The ATA is a grassroots, non-profit volunteer organization composed of citizens of Albany and the surrounding Capital Region of New York State, partnered with citizens of Tula, Russia. We have come together to provide mutual support and inspiration and to carry on a long-term program dedicated to the growth and well-being of both communities.
THE PROGRAM: In this era of dramatic change on a global scale, the ATA has always known that the most powerful tool for improving foreign relations between cultures is by sharing knowledge, resources, and interests. With the help of volunteers and donations, we’ve fostered lasting friendships by connecting with communities and individuals in Russia. This has been the guiding principle for the ATA and one that has been a successful model for 30 years. The ATA thrives on enriching the lives of Americans and Russians so it’s no surprise that we frequently offer the Professional Internship Program.
THE GOAL: The purpose and mission of the Professional Internship Program are to provide an opportunity for professionals from Tula to enhance their experience and develop new professional contacts with U.S. colleagues. The Program is 2-4 weeks long and held in the Capital Region.
WHO MAY APPLY? Any individual from Russia whose professional development and formal learning may benefit the city of Tula, and the surrounding Tula region, may apply for the Program. Participants must be able to communicate in an English-speaking environment. It’s expected that applicants show a professional attitude and appearance and dedication to the work assignments. Participants will have 3 to 5 years of professional work experience.
HOW TO APPLY? A participant must complete the application electronically, sign it and scan it with attachments that are saved as .pdf files. Scanned files must be emailed to albanytulaalliance@gmail.com. The email subject should be written as “Professional Internship Program – Applicant’s LAST NAME, FIRST NAME”.
Applications must be accompanied by a professional resume and a letter of recommendation. The letter must be from the applicant’s supervisor and contain a description of the applicant’s present duties. If the applicant is self-employed or a CEO/President of the organization, a letter of recommendation from a business partner with a brief description of joint projects should be attached to the application form.
***All documents should be written in English or include a translation into English.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLICATION? Within 2 weeks of submitting the application, the applicant should receive confirmation of receiving it or a request for additional information. The application will be reviewed by the ATA’s Business Committee. If the application is preliminary selected, the candidate will be scheduled for an interview via Skype or by phone.
After all the applicants have been selected, dates for the Program will be determined. Based on the applicant’s qualifications and interests, a hosting company will be selected. The Business Committee will make every effort to place the candidate with a company in their specific area of interest.
Please note that the ATA is awarding internship opportunities based on the financial resources available through the ATA, an applicant’s qualifications, securing appropriate internship placement in the Capital Region, and the availability of a host family.
The U.S. visa to be requested is B1/B2. The ATA will provide the applicant with a letter of invitation and all other necessary documentation to deliver to the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. The applicant should be aware that the final decision regarding the visa is completely the responsibility of the Consulate of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.
IF YOU ARE SELECTED: If you are selected to take part in this opportunity, you will fly from Moscow to one of the NYC airports or Albany, NY. A representative of the ATA will meet you. The applicant should expect to stay with a host family or in a college dormitory. The candidate must keep a day-to-day electronic journal of their experience interning with the selected company. At the end of the internship, the applicant will prepare a report on the experience and the knowledge he or she has gained.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT: The applicant is responsible for all expenses before arriving at the port of entry of the U.S. including the cost of the U.S. visa and related expenses. The ATA will be responsible for the following expenses:
- one roundtrip airline ticket from Moscow to NYC
- transfer from and to the airport
- daily transportation from host house to the internship location
- overnight accommodations
- emergency medical insurance
- A $100/week stipend for lunches and incidentals
All other expenses incurred before arriving in the U.S. will be the responsibility of the applicant. The applicant will also be responsible for any personal purchases (gifts, restaurants, alcohol, etc…) while in the U.S.
SUPPORT AND SAFETY: The ATA will help provide a supportive social network to help candidates integrate and adjust to differences in culture, technology, and information. Members of the ATA and host families are famous for providing guests with a warm, caring, and engaging environment and the potential to include guests in shared social activities like dining together, physical activities (exercise, sport), and entertainment.
Okay, time for you to get busy with the application process!
(PDF VERSION) PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP APPLICATION FORM: DOWNLOAD PDF HERE