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2
Have them get a calling card or prepaid cell phone!
3
Have a spot or time they can use the internet - Parents are going to want to hear from them and friends too. This does lessen after the first couple of weeks but right now they will be homesick and scared! You may want to direct them to the public library for internet use.
4Take them shopping the first week they are in country. When packing for 3+ months, something is bound to get forgotten! Let them know www.walmart.com delivers, as do many other retailers.
5
Sit with the student when they get their first paycheck and review any deductions with them. J1 students must pay federal, state and city taxes. They do not pay FICA, Social Security, Medicare or unemployment taxes, as they are not eligible to receive these government services.
6Help them at Social Security – if Social Security has any questions have them call AWA immediately. Here is some information about students and Social Security: http://www.ssa.gov/employer/hiring.htm
7
AWA recommends that students mark their status as “Single” and claim zero on their W-4 Form to avoid owing additional taxes later.
8
When they start, have them fill out an envelope with their home address (their parents’ home address) so when you need to mail a final paycheck or W2, you have it already.
9
When they arrive, ask if they have booked a flight home and when they are leaving your job site — this helps to avoid any surprises down the road.
10
The first two weeks are a transition period. During this time make them feel extra welcome — introduce them to a buddy or a senior member of your staff so they can help too. Make sure they have the AWA Emergency number with them should they need help when you can’t be there.
11
Do not assume they know how to work a copy machine, time clock, dishwasher, etc. Take a minute to make sure they understand how to operate this equipment. They are college kids and they are smart, they are just going to be very overwhelmed at first.
12
If the work hours drop below 32 they will start to get worried and if business is so slow that you can not provide the hours please contact AWA as we might have other employers who could use more students.
13
If there are problems, issues, or injuries please let AWA know immediately – if a hospital or the police are involved we may be able to help facilitate.
14
If a student leaves or never arrives please let AWA know as soon as possible. You will get a “Roll Call” Sheet approximately 1 month after student arrivals, this will help us verify who is there and working.
15
Remember a head nod does not always mean, “Yes, I understand”….double check with them. Ask them to repeat what you explained. Also, they speak a different language they are not deaf – shouting does not help!
16
Remind them of USA laws – the legal drinking age is 21, smoking in public is not always allowed, you need a state or international driver’s license and insurance to drive, etc. Be careful not to open yourself up to liabilities that can come with loaning vehicles and other personal items to students. If students want to be more mobile, we suggest bicycles but make sure they remember their helmets!
17
Please provide AWA with phone numbers for you or your key staff for both daytime and after hours emergencies. If there is an issue, you can call AWA 24/7 at 888.292.0088.
18
Take lots of pictures of the students working and enjoying their time on the program – this will help with next seasons recruiting.
19
There will be “those days” – if you need support or have any questions do not hesitate to call us — same goes for the student!
20
Have fun! This is a cultural exchange program—learn from them and they will learn from you.
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