A St. Cloud State University department that would like to host a J-1 Student Intern, should be prepared to assume the following responsibilities:
It is recommended that this process begin 6 months before the student intern is expected to start the internship to allow time for unanticipated delays in government processing, security checks, and visa issuance.
St. Cloud State University understands that the primary purpose of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is to foster the exchange of ideas between Americans international educators. We also understand that the exchange of student interns helps to promote mutual enrichment and connections between the United States and other countries.
It does so by providing international student interns the opportunity to engage in training/internship opportunities with companies in our local community, to participate actively in cross-cultural activities with Americans and ultimately to bring to their home country, their experiences and increased knowledge about the United States and their respective fields.
The sponsoring (host) department must first submit the following to the Center for International Studies:
An advisor at the Center for International Studies will:
All J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to have a valid visa (*except Canadians) in their passport to be allowed entry into the United States.
Once the candidate has received the application packet from St. Cloud State University, the candidate must do the following:
Some U.S. Embassies or Consulates may require additional documentation, so check the embassy or consulate website for visa application instructions.
In some cases, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate may require administrative processing or security clearances on your visa application. It is common for this process to take a couple of weeks to a couple of months.
If administrative processing or security clearances occurs, please contact your sponsoring department so the Center for International Studies can advise on the implications of a delayed arrival.
The sponsoring department should be sure that student intern is met at the airport or that shuttle reservations are made in advance.
Executive Express reservations can be made online. Executive Express is a privately-owned van shuttle service, to St. Cloud State. The Executive Express desk is in the Ground Transportation area of the airport. For more information, call Executive Express at 1-320-253-2226 or toll free at 1-888- 522-9899.
It's important to ensure adequate housing is set up before the student intern arrives in the United States.
Contact your student intern to determine if they would like to rent an apartment on campus or an apartment/home off campus.
If the student intern chooses to reside off campus, the sponsoring department should help find appropriate housing near the student intern's employer.
Discuss the meal plan options with the student intern to determine if they would prefer to prepare their own meals or purchase a meal plan through Dining Services.
Within the first week on campus, the J-1 Student Intern should make an appointment to meet with the Center for International Studies.
During this meeting, the Center for International Studies will confirm the J-1 Student Intern's legal status in the U.S.
Please bring to this meeting the following:
Please be prepared to make your health insurance payment upon your arrival at St. Cloud State University by money order, cashier’s check, a valid U.S. bank check, a VISA or Mastercard affiliated with a U.S. bank or cash in US Dollars.
You will go directly to Business Services to make this payment in person.
Your Campus Card is your official campus ID.
University Library
Library borrowing privileges are not automatically included when a St. Cloud State ID is issued. Borrowing privileges are only available if the student intern's sponsoring unit submits a request and accepts financial responsibility for any materials damaged or not returned.
To request St. Cloud State library privileges, click here.
Hosting an student intern requires the collaboration of many. The department must:
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday (Fall and Spring Semester)
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday (Summer)
720 4th Avenue South
Lawrence Hall 101
St. Cloud, Minnesota 56377
1-320-308-4287
1-320-308-4223