insurance Services policy by paying an additional fee.

What should I bring with me to the U.S.? Upon acceptance into the Intrax program, Intrax will send you a welcome packet with complete details on what to bring and information on the city you will live in.