As a part of Global Partnership’s Work & Travel (J1) program, students get an opportunity to visit the United States under J1 visa, a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States as exchange visitors, especially for cultural exchanges.
Thapa also said that the main objective of their program is to “develop new experiences for Nepali students and give them an opportunity to travel during their school life.”
Thapa cited two major requirements to be eligible for the program: age and academic enrollment. The students should be between 18 to 28 years and currently enrolled at a university level. She also mentioned students should also meet the language proficiency.
During the application process, prospective students should submit an application form, a letter verified by their university about their enrollment, a reference letter from their employers or professors, no-objection letter from their parents/guardians, and their academic certificates.
Global Partnership charges Rs 7,500 for necessary documentation, and students are responsible to pay US$300 to its partner organization, Global Network for Educational & Cultural Exchanges, based in New York. Both these fees are nonrefundable. However, the US$1,500 program fee that has to be submitted to GNECE is refundable in case of visa rejections, Thapa said. The program fee includes all costs regarding their job placement and contract, which is signed before the students leave for the States.
During their course of work, students are paid between US$7.25 to 8 per hour, and are required to work five days a week, between 32 to 40 hours. Job placements are usually at tourist centers, mainly in states like New York, Florida, and California.
After their three-month summer employment, students get a grace period of 30 days during which they can travel across the States, Thapa said.
She also said the students would recover their program costs while working, in addition to their living and traveling expenses, which they have to bear.
In its eighth year, Global Partnership has sent around 35 students to the US since it started this concept in 2006. Thapa said the program would give Nepali students a chance to gain new experiences and expand their horizons.
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