Three Things We Learned by Throwing a Celebration for Seattle’s Cultural Exchange Community

CICD Staff and J-1 participants from all over the world at the "Year of the DS-2019" Celebration!
Dec 05 2019

On October 16, 2019, the Center for International Career Development (CICD) and our sister organization NorthWest Student Exchange (NWSE), hosted a cultural exchange celebration in honor of “The Year of the DS-2019”.  Named after the iconic DS-2019 form (required to obtain the J-1 visa), this event was a perfect opportunity to celebrate the passion, hard… Continue reading »

How an Internship Abroad Impacts the Way We View the World Around Us

Mariana, CICD J1 Trainee
Oct 25 2019

To pursue career aspirations while also traveling the world is a unique opportunity! The J-1 visa allows just that and more. J-1 visa programs are a unique opportunity that allows participants from around the world to not only gain meaningful insights and understanding of American business practices, but to experience a whole new culture and… Continue reading »

What are Cultural Activities in the USA?

Cultural Activities in the USA
Jan 26 2019

Welcome to the United States! With 48 contiguous states, 2 states located in other parts of the continent, and 1 tropical territory, there are many diverse landscapes to explore in the USA. During your time in the States, you should take advantage of the fast-paced American lifestyle and numerous activities that you can’t do anywhere… Continue reading »

Teach in the USA – CICD’s Global Teaching Program

CICD participant, 2018
Jan 24 2019

CICD sponsors teachers from all over the world on the J-1 visa to the United States. This program allows American students to experience a new culture firsthand and for teachers to learn more about American schools and pedagogy. Through a variety of cultural lessons designed by the foreign teachers, students learn about their home country… Continue reading »

Map to Washington: Best Views in Seattle

Best Views in Seattle
Jan 13 2019

Welcome to Seattle! Home of the Space Needle, three major league sport franchises including the former Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks, Starbucks Coffee, Amazon, and The Center for International Career Development (CICD). CICD sponsors nearly 3,000 participants on our programs each year. We pride ourselves on helping our participants take part in exciting cultural activities… Continue reading »

Transportation in the USA on your J-1 Program

Transportation Tips in the USA
Jan 04 2019

Congratulations on securing your J-1 internship! It’s time to start thinking about your everyday life in the U.S. While you are in the U.S. on your J-1 program, you will have many different options for navigating your new city! Arriving on-time to your training, especially on the first day, is expected and impressive! To help… Continue reading »

What is CICD’s Work and Travel Program?

J-1 Work and Travel Participants
Jan 01 2019

There are few things more valuable than an international experience! With CICD’s Work & Travel program, international students (like you!) can spend their university summer break traveling, improving their English, and developing professional skills, all while learning about the people and way of life in the United States. The Work & Travel program allows university… Continue reading »

How to Handle Reverse Culture Shock

J-1 Work & Travel Participant, 2016
Dec 21 2018

All travels eventually come to an end. You are probably catching your flight home after the end of your J-1 program feeling bittersweet. Like most independent travelers, you may be thinking about the homemade meal you have been craving, or about finally seeing your beloved pet again. But once you have survived your long 10-hour… Continue reading »

What is Thanksgiving in the USA?

Thanksgiving in the USA
Nov 15 2018

Thanksgiving in the USA is meant to bring family and friends together over a big meal to express gratitude and thanks. Historically, the holiday commemorates the unity of the Pilgrims and the Native Americans, who gathered together in 1621 for a feast symbolizing peace and goodwill between their cultures. This autumnal dinner became a tradition… Continue reading »

Traveling Outside of the USA on the J-1 Visa

Untitled-1
Nov 08 2018

So you’ve begun your program in the U.S. and are invited on a road trip to Niagara Falls in Canada? An international cruise to Mexico? Whale watching in Canada? Now what? CICD’s Coordinators are world travelers – just like you! We get it. Read how to gain travel authorization below: If you plan to take… Continue reading »