Successful candidates receive a partially completed YMCA application by express mail. Completed YMCA application must be returned to Crotched Mountain with additional documents (#12 below) within two weeks. Not returning a YMCA application in time may result in the withdrawal of the program offer. Contact Crotched Mountain if more time is needed but remember that it takes several weeks from when we receive the completed YMCA application to when candidates receive US visas.
Meanwhile, more information about the YMCA application, reference form and English language assessment form is available at the International YMCA website: http://www.internationalymca.org/TraingAndInternships/07202007/TraineeInternAppl07COMP.pdf
Application steps & getting the J-1 visa
1. When the YMCA application arrives by mail, please note that the Host Site Information page and Training Plan(s) are complete. YMCA has already approved Crotched Mountain Training Plans (available on the Crotched Mountain website). The Training Plan(s) for a candidate's specific training program placement(s), attached to the YMCA Application, include the candidates name and start and finish dates for each placement. The Training Plans are already signed by a Crotched Mountain representative and must also be signed by the applicant.
2. Complete pages 1-2. Enter full name as it appears in passport. It is important that the writing be very legible, that the name be the same as that in the passport, and that the address be completely accurate and be a location where someone can sign for package delivery. To avoid confusion on visa documentation, only use Standard English language symbols. For example: German language symbols like, "ä" and "ß" should be written as "ae" and "ss". Be certain that answers to questions 1 – 8 complement the standard Crotched Mountain Training Plan(s), attached to the YMCA Application. To the question 'Current Occupation?', do not answer "unemployed". Those who are not a student or an employee must be involved in some research or volunteer activity or some part-time employment.
3. YMCA requires applicants to have a minimum of two years academic or work experience that is related to the type of training offered by Crotched Mountain. Please make sure that the sections "Applicant Background", "Work Experience" and "Volunteer Experience" clearly demonstrate at least two years total relevant academic and/or work experience. The two years may be a mix of both academic study and work.
4. For the essay questions (1-8), please note that YMCA will not accept answers that discuss 'work', 'working', or getting 'experience'. The visa category is J-1 (Trainee) and therefore the answers should mention 'Training', 'Learning', 'Observing', 'Gaining Knowledge In', etc. Also, 'Learning English' is not a valid purpose for participation in this program and should not be listed in these essay questions. YMCA may decline an applicant if the standard of English used to answer these questions indicates that the applicant possesses inadequate English skills to participate successfully in the program. Please use proper English.
5. Sign each Training Plan, the Cover Page, the Participation Agreement, the Budget Worksheet and the Fees Page before returning to Crotched Mountain. It is understood that the YMCA fees are to be paid by the applicant, not by Crotched Mountain. The Fees Page attached to the YMCA application provides the option of paying YMCA fees by Credit Card or by International Money Order. Those paying by credit card should confirm available balance on card.
6. Note that 'Date Training Begins' entered is the date required for travel to the USA and provides for medical insurance coverage from that day. That is the Wednesday before the Monday on which orientation training begins. Those going home on the 'Date Training Ends' entered on the Host Site Information page will finish training on the previous day. Those traveling in the US after the program ends have one extra day of training. If the dates in your Acceptance Letter and the Host Site Information page are not convenient for you, DO NOT change these dates or any other information on the Host Site Application without first obtaining approval and instructions from Crotched Mountain.
7. The J-1 (Exchange) visitor program allows trainees to travel in the USA for up to 30-days after the 'Date Training Ends' date. YMCA does not provide insurance coverage after this 'End Date'. Those wishing to avail of this travel period must purchase extra medical insurance from Gateway, http://www.gatewayplans.com/gw_usa/index.cfm This insurance is purchased 30 days before the end of the training program and is requested by the trainee for the length of time (up to 30 days) s/he will be staying in the U.S. beyond the 'Date Training Ends' date. For rates and enrollment information, please contact Gateway directly via e-mail at gateway@marshpm.com, or by telephone at (800)-282-4495 or (202)-367-5097. Crotched Mountain requires a copy of the extra insurance policy.
8. Budget Work Sheet: Applicant must complete ALL sections before signing. The following data is furnished to help you complete some of the worksheet: 'Gross Income' is provided on the Acceptance Letter. See # 9 below regarding 'Personal Funds'. Copy 'Program' and 'Insurance Fees' from the Host Site Information page. 'Visa application fee' is $100. Enter $0.00 for 'Accommodation Upon Arrival', 'Transportation to host site', 'Broker Fee', 'Deposit for Apartment' and 'Transportation to/from training site'. For 'Apartment monthly rent' multiply $30 by the number of weeks entered under the Insurance Fee section of the Host Site page. A 'Food' budget of $35 per week is suggested (multiply by total number of weeks). Decide on total 'Miscellaneous', 'Entertainment' and 'Personal' expenses but remember to always include the amount estimated for the Total (not weekly or monthly) duration of stay.
9. "Personal Funds": YMCA advises that the US Government requires trainees to have $1300 per month available to them while in the USA. This is not a fee. It is money each trainee has available somewhere, as s/he may need it. The Net Income from our stipend does not meet this requirement and the balance is entered on the Budget Work Sheet as "Personal Funds". To calculate this amount, simply multiply $1300 by the number of months in the USA and subtract the Net Income amount. Applicants must provide evidence of having these Personal Funds available, in case they need them. Those that have sufficient personal funds usually supply a copy of their bank statement. For those that do not have sufficient personal funds, YMCA will accept a letter of support from a parent stating that s/he will have funds available to the applicant, if the funds are needed. The letter should read: To Whom It May Concern I, _____________________, father (or mother) to (Applicant's name), do hereby guarantee that I shall make available (Amount in section 'G') to (Applicant's name) as needed during his (or her) participation in the J-1 (Exchange) visitor program at Crotched Mountain Foundation. Signed and Dated.
10. YMCA requires two of the attached Reference form completed by either current or former employers and/or university professors. If the Crotched Mountain application already included two original references on official company or university letterhead, and if in English or accompanied by an English translation, then the YMCA Reference forms are not needed. Crotched Mountain will make a copy of the references submitted with the Crotched Mountain application and send it to YMCA along with the completed YMCA application package.
11. A completed YMCA English Language Assessment form is included. Just return this to Crotched Mountain along with the completed YMCA application package.
12. Return all application materials and the supporting documents requested below t Crotched Mountain Foundation Intern & Volunteer Services, Attn: Kevin Harte, Director. 1 Verney Drive Greenfield, NH 03047 USA
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Application Materials
1-Application Check List
2-Completed Trainee Information pages (1&2)
3-Completed Host Site Information page (3)
4-Signed Training Plan Cover page (4) 5-Signed Participation Agreement (8)
6-Signed & completed Budget Work Sheet
7-Signed and completed Fees Page
8-Completed English Language Assessment form 9-Two completed Reference Forms (or 2 Crotched Mountain application references) |
Supporting Documents
1-Copy of all pages of passport
2-Document to support "Personal Funds" amount (on the Budget Work Sheet)
3-Grade Transcripts or Degrees from university
4-Police Record Check (only if one hasn't already been furnished)
5-Detailed Resume or CV |
13. Crotched Mountain will review the application package for accuracy and completeness before sending it to International YMCA's office in New York.
14. If approved, YMCA will send an acceptance email to the applicant and to Crotched Mountain and will send to the applicant, by FedEx mail service, the DS-2019, Trainee Manual, SEVIS fee receipt, insurance information, social security request letter, and signed training plan copy. Upon receipt of the YMCA acceptance email, candidates may immediately phone their nearest US embassy and schedule the visa appointment. This appointment may also be scheduled online. It may be 30+ days before an appointment is available. Please note that the FedEx package from YMCA must have arrived before the appointment date. Do not pay the SEVIS fee to the embassy; this will already have been paid to YMCA as part of the Program Fee.
15. Candidates bring the DS-2019 form, the SEVIS fee receipt, evidence of personal funds (# 9 above) and other required documents (as instructed by YMCA) to the embassy on the appointment date. On the appointment date there may be several hours wait, though the appointment itself usually last only a few minutes. The U.S. Consulate issues the J-1 Visa or rejects the trainee's J-1 Visa request and some days later the passport (hopefully with the visa) will arrive by mail. Additional visa fees now total about $100 payable to the US embassy.