In order to prepare for arrival, FLTAs need to make their travel plans as much in advance as possible. Before making any travel arrangements, FLTAs should:
A. Secure a passport and a J-1 visa - IIE is responsible for issuing to all FLTA grantees the appropriate visa documentation (DS-2019), which will be used to apply for a J-1 entry visa. Please note that the application is subject to review and approval by a U.S. Consular Official
- When FLTAs apply for a visa they must take along the DS-2019 form, a:
- Valid passport and a copy of their Terms and Condition of Award
- FLTAs are personally responsible, financially and otherwise, for making all arrangements for their passport and visa
- Copy of their Terms and Conditions of Award
- FLTAs are subject to all U.S. government regulations related to J-1 visa status. Information on these regulations is located on the second page of the DS-2019 form.
Once all of the formalities have been completed, FLTAs should make their travel plans and inform IIE and their host institution as to the times, dates, and specific location of arrival. They must fax their Arrival Report Form to 212-984-5578 or email the information to FLTA@iie.org.
B. Contact Faculty Supervisor, whose name and contact information are listed in the Terms and Conditions of Award - Before they depart from their home country but,
- ONLY after accepting a Teaching Assistantship post and submitting all required documents to IIE
- FLTAs should ask for information on the following:
Arrival and Departure Dates: FLTAs should confirm the reporting and end dates of their assistantship, since occasionally the date will change from that indicated in the Terms and Conditions of Award and on the DS-2019. If the dates do change, but are within 30 days of the start or end date as indicated on the DS-2019, there is no need for a new DS-2019, as dates will be amended in SEVIS by IIE after arrival and submission of required documentation.
Travel to Campus/housing: inquire about transportation from the airport to the campus and permanent or temporary housing which may have been arranged.
- It is normally not possible to arrive a day or two early or late. If the FLTA is not able to arrive on the reporting date, please notify IIE immediately.
Additional Expenses: since the FLTA award will not cover personal expenses, such as travel during breaks, clothing, etc., the FLTA faculty supervisor will be able to provide more information on the cost of living in their host community.
Taxes: stipends paid by host institutions are subject to U.S. income taxes which might result in withholding of funds from stipend payments. The FLTA should ask the supervisor or the outgoing FLTA, if there is one, about the level of reduction of the stipend to cover taxes.
Job Description: which should describe in detail their responsibilities to their host institution
- if possible, obtain a copy of their work schedule in order to ascertain what days and times might be available for courses
- request access to course schedules if they are available online.
Teaching Materials: it may be useful to bring educational or media materials for use in classes, cultural presentations, and other events.
C. FLTAs should CARRY with them (do not pack): - Valid passport with valid visa
- SEVIS Form DS-2019
- Terms and Conditions of Award
- Orientation Packet sent to you
- A pen for completing immigration and other forms
- Name and contact information for the Responsible Officer/ Designated Representative at your school. This is:
Edward Monks
ARO/G-1-00001
Institute of International Education
809 United Nations Plaza
New York NY 10017
Tel: 212-984-5494
Email: emonks@iie.org
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