Russian Business Exchange
Application Guide
How to Submit Your Application
Thanks for your interest in applying to the RBEST program! Please note that you will need to request your application
package first online before you can begin your application. Follow the steps below:
Application Process
1. Request your application package here.
2. Cultural Vistas will send you a username and password to complete your application online.
3. Complete your application with all supporting documents online.
4. If qualified, you will be invited to a phone or Skype interview.
5. If accepted, Cultural Vistas will work closely with you to find a suitable host company.
6. Once your host company is identified, they will invite you to an interview before confirming your position.
7. Once confirmed, Cultural Vistas will sponsor your J-1 exchange visitor visa.
8. If the U.S. State Department approves your visa, you will begin all pre-departure activities.
Please note that Cultural Vistas cannot guarantee that the U.S. State Department will approve your visa.
Placement Process
If accepted into the program, Cultural Vistas will use the information you have provided during the application process to
identify a suitable host company. An offer will depend on your qualifications, background, career goals, as well as the host
company’s preferences and availability. It is important that you are flexible regarding the type of company, location, and
position details as Cultural Vistas is securing a position for you.
Application Checklist
Please make sure to prepare the following information and documents for your application:
Essay
Prepare your responses to the essay questions in advance and submit them into the online application form. Answer each
question in 150 words or less.
1. What are some of the career goals you hope to achieve by completing a training program in the United States?
Describe your motivation for applying.
2. What do you hope to gain from this opportunity for a current or future employer in Russia?
3. Besides professional skills, what do you hope to learn from this opportunity?
4. What benefits do you think a host company gains by hosting you as an international trainee?
Documents
Submit electronic versions of the documents listed below. Please make sure that each document doesn’t exceed 5 MB. You
may upload files in PDF, Word, Excel, Rich Text, HTML, Plain Text, BMP, GIV, PNG, JPG or TIFF format. All documents must
be provided in official English translation, except for your passport and any documents already issued in English:
Proof of Identity/Passport
Copy of valid passport photo page and name/issuance page. Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your
program end date, i.e. through September 2016. If you don’t have a valid passport, please submit a copy of your
government-issued ID. You will need to obtain a valid passport no later than January 15, 2016, if accepted into the program.
Resume
In English language, please submit an updated resume with details about your professional experience, education and other
relevant information. Please follow this template.
Russian Business Exchange
Application Guide
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Letter of Recommendation
Submit a letter of recommendation with your application. The letter should be written by a current or previous supervisor,
mentor, or teacher who knows you well and who can speak to your skills in a professional context. The letter must be
written in English (or officially translated) and should be addressed to “Members of the Selection Committee.”
Letter of Employment
Please upload proof of your current and/or previous employment, including internships. This may include your labor book
or letters of your employer stating the dates of your employment and your role/title, on official letterhead and signed by
your employer. You must provide all documentation in official English translation.
Official Transcript/Degree
Submit a copy of your official degree certificates or diploma as well as most recent transcript, issued by the university. If
currently a student, provide your transcript and a letter confirming your full-time enrollment. This must be issued by your
university or a professor on official letterhead with a stamp and signature within the last three months. Please provide all
documentation in official English translation.
Language Training
If English is not your native language, please upload proof of English language ability dated within the past three years. This
can include a certificate from an English testing institution, exam score (TOEFL, TOEC) or a signed document from your
school stating classes are taught in English or confirming your English ability. If you do not possess such documentation,
Cultural Vistas will determine your English proficiency during an interview.
Previous Non-Tourist U.S. Visas
If you have held previous U.S. non-tourist visas or have ever been rejected for a U.S. visa, please upload copies of these
documents, including any DS‐2019 or DS‐7002 forms. Do NOT upload copies of tourist visas.
Budget Worksheet
Complete and upload the template that Cultural Vistas will send you via email attachment after you’ve requested an
application package. Although most of your program expenses will be covered, we recommend that you plan to make
additional funds available for personal expenses and non-program related activities. Please upload information on how you
will provide these funds.
Professional Photo
You may upload a current passport-sized professional photo of yourself. This is optional, but encouraged.
Questions?
If you have any questions during the application process, please contact us at rbest@culturalvistas.org.