INTERNSHIP Tourist Office for Flanders Brussels New York City Who are we? The Tourist Office for Flanders (Belgium) New York Office is a representative office in accordance to the Foreign Agencies Registration Act (FARA) and promotes Flanders as a tourist destination within Belgium and Europe on the North American market (United States of America and Canada). The Tourist Office for Flanders is a full governmental body of the Flemish Community (the Dutch speaking part of Belgium) and our Headquarters are based in Brussels, Belgium with currently 12 tourist offices worldwide. To understand the structure and mission of Toerisme Vlaanderen, we refer to the following documents: - Mission Statement Toerisme Vlaanderen: http://toerismevlaanderen.be/showpage.asp?ipageid=51 - www.visitflanders.us 1
What do we offer the intern? - A first-hand experience of the North American tourist market - New York life & office experience - Work in an international environment & context - Get tangible training on all aspects of a foreign tourist office - A chance to visit the major tourist attractions in New York (+ extend stay in US on the intern visa for a limited period) How long? - The intern visa can be administered for 12 months maximum - The Tourist Office for Flanders, Belgium will aim for a 3 month internship (with some flexibility built in for extended stays). A minimum of 1 week training at our HQ in Brussels prior to starting the internship at our New York City office. 2
Tasks of the Intern Over the course of the 3 month internship, the intern will rotate through different aspects of the Tourist Office for Flanders, Belgium. He or she will get acquainted with the activities related to Press, Trade, Consumer and Mice. Assist with consumer & trade communication (phone/email/reception desk) Track and Report on monthly office statistics, including on-line and social media statistics Assist in planning and execution of trade and consumer events, including participating in networking events Website maintenance: adding content and overall maintenance of our website www.visitflanders.us Social Media management: assisting with the management of social media campaigns (Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest) Contribute to new marketing concepts and creation of communication materials Administrative duties: day to day administrative/office duties. Requirements intern Be fluent in English, both written and orally Be flexible, pro-active and show initiative Solid knowledge of the destination Have good social skills Show a love of travel and adventure Be sensitive to cultural differences and adapt to different people easily Good knowledge of social media is a plus 3
Practical Requirements / Documents (based on BACC program for J1-Visa) We offer: Internship experience offered by hosting company (see above) Providing assistance with procedure Providing help with finding suitable & affordable accommodation through Flemish network Orientation upon arrival + cultural exposure Host company evaluation form Monthly stipend of $400 Reimbursement of local transportation cost (monthly Metro card) Reimbursement of J1-Visa costs ($ 800) and Sevis fee Requirements for the participant Belgian nationals, 18 years or older Registered full time at a university or institute for higher education Has completed at least 2 years of study relevant to the field of expertise Has the necessary qualifications/background and motivation! Valid passport for 6 months after completion of the training period Insurance information: all interns are required to secure health and accident insurance which should cover them from the time they leave their home country to their return at the end of the internship or training period. Minimum acceptable insurance is as follows; Medical and accident insurance up to $50,000 per injury or illness Preparation and transportation of remains to home country of at least $7,500 Expenses associated with evacuation in the amount of at least $10,000 Deductible is permitted if not in excess of $500 4
- Financial Security Statement: A minimum of $1,500 required per month of internship (= stipend) Either by a statement from their bank that the personal funds available to the intern are equal to the amount required and may be drawn upon when needed Or by a statement signed by the parents/legal guardians that they are willing to act as guarantors and will provide financial assistance to the intern in the US in case of need - Housing / Accommodation Student will be responsible for housing ie. monthly rent. Estimated cost for housing (one room) is at least 800 USD/month. (depending on area, amenities etc..) TOFB will help with accommodation by looking for suitable & affordable housing (a student room) within the Flemish network in New York or assist in short-term lease arrangement and by proving advice on neighbourhoods (accessibility, points of interest, safety.) Een stage lopen bij The Tourist Office of Flanders & Brussels is een unieke ervaring. Je werkt met leuke collega s, krijgt interessante opdrachten en dit alles in een wereldstad als New York. De perfecte ingrediënten voor een ongelooflijke internationale stage. Kaat Peters, Pantijn Hogeschool, communicatiemanagement De stage bij de Tourist Office for Flanders & Brussels is een job met veel afwisseling en boeiende opdrachten. Werken in een klein team met leuke collega's in de fascinerende wereldstad New York is een unieke ervaring die ik iedereen aanraad. Elke dag leer je bij over het werk, de stad en jezelf. Lore De Bondt, Lessius Hogeschool, Toerisme & Recreatiemanagement 5
Interested? Send your resume and motivation letter to: Elke van Bree Social Media & Office Manager elke@visitflanders.us Please indicate your availability for the 2012-2013 school year 6