Ways to Prepare for the Summer Work Travel Program: Things to do before you leave!
Before you arrive in the United States, Greenheart Exchange wants to prepare you for your Work and Travel experience. With proper preparation, you will have a smooth transition to your program in the United States! All of this information will help you to have a fun and safe time in the United States!
Visit your doctor
We strongly recommend that you visit a doctor and dentist before you travel to the United States. The insurance you receive from Greenheart Exchange is a travel insurance policy, and it is meant for sudden illnesses and medical emergencies, not for routine care. If you take a prescription medication, you should bring a supply from home that will last for your entire stay. You should also have a note from your doctor that explains what medications you take and why you need them to bring with you.
Submit Your Flight information
Your flight itinerary must be submitted to Greenheart Exchange two weeks before your original DS-2019 date. This information can be uploaded directly to the Greenheart Exchange Online (GEO) system, or you can also contact your sending partner for help.
Complete the Virtual Orientation
Before you receive your DS-2019 form, you need to complete your virtual orientation, which will help you prepare for life in the United States, including the culture, work environment and your responsibility as a participant. This orientation is accessible by logging into your Greenheart Exchange Online account. Even after you’ve watched this, you can always take a look back at this resource! Completing this orientation is mandatory for your chance to participate in the Summer Work Travel program.
Check the Time Zones
Depending on where you are working in the United States, you will have be living in a specific time zone. Be sure to check out this website to understand the time difference between your home city and where you will be in the United States!
Find Housing
If you can’t find permanent housing before arrival to the United States, it is recommended you secure temporary housing for at least two weeks. These options can be found all across the United States! Using hostels, affordable motels, or universities and colleges are good options. Research these options ahead of time in order to ensure you have a place to stay. You can learn even more about this in your online account!
Learn About Your Area
Make sure to research your host community before you go to the United States! This is a great way to learn about where you will be staying and ways you can get involved in your new community!
Join the Greenheart Club
You have the unique opportunity to be a part of the Greenheart Club, a portal that allows you to take your exchange experience a step further by getting involved in community service and the volunteer movement in the United States! When you track your volunteer or project hours in Greenheart Exchange Online (GEO), you can earn rewards and become eligible for other Greenheart events.
Excited for your Greenheart Exchange Work and Travel experience?! Make sure to read all of the resources available to you and understand the program requirements. We can’t wait to spend the program together!