International Visitors in Washington will receive orientations provided by the International Programs Office upon arrival. International Visitors going directly to activity sites elsewhere in the US must review the orientation materials on this website and have a teleconference orientation with the International Visitors Program Coordinator within 10 days of their arrival.
International Programs assists Forest Service Units in providing initial assistance to Exchange Visitors as they begin their adjustment process. Participants are required to complete and return a questionnaire demonstrating they have completed the orientation program and stating that they fully understand their obligations and responsibilities.
Units hosting international visitors monitor progress on the official orientation activities and help visitors navigate their local communities and resources. Host Units are required to provide further in-depth administrative, technical and cultural orientation and support throughout the program. Host units and visitors should make available and create ample and diverse opportunities for intercultural exchange beyond the office and activity sites.
In general, welcome and on-site orientation activities provided by hosts will include:
- orienting visitors to the US Forest Service and Affiliated Partners
- administrative details such as obtaining necessary ID cards or access to computers
- specific training on policies, procedures and safety training specific to their site of activity
- assistance with housing, banking, transportation, medical services, etc.
- Cultural orientation and intercultural exchange activities.
Additionally, local advisors and colleagues are responsible for providing opportunities for intercultural exchange throughout the program. Once the initial arrival and orientation tasks are completed, on-site advisors and colleagues, in coordination with the International Programs Office, must ensure that the overall educational and cultural objectives of the program are met through ongoing interaction, orientation, training and the monitoring and evaluation of activities. |
