Host Company Responsibilities in the J-1 Program

There are multiple people involved in the the Exchange program. One of the key contributors is the Host Company.

Host Company plays a very important role in ensuring J-1 Exchange Visitor Program objectives are met and regulations are adhered to.

Below are some of the host company responsibilities in the J-1 Program.

• The primary objectives of the J-1 Internship and Trainee Cultural Exchange Program is to enhance the skills and expertise of participants through guided work-based training. Such training is also intended to increase their understanding of American culture and to enhance Americans’ knowledge of foreign cultures and skills through an open interchange of ideas between participants and their American associates.
• The host company requesting and receiving the Trainee/Intern must have sufficient resources and trained associates available to provide the specified internship or training program. The host employer is responsible to ensure continuous on-site supervision and mentoring of interns by experienced and knowledgeable staff.
• The host company managers should ensure that interns obtain skills, knowledge, and competencies through structured and guided activities, rotation through several departments, on-the-job training, and any other similar learning activities.
• The host company should conduct periodic evaluation of participants. Notifications to complete an evaluation will be sent to you via email at the beginning, middle, and end of the program.

Ideal Rotations

F&B Service Positions (Restaurant, Catering/Banquets, Hotel Outlets) – focus is customer service skill, US service standards, teamwork, communication, financial goals, sales and marketing, leadership.

• Beverage Service – focus must include cost control, service standards, sales and marketing, inventory, bar management.
• F&B Host – focus includes restaurant “floor” management, teamwork, leadership, communication, customer service.

• Resort Activities and Event Planning – focus must be on event planning, scheduling and marketing, cost control and learning the position in order to understand its management and overall role in the operation.
• Advanced Training/Supervisor Skills – Interns/Trainees are encouraged to learn about budgeting, marketing, management, and scheduling by shadowing and observing supervisors.

• Resort Activities and Event Planning – focus must be on event planning, scheduling and marketing, cost control and learning the position in order to understand its management and overall role in the operation.
• Advanced Training/Supervisor Skills – Interns/Trainees are encouraged to learn about budgeting, marketing, management, and scheduling by shadowing and observing supervisors.

The interns or trainees leave their home countries for six months to a year and dedicate that whole duration in order to learn more in their chosen field.

This is not a small commitment. It represents a significant emotional and financial investment in their future. The Host Company has a shared responsibility in making sure these interns or trainees are able to realize the purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program.

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