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Participation Agreement/Code of Conduct Trainee
    Your Name:                                                                                              Host Organization:


The purpose of International Educational Exchange’s (IEE) exchange visitor program is to enhance the skills and knowledge of qualified participants in their field through participation in a structured program. The program is designed to strengthen international understanding by creating an opportunity for both the participant and the Host Organization to increase their knowledge of diverse cultures and business practices.  The U.S. Department of State regulates the J-1 Training program and has designated IEE as a J-1 visa sponsor to administer this program.  IEE, Inc. is dedicated to providing meaningful programs and cultural experiences to our participants. In order ensure that your program meets your expectations and professional goals, and to ensure that you have been fully prepared for your program, we have prepared this pre-arrival acknowledgement form for each participant to complete as part of your required documents. This form must be returned to us prior to your arrival to the United States. If you have not been provided with any of the following information, please contact your IEE representative immediately.

I certify that I have been provided with the following information:
The purpose of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program
An overview of the J-1 Program
SEVIS information
If on the training or intern program, a copy of my signed training plan which outlines the training objectives and all significant components of my program.
Instructions for travel and entry into the United States
Instructions for locating and securing housing (if not pre-arranged/provided by host employer) and any costs associated with housing.
Expected living expenses and other costs likely incurred during program
•        Expected fees that may be required upon arrival for uniforms or any other necessary items required to start my program
•        Program fees and any additional fees associated with the program (transfer fees, extension fees, DS replacement fees, travel validation fees, etc.)
Life and customs in the United States
How to access local community resources and public services
Available healthcare
Safety information
Rules and guidelines that I am expected to follow while participating in the J-1 Program sponsored by IEE, Inc.
Emergency contact information for IEE, Inc. including the 24 hour toll free emergency hotline number.
Address and telephone number of IEE’s Responsible Officer (to be used for ANY and ALL issues related to your exchange visitor program)
Address and telephone number of Exchange Visitor Program Services of the United States Department of State
Information regarding IEE’s overall refund policy

I certify that I have read, understand and agree to comply with the following, understanding that failure to comply could result in my program termination.

I must submit my contact and arrival information to IEE, Inc. within 72 hours of arriving in the United States.
Should my Training program be terminated by my Host Organization for any reason, I need to notify International Educational Exchange within 24 hours.  Failure to do so could result in my overall J-1 program termination.
This program is site specific. I understand that I am only allowed to be participating with one Host organization for the duration of my program. I understand that I will not be able to accept secondary employment outside of my Host Organization.  Regardless of the circumstances, I understand that if I leave my host organization without approved prior notice from IEE, my program will be terminated and I must return to my home country immediately. Additionally, if I am terminated by either IEE or my Host organization due to failure to comply with company rules and regulations, or rules and regulations set forth by IEE and the Department of State, my program will be terminated and I will be required to return to my home country immediately. IF MY PROGRAM IS TERMINATED, I UNDERSTAND THAT I WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE 30 DAY GRACE PERIOD.  Failure to return to your country immediately will result in being reported to Homeland Security and may affect future visa issuances.
I understand that I must be covered by health and accident insurance, at minimum levels or better as determined by the Federal Regulations concerning the J-1 Exchange Visitor visa, during the entire length of the program. Failure to maintain health insurance could be cause of immediate program termination.
I agree to abide by all U.S. laws and regulations governing exchange visitors while residing in the United States, and to abide by the rules and regulations of International Educational Exchange’s exchange Program. Failure to do so could result in termination of my program. Examples of reasons for termination: 1) Convicted of a crime, 2) Disciplinary action, 3) Engaging in unauthorized employment, 4) Failure to maintain health insurance, 5) Failure to pursue EV program activities, 6) Failure to submit change of current address to Sponsor within 10 days, 7) Involuntary suspension of program, 8) Violating Exchange Visitor program regulations, and 9) Violating sponsor rules governing the program.
I agree that I will abide by the terms of the stated agreement and Contracts established by International Educational Exchange and the host company, and will only remain in the U.S. for an agreed upon period of time.
I understand that is is both my responsibility and that of my host to follow the training as outlined in my training plan. If either myself or my host is not able to following the training plan, I will contact IEE immediately.

Training Plan Signatures: There are three signatures required on the training plan (DS 7002).
1. Signature of Sponsor (IEE): Indicates that we have reviewed the training plan and feel it follows the J-1 regulations.
2. Signature of EV’s direct supervisor: Indicates the Host organization confirms that they will have access to adequate resources and trained personnel in order to fulfill the objectives of the training plan.
3. Signature of the Exchange Visitor: Indicates that they agree with the training plan and it meets their learning expectations.

If I have any concerns/issues with my host company, I will contact IEE to assist in resolving them. I will contact IEE to assist in resolving them. It is incumbent upon me to notify IEE if training is not going according to the plan. I understand that failure to notify IEE of any concerns regarding the program waives my right to any remedy from IEE.
If I do not fulfill the expectations of my training requirements and lose my placement, IEE is not responsible for finding another placement. I understand that depending on the circumstances of losing my placement, I may not be eligible for re-assignment.  
In order to ensure the quality of the program, I agree to complete a mandatory midpoint and final program evaluation report and submit them to International Educational Exchange on a timely manner. Additionally, you will be required to submit monthly check-in surveys in order for IEE to properly monitor the success of your program. Failure to submit the required evaluations and monthly surveys is a program violation and could result in program suspension or termination.
I agree not to pursue a change in visa category during or upon completion of my program while in the U.S.
I agree that I will remain with my host organization until the end of my program (Dates stated on my DS2019 form).
I understand that I must depart the U.S. on or before the last day I am authorized to be in the U.S. based on the specified end date on my arrival/departure record I-94 form and DS-2019 form which is to be no longer than 30 days after the completion of my program. I understand that staying past the period of time authorized by the DHS will cause me to be out-of-status in the United States, which is a violation of U.S. immigration laws. I understand that this may cause me to be ineligible for future visa issuances for return travel to the U.S.
I understand that if my DS-2019 form is lost or stolen, a fee of $250.00 + postage and handling will be required for a new DS-2019 form.
I understand that if it is necessary for me to leave the country during my program that I will need to submit my DS-2019 to my sponsor for travel validation. A fee of $50 will be required along with a letter from my human resources department or my direct manager indicating I am eligible to travel and the dates I will be away from my training site.  NOTE:  Extended time away from your training program is not permitted.  Vacation travel needs to occur during the 30 day grace period.
I understand that if my contact details change while in the United States (change in apartment, phone number or host organization) I am required to notify IEE within 24 hours to report my new contact details. This is a matter of national security. Failure to comply will result in program termination and my immediate return to my home country.
In case of a visa denial, I understand that I must return my DS-2019 form to IEE within 10 business days of denial in order to receive a refund. Failure to submit the un-used DS-2019 form within 10 business days will result in forfeiture of my denial refund.  Provided that I return my DS-2019 form within 10 days, I understand I will receive 50% of my program fees and all of my insurance fees that were paid to IEE.   I understand that no refunds are issued after I have arrived in the United States.
I understand that IEE will send me important information through the email address I provided with my application. I agree to check my email at least every 72 hours for important communication from IEE. If I change my primary email address, I agree to contact IEE immediately to update my contact information.  Failure to respond to correspondence with my sponsor could result in program termination.
I understand that my training outline may be adjusted during my program based on language level, attitude, placement comprehension and requirements of the placement.  
I certify that I have thoroughly researched my training location and host organization. Based on my personal research, I have accepted the training with full knowledge of the area and the type of property that will host my training and agree to honor the dates on my offer letter. I understand that IEE does not approve host organization transfers except under extreme circumstances and no transfer can be secured without IEE’s approval.


Insurance
If you purchased insurance through IEE, your insurance coverage will start with the first day listed on your DS-2019 form and will end on the last day on your DS-2019 form. Your insurance does not cover your 30 day grace period. We highly recommend that you purchase supplemental insurance to cover you during your grace period to cover any accident or illness that you may incur during this time. Please note: Insurance will not cover any pre-existing conditions so it is important that you seek medical treatment for any medications that you will need to cover any pre-existing conditions prior to entering the U.S.

Visa Denials and Program Cancellation/Termination
Program cancellations prior to issuance of the DS-2019 will be subject to a $500 cancellation fee.
Program cancellations following issuance of the DS-2019 will be subject to a $650.00 cancellation fee, providing that the DS-2019 is returned to IEE within 10 days of cancellation. 

In the event of a natural disaster out of the exchange visitor's control that may prevent the exchange visitor from entering the U.S. to participate in the exchange program, an administrative fee of $500.00 will be imposed on the refund. If DS has been issued, the DS form must be returned within 10 days of program cancellation.

In the case of Visa denial, all original issued DS-2019 forms & proof of denial must to be returned to IEE within 10 days of the embassy appointment. Upon receipt of the original DS -2019 form/s, the denial notice, and the completed refund request form; IEE will refund 50% of the program fees less the $125 administrative fee. Insurance refunds are subject to the refund from insurance company. If insurance company withholds any fees for whatever reason, this will be reflected in the refund to the participant.  

Refunds will be issued as indicated on the refund request form and it is the responsibility of the participant or participant’s agency to submit the complete and accurate refund request form within 10 days of the denial.  If the refund request form is received more than  30 days after the visa denial there will be no refund issued. Payments made through an Agency will be refunded to that Agency for further distribution unless another method is requested in writing by participant and agency. 

No refund will be issued for DS-2019 forms not returned within 10 business days of cancellation or denial.
No refunds will be issued to participants once they have been granted a visa.  No Exceptions
No refunds will be issued to participants once they have entered the U.S.  No Exceptions
No refunds will be issued if the DS form is returned/received after the start date listed on the original DS form.
Significant changes in program dates will result a change fee of $450.00. Participants may have to re-apply.
IEE's refund fees do not include any fees that may be charged by your agency in your home country, if applicable.

Termination of program participation: Participant acknowledges that their program may be terminated for (but not limited to) the following conditions: A sponsor shall terminate an exchange visitor's participation in its program when the exchange visitor:(1) Fails to pursue the activities for which he or she was admitted to the United States;(2) Is unable to continue, unless otherwise exempted pursuant to these regulations;(3) Violates the Exchange Visitor Program regulations and/or the sponsor's rules governing the program, if, in the sponsor's opinion, termination is warranted;(4) Willfully fails to maintain the insurance coverage required under § 62.14 of the regulations; or(b) An exchange visitor's participation in the Exchange Visitor Program is subject to termination when he or she engages in unauthorized employment. IEE expects our participants to be kind and courteous to our staff at all times. Rude and disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated and could result in termination of your program.  Upon establishing such violation, IEE shall terminate the exchange visitor's participation in the Exchange Visitor Program and notification will be sent to the Department of State. If terminated, participant must leave the country immediately. Additionally, if IEE determines the host organization is not fulfilling their obligation of the exchange program, we reserve the right to end the program. Depending on the circumstances, IEE will do our best to find another appropriate host organization for you, but we cannot guarantee a transfer. If this occurs there will be a fee of $350.00 that is due to IEE to transfer your program to another Host Organization.  If terminated, participant must leave the country immediately. 

I understand that the purpose of the J-1 training program is for me to have an opportunity to gain valuable hands on experience in my field of study or profession, not to “make money”. I fully understand that I will not be granted a transfer to another location just because my host organization is experiencing a slow period. Program regulations require that you are scheduled for 32 hours per week at a minimum. Should it be determined that you are not being scheduled for a minimum of 32 hours per week you must contact IEE right away to discuss. Note: If your hours fall below 32 hours per week due to you calling off from your schedule, the host organization is not responsible for paying you up to 32 hours. Additionally, you should not be scheduled for more than 50 hours per week.

Cultural Activities; This program was created to offer you the opportunity to participate in cultural activities to enhance your understanding of the U.S. culture. It is your obligation to participate in cultural activities arranged or presented to you by your Host Organization or IEE.

Miscellaneous:
I understand that IEE recommends that I purchase trip interruption/cancellation insurance for the duration of my program and an airline ticket that allows at least one free/low cost change.

I confirm that I, at a minimum, will have available funds in the amount of $1,000 throughout my program and that I can immediately access these funds throughout the duration of my program and time in the U.S. in the event that they are required for any reason.

I understand that I am responsible for all medical insurance coverage expenses should I enter the U.S. prior to my program start date as well as any time during my program. I also understand that IEE strongly recommends that I purchase additional insurance coverage during my 30 day grace period.

​I understand that I will have 2 weeks to find a new program-compliant job should local or state health orders interrupt my employment. If I am unable to find a job within this time, I understand that I may need to return home. I also understand that I will be responsible for my own expenses during this period to include rent payments, food, or any other necessities I may require prior to my departure.

I understand that I am participating in this program at-will and that I will not be entitled to any loss of wages from IEE due to being terminated by my host organization or my sponsor. I also understand that I will not be entitled to loss of wages should my program end due to any natural disaster, pandemic or business interruption of my host employer.

I understand that IEE is not able to provide me with any financial or legal assistance before, during or after my program dates.

I understand that I will only receive compensation from my host Organization for hours training. Should my program end with them for any reason, only compensation earned based on hours training will be received.  

Dispute Resolution: In the unlikely event that a dispute arises relating to this engagement or our company's services or fees, the parties agree to attempt to resolve the dispute through informal discussions. If those discussions do not resolve the matter, the parties agree to submit the dispute to final, binding arbitration before a single arbitrator. The arbitrator shall decide any issue of the breach, termination, enforcement, interpretation, or validity of this agreement, including the scope or applicability of the agreement to arbitrate. IEE and Trainee understand that such arbitration shall be final and binding, and that by agreeing to arbitration, both IEE and Trainee are waiving their respective rights to seek remedies in court, including the right to a jury trial and certain rights of appeal. Any arbitration shall take place in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

The parties agree that the dispute resolution proceedings under this provision shall remain confidential, except as necessary to seek provisional remedies in court in aid of arbitration or to enforce any arbitration award. The arbitrator’s fees shall be shared equally by the parties. Except where applicable law forbids it, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, if any, from the other party.

Note: If you have any questions about your training program, location of your training program or permitted activity while on your training program, you should contact IEE prior to accepting your placement or your travel to the United States. If you are using an agency in your home country to assist you prepare for your program and you have any questions regarding information they may have told you, please contact IEE to verify what you have been told. Your agency is there to assist you but is not responsible for your program when you arrive, so it is important that you understand your obligations and what may or may not be allowed prior to your arrival. Please do not accept a training offer just to get to the United States and think that you will be able to transfer to another location once you have arrived. This will not be approved.

Departing the U.S.: At the end of your program, you will be required to submit a copy of your airline ticket to IEE showing your departure from the U.S. prior to your departure. Failure to provide a copy of your return ticket home could result in your program status being changed to terminated.

I affirm that I do not currently have, nor have I previously had any medical condition(s) that would impact my ability to participate in the J-1 program offers or activities

I certify that I understand the IEE, Inc. is my J-1 visa sponsor and primary contact while in the United States. I understand that if I have any questions or concerns regarding my J-1 program that I am to contact IEE, Inc. immediately. By signing below, I agree to the conditions stated above and agree to abide to the obligations and responsibilities as stated above. IEE will not continue its sponsorship of any participant who does not abide by the spirit of the J-1 exchange visitor program.
I acknowledge receipt of the Participation agreement