J1 Connect

IF YOU LOVED YOUR J1...
Stop by the RDS on September 25th
Show your support for the J1 Program

#myj1summer

REGISTER AND ATTEND FOR A CHANCE TO WIN:

ATicket from Dublin to the United States,

compliments of Delta Airlines

REGISTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN:
*One night bed & breakfast for 2 people in a deluxe room, compliments of The Shelbourne Hotel

*Signed Irish football team jersey, compliments of the FAI

*Submit your J1 PHOTO and be in for a chance to win a new GoPro HERO3+ Black Edition

The U.S. Embassy is inviting anyone who ever went on a J1 Summer Work and Travel Program, or any other U.S. exchange program, to take the experience one step further and join the J1 Connect event on September 25, 2014 at the RDS in Dublin.

The day will include prominent J1 speakers from the world of politics, business, academics and the arts. Workshops will cover a variety of topics including understanding U.S. visas, studying in the United States, strategies for setting up business in the United States, insider tips on travel trends, and coaching on professional networking. A J1 business showcase will highlight the huge impact the J1 has had on Irish entrepreneurs and business. The day will end with a celebration including prizes and live music provided by Derek Ryan – for those who never learned to line dance on their J1, and for those who did.

Whether your J1 summer just ended, or is a more distant memory, J1 Connect is an opportunity to celebrate this “rite of passage” exchange.

OPEN HOUSE PROGRAM

10.30am Registration open throughout the day; register and stop by anytime!

11.00am Opening Session

Welcome by Charge d'affaires Stuart Dwyer, U.S. Embassy Dublin
Opening Remarks by Deputy Sean Sherlock T.D., Minister of State, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
The J1 Experience with Robin Lerner, Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of State
Panel Discussion moderated by Dave Fanning, RTE 2FM
With: Alan Brogan, Dublin GAA Footballer
Michelle Darmody, Restaurateur and weekly columnist for the Irish Examiner
John Hegarty, former Provost, Trinity College Dublin
Cian Hughes, Head of Operations, Irish Technology Leaders Group (ITLG)
and Robin Lerner

12.30pm Take a break and join us for the American Inspired Food Market

2.00pm Workshop I

Overview of U.S. Visas: Travel, Business and Student
Led by U.S. Consular Service Officers
* Learn more about U.S. visa categories

EdUSA: Study in the U.S. Strategies
Led by Fulbright Commission Director, Colleen Dube, and the EdUSA office
* EdUSA is the official source for information about study opportunities in the United States; this workshop will look at finding the right program, tips on applying, and finding funding.

Building Your Brand and Your Network
Led by LinkedIn

3.00pm Workshop II

Overview of U.S. Visas: Travel, Business and Student
Led by U.S. Consular Service Officers
* Learn more about U.S. visa categories

Travel Trends: What to look for in 2014
Led by VisitUSA
* Off the beaten path destinations, adventure travel, eco travel, food itineraries, festivals - an insider's look at travel to the United States in 2014

EdUSA: Study in the U.S. Strategies
Led by Fulbright Commission Director, Colleen Dube, and the EdUSA office
* EdUSA is the official source for information about study opportunities in the United States; this workshop will look at finding the right program, tips on applying, and finding funding.

4.00pm Workshop III

Select USA: Practical Advice on Setting Up Business in the United States
Led by U.S. Foreign Commercial Service
* Ever thought of growing your business in the United States? This workshop will outline some of the practicalities to expanding to the U.S. market.

Overview of U.S. Visas: Travel, Business and Student
Led by U.S. Consular Service Officers
* Learn more about U.S. visa categories

What Employers Want: How to Talk about your Exchange Experience
Led by Facebook

5.00pm J1 Welcome Back Celebration

Closing Remarks by Tanaiste Joan Burton T.D., Minister for Social Protection
Winners of the J1 Photo Contest announced
Prize Winners announced - you must be present to win the flight!
Live entertainment with Derek Ryan and Band

8.00pm Event ends

REGISTRATION

Once registered, you are welcome to join us at any time during the day. Please note there is no registration fee. Please indicate which sessions you will attend on the registration form. Please also note your program year and the U.S. city where you worked. Advance registration is required. Registration closes on Tuesday, September 23rd. Photo ID required for admission to the event. Food market will be open from 12.30pm.

*If you can't attend and still want to show your support,
please register your interest here for information on future J1 network events.*

J1 PHOTO CONTEST

Do you have a great photo from your J1 summer in the U.S.? Send them to us before September 24th and win a new GoPro HERO3+ Black Edition! We want to see what makes a J1 summer a truly unforgettable experience. The winner will be announced at the RDS on September 25th. Enter the J1 Photo Contest by submitting your best J1 photo with caption to dublinevents@state.gov.

#myj1summer

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