Code of Conduct 2023

Greenheart Exchange Work and Travel
Participant Code of Conduct

I understand that Greenheart Exchange is my J-1 Summer Work Travel (SWT) sponsor and I confirm that I understand and
agree with the following.
GENERAL: actions within my GEO account. I agree to accept any

1. As Greenheart Exchange is my J-1 Summer Work actions my sending agency takes as though they were
Travel (SWT) sponsor, I accept all decisions made by my own.
Greenheart Exchange regarding all aspects of my MY COMMITMENT TO CONTACT GREENHEART
program including visa sponsorship. EXCHANGE:
2. It is my responsibility to be aware of and to abide by all 1. Greenheart Exchange must know how to contact me at
of the rules and regulations associated with this visa, any time during my program. I must:
which are outlined at • Have a valid email address that I must check at
https://greenheartexchange.org/professional- least once per week.
exchange/work-and-travel/#/tab/regulations / (22 CFR • Provide Greenheart Exchange with a U.S.-based
part 62). mobile phone number when I complete my SEVIS
3. I am responsible for understanding all the information validation.
presented in the mandatory Participant Virtual • Check my GEO account regularly throughout my
Orientation, which I must complete through my GEO program.
account prior to my arrival in the U.S. 2. I will check in with Greenheart Exchange within 3 days
4. The primary purpose of my J-1 SWT program is cultural of my arrival to the U.S.
exchange. It is my intention to maximize my exposure 3. I will validate my program by submitting my U.S.
to U.S. culture throughout my program. Greenheart housing address to Greenheart Exchange within 7 days
Exchange has identified cultural opportunities that I can after my DS-2019 form start date. Failure to validate my
explore while on my program, and information about program within the given deadline can result in falling
these opportunities can be viewed at into NO SHOW status in SEVIS.
https://greenheartexchange.org/professional- 4. I agree to contact Greenheart Exchange within 24
exchange/work-and-travel/#/tab/fun-in-the-u-s. hours if:
5. I plan to regularly participate in activities that will a. My safety is in jeopardy, including hazards in the
culturally enhance my experience in the United States, workplace.
and I will report these activities to Greenheart b. My housing address or the location of my work
Exchange in my check-ins. changes.
6. I can join Greenheart Exchange’s Greenheart Club at c. The conditions of my employment are not being
any time and Greenheart Exchange is available to help met.
me secure opportunities to volunteer in my host d. My employment is terminated.
community and/or to engage in an environmental or e. I plan to change my job or to work an additional
community outreach project of my choosing. job. I also understand that:
• I cannot begin working at any job until the job
MY GREENHEART EXCHANGE ONLINE (GEO) offer has been fully vetted and approved by
ACCOUNT: Greenheart Exchange, and
1. I know my username and password for the Greenheart • I must submit a Self-Arranged Job Offer (SAJO)
Exchange Online (GEO) system to Greenheart Exchange by emailing it to
(https://geo.greenheart.org) and I am committed to sajo@greenheart.org.
keeping this information confidential. f. I have any concerns about my job or program.
2. I will check my GEO account at least every 7 days 5. I must check in at least once every 30 days after my
throughout my program for important updates from program is validated in SEVIS.
Greenheart Exchange. I will use my GEO account 6. My check-in deadlines are visible on my GEO
for all non-emergency communication with homepage. It is my responsibility to log into my GEO
Greenheart Exchange. account at least every 7 days to confirm my next
3. My GEO account is where I can complete my arrival deadline.
check-in, validate my program, check my SEVIS status, 7. Under certain circumstances, Greenheart Exchange
complete my monthly check-ins, access important may place me on additional monitoring. When this
resource documents, keep track of future check-in happens, I am required to be in more frequent
deadlines, update my U.S. housing address and work communication with Greenheart Exchange.
site, and access employment information. 8. I will meet all deadlines in my GEO account.
4. My sending agency may act on my behalf for certain
1
Greenheart Exchange • 742 North LaSalle Drive, Ste 300, Chicago, IL 60654, USA • Tel: 1.866.684.9675 • Fax:1. 312.577.0692
W: www.greenheartexchange.org • E: workandtravel@greenheart.org
TERMS AND CONDITIONS (updated November 2021) https://docs.cci-exchange.com/work-programs/swt-participant-code-of-conduct
MAINTAINING MY PROGRAM STATUS IN SEVIS e. I start to work a second or additional job,

(Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) including hours spent training, before I have
1. I can check my SEVIS status at any time from my submitted a SAJO to Greenheart Exchange and
GEO account. the job has been approved by Greenheart
2. If my SEVIS status is not in good standing, it is my Exchange.
responsibility to cooperate with Greenheart f. I fail to report a change of housing address via
Exchange’s directives, including returning to my home my GEO account within 24 hours of any move.
country if applicable. g. I am found guilty of or plead guilty to violating
3. The information that I provide to Greenheart Exchange any local, state, or federal law.
for SEVIS, especially my housing information and h. I engage in behavior that may bring disrepute
employment details, must always be accurate. to the Summer Work Travel program.
4. I must arrive in the U.S. with a valid passport, a visa, i. I violate any Greenheart Exchange program rule.
the DS-2019 form, a signed Greenheart Exchange- j. I misrepresent my personal or medical
approved job offer, and a changeable ticket to return information to Greenheart Exchange.
to my home country at the end of my program. k. I work beyond my pre-determined program dates.
5. I may remain in the U.S. up to 30 days beyond my DS- l. I work in any of the positions, environments,
2019 program end date, as long as I return to my home industries, or shifts that are prohibited for
country in time for classes and am in compliance with SWT participants.
the U.S. Embassy date restrictions for my home 2. If Greenheart Exchange terminates my program
country. sponsorship, I must return to my home country at my
6. I am expected to return to my home country upon own expense immediately. If my program be
completion of my program. Greenheart Exchange terminated because I violated U.S. law, I will be
will not aid in a change of visa status. subject to repatriation as soon as I fulfill any legal
7. Greenheart Exchange may shorten my program for obligations.
any of the following reasons: 3. If Greenheart Exchange terminates my program
• If I am unable to submit a valid SAJO within the sponsorship, I will not receive a refund for my
specified timeframe after being fired from or program.
quitting my primary job. 4. If my program sponsorship is terminated, it will
• If my mental or physical health (e.g., eating negatively impact my chances (and the chances of
disorders, depression, chronic illness, or my family members) to receive a visa to return to the
condition) warrants this action. United States.
• If I undergo a major life change that impacts 5. Greenheart Exchange is obligated to report any
my ability to continue my program (e.g., activities that are interpreted as being in defiance of
marriage, pregnancy). visa or program regulations to the U.S. Department
8. If Greenheart Exchange shortens my program of State and/or Homeland Security.
sponsorship, I will not receive a refund for my a. I am found guilty of or plead guilty to violating
program. any local, state, or federal law.
b. I engage in behavior that may bring disrepute
CONSEQUENCES OF RULE VIOLATION: to the Summer Work Travel program.
1. Greenheart Exchange may terminate my c. I violate any Greenheart Exchange program rule.
program sponsorship for any of the following d. I misrepresent my personal or medical
reasons: information to Greenheart Exchange.
a. I fail to arrive to my pre-approved employer with e. I work beyond my pre-determined program dates.
the intention to remain employed there f. I work in any of the positions, environments,
throughout my entire program. industries, or shifts that are prohibited for
b. I fail to complete my arrival check-in with SWT participants.
Greenheart Exchange within 3 days of my arrival 6. If Greenheart Exchange terminates my program
in the United States. sponsorship, I must return to my home country at my
c. I fail to maintain contact Greenheart, whether in own expense immediately. If my program be
my monthly check-ins or when on additional terminated because I violated U.S. law, I will be
monitoring. subject to repatriation as soon as I fulfill any legal
d. I work at a job that was not explicitly screened, obligations.
vetted and pre-approved by Greenheart Exchange. 7. If Greenheart Exchange terminates my program
2
sponsorship, I will not receive a refund for my 10. I may use tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana only in
program. accordance with local, state, and federal laws, and
8. If my program sponsorship is terminated, it will the rules of my workplace and housing.
negatively impact my chances (and the chances of
my family members) to receive a visa to return to the MONEY:
United States. 1. I will bring a minimum of 1,000 USD (one thousand)
9. Greenheart Exchange is obligated to report any to survive in the U.S. without a steady income for the
activities that are interpreted as being in defiance of first month of my program.
visa or program regulations to the U.S. Department 2. I am responsible for any program-related fees charged
of State and/or Homeland Security. by the U.S. Department of State, SEVIS, or
Greenheart Exchange.
HEALTH AND SAFETY: 3. I will reimburse all outstanding debts incurred while on
1. I am aware of the details of my health insurance the program even if they are discovered after I return
policy, including all coverage, limitations, and to my home country, including housing bills (e.g.,
exclusions, such as pre-existing conditions and security deposit, rent), medical bills, and telephone
pregnancy. I have read the insurance brochure to charges.
review the full list of limitations and exclusions. 4. Certain tax deductions are required by U.S. and state
2. I must have medical insurance coverage during the laws. I understand that the net amount of pay that I
entire time that I am in the U.S. Greenheart Exchange will receive, after taxes, will be less than the gross
provides emergency medical insurance coverage for amount that my employer agreed to pay.
the dates of my program (from the program start date 5. U.S. law requires that I file my tax forms by the
until the program end date as indicated on my DS- specified deadline following the end of the
2019 form). I am responsible for purchasing calendar year(s) in which I worked in the U.S.
emergency medical insurance for my travel period
and if I arrive to the U.S. before my program start MEDICAL RELEASE:
date. I know that I may choose to purchase additional 1. I authorize Greenheart Exchange and its
insurance through Greenheart Exchange. representatives to consent to any X-ray examinations,
3. If I am found to be unable to work and therefore anesthesia, medical or surgical diagnosis rendered or
unable to participate in and fulfill the purpose of the treatment or hospital care for me, which is deemed
program but I am medically cleared to travel, I will advisable by, and is rendered under the general
return to my home country at my own expense supervision of any licensed medical professional. This
immediately. authorization is given to provide authority and power
4. I understand that I must abide by local, state, and on the part of the aforementioned agents to give
federal laws and orders regarding public health consent to any and all such diagnosis, treatment, or
and safety, including but not limited to mandatory hospital care which the aforementioned medical
evacuation, and stay-at-home or quarantine professional, in the exercise of his/her best judgment,
orders. may deem advisable. I further agree to hold
5. I understand that I have to follow the U.S. federal, Greenheart Exchange, its staff, and representatives
state, and local mandates regarding vaccination harmless for its actions relating to my treatment.
and other health-relevant matters. 2. I am responsible for paying for any medical
6. I understand the importance of bicycle safety while in treatment administered that is not covered by
the United States, and that it is my responsibility to insurance, even if the bill comes after I have returned
wear a helmet and to abide by local bicycle laws and home.
by rules of common sense. 3. I authorize Greenheart Exchange to access my
7. To drive a car, I must secure motor vehicle medical information should I be hospitalized for any
insurance coverage and I must have a valid driver’s reason.
license. I have communicated with Greenheart Exchange
8. I will not operate any motor vehicle after using any about all pre-existing medical conditions, and I
legal or illegal drug that may impair my ability to have secured additional insurance that will cover
operate a motor vehicle safely. any medical expenses incurred due to my pre-
9. I will not occupy any motor vehicle being operated by existing conditions.
a person who has used any legal or illegal drugs that 4. I will communicate information about any
may impair their ability to operate a motor vehicle medical issues with Greenheart Exchange
safely. throughout the duration of my program.
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proceeding or counterclaim related to or arising out

LIABILITY RELEASE AGREEMENT: of this agreement.
1. Circumstances may arise that are outside 12. I affirm that the provisions of this agreement are
of Greenheart Exchange’s control. severable and, in the event any term or condition
2. I renounce any claims against Greenheart hereof is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to
Exchange and its representatives that may arise be void or unenforceable, the remaining terms and
from circumstances outside of Greenheart conditions of this agreement shall, if permitted by law,
Exchange’s control. remain in full force and effect. This agreement shall
3. I acknowledge that Greenheart Exchange cannot bind, and inure to the benefit of, the respective
assure my personal security other than to vet the affiliates, relatives, heirs, trustees, and successors
employer in the manner required by the Department and assigns of the parties hereto.
of State. 13. I authorize Greenheart International,
4. Greenheart Exchange encourages participants on all its representatives, and its affiliates the
its exchange programs to volunteer while in the irrevocable and unrestricted right to use and publish
United States. If I do any volunteer work, whether any photographs accompanying this application or any
coordinated by Greenheart Exchange or otherwise, I photographs/video taken while participating on a
agree to follow directions given by the volunteer Greenheart International program for promotion,
coordinator, to stay safe, and to only perform tasks or publicity, or internal use. I understand that I will not
responsibilities that I feel comfortable with. I agree to receive compensation for the use of my
hold Greenheart Exchange harmless from any and all photograph(s)/video(s). I agree that Greenheart
liability, injury, and damages resulting from my International may use such photographs/videos of me
experience as a volunteer. with or without my name and for any lawful purpose,
5. I authorize Greenheart Exchange to access the including, but not limited to such purposes as editorial,
records of my U.S. travel history maintained in the trade, advertising, social media, and website content in
U.S. Custom and Border Protection (CBP) any manner and medium. I grant Greenheart
Nonimmigrant Information System (NIIS), including International the permission to use, for any lawful
my I-94 records. purpose including marketing in any medium, any
6. It is my responsibility to inform Greenheart Exchange photos/videos that I tag with Greenheart on social
of any circumstances that may cause me harm or media channels and/or that I send to Greenheart via
bring notoriety to Greenheart Exchange or the U.S. email; and to alter the same without restriction. I
Department of State. hereby release Greenheart International and its legal
7. Greenheart Exchange is not required to provide representatives and assigns from all claims and liability
counsel for civil, criminal, or administrative relating to said photographs/videos. I also authorize
proceedings filed against me. Greenheart International to collect and add my email
8. I will not hold Greenheart Exchange responsible for address to their digital campaign tool and consent to
any civil or criminal liability incurred by me while on receiving all e-mail communications. If I would like to
my program. opt out, I can do so at any time except from essential
9. I understand and respect that there are major program email communications. Should I have further
differences between the lifestyle of my home questions regarding consent and privacy, I may refer
country and the U.S. to the Greenheart Privacy Policy at any time
10. I agree that the laws of the State of Illinois (without (https://greenheart.org/#/modal/consent/tab/privacy).
giving effect to its conflict of laws principles) shall
govern all matters arising out of or relating to this PROGRAM FEES
agreement, including, without limitation, its TRANSPARENCY
interpretation, construction, performance, and ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
enforcement. The parties hereby consent to the 1. I have received all the following information before
jurisdiction and venue of the United States District entering into any agreement and/or paying any
Court for the Northern District of Illinois and any non- refundable fees.
courts of the County of Cook in the State of Illinois in a. Clear explanations of program activities and the
which any suit, action, or proceeding shall be terms and conditions of the program, including the
brought under this agreement. terms and conditions of any anticipated and
typical employment activities (e.g., job duties,
11. I waive any and all rights to argue that this choice of
number of work hours, wages and compensation,
forum provision is or has become unreasonable, and
deductions for housing, transportation, training,
any and all right to trial by jury in any action,
4
and uniforms or equipment). my program.

b. An itemized list of all fees charged to me (e.g., 5. restrictions, I will be responsible to support myself
fees paid to the sponsor and sending agency). during any extra time that I spend in the U.S., even if I
c. Other topical costs, conditions, and restrictions am not able
of the exchange visitor program. to earn an income. I will ensure that I have medical
d. The type, duration, nature, and importance of insurance throughout my stay in the U.S. and I will
the cultural components of the program. pay to extend my medical insurance if my time in the
2. It is my responsibility to thoroughly review, research U.S. is extended beyond the visa sponsorship dates.
and understand the placement conditions outlined on If my time in the U.S. is extended, I will also
the Job Acceptance Agreement (JAA) or SAJO prior communicate regularly with Greenheart Exchange: I
to accepting any position. will inform Greenheart Exchange of any changes to
3. Any wages outlined on my JAA or SAJO may not my situation or my health; I will keep Greenheart
cover all my expenses. Exchange informed of my plans to return to my home
country; and I will confirm to Greenheart Exchange
CONDITIONS RELATED TO COVID-19 when I have successfully repatriated to my home
1. I may be subject to a period of self-isolation or country.
quarantine after my arrival in the U.S., or at any time 6. I take responsibility for updating my program
while I am in the U.S. due to possible viral exposure, budget sheet in the Greenheart Exchange GEO
or as the result of a governmental or other health system to reflect a realistic budget based on any
order. I confirm that I have the financial resources changes that have occurred since I completed the
to support myself for a period of two weeks or longer budget sheet the first time. These changes may
in isolation, including paying for my housing, food, include changes to the program duration, the average
and personal needs (access to funds of $2,000 or number of work hours per week, the rate of pay, and/or
more in addition to the $1,000 that I am required to the cost of housing or transportation. I confirm that I
bring as stated in the Code of Conduct). can manage my finances and that I understand the
2. I may not be able to continue my program through the implications that program changes may have on my
scheduled end date and I may be required to return to financial situation.
my home country sooner than I planned. I confirm that 7. I will comply with all government, work, and housing
I have the financial resources to return to my country policies related to COVID-19 prevention. This may
at any time, i.e., to pay for my return include washing my hands frequently, not leaving my
transportation/flights home. I also confirm that I will housing and/or moving to isolated housing if I am sick
abide by any directive from Greenheart Exchange, as or exposed to the virus, avoiding large group
my J-1 visa sponsor, from any part of the U.S. gatherings, observing social distancing, and using a
government, or from the government of my home face mask and gloves as preventative measures.
country to return home. 8. I will bring a personal supply of face masks/coverings
If I am unable to return to my home country after the that I can use throughout my entire time in the United
end of my program due to travel and other program States. These may be washable cloth or disposable
duration, the average number of work hours per week, masks. If I bring disposable masks or masks that
the rate of pay, and/or the cost of housing or require filters, I will bring enough for the entire period of
transportation. I confirm that I can manage my finances my program.
and that I understand the implications that program 9. I understand that my host organization may choose to
changes may have on my financial situation. dismiss me from my job if I do not follow required
3. I will comply with all government, work, and housing safety instructions that are in place to avoid the
policies related to COVID-19 prevention. This may spread
include washing my hands frequently, not leaving my of COVID-19. If this were to happen, I understand that
housing and/or moving to isolated housing if I am sick Greenheart Exchange will not find me an alternative
or exposed to the virus, avoiding large group placement, and that Greenheart Exchange may
gatherings, observing social distancing, and using a shorten or terminate my visa sponsorship.
face mask and gloves as preventative measures. 10. I understand that cultural activities may be limited or
4. I will bring a personal supply of face masks/coverings restricted due to social distancing guidelines,
that I can use throughout my entire time in the United limitations on group gatherings, and other precautions
States. These may be washable cloth or disposable for reducing the risk of infection. I acknowledge that it
masks. If I bring disposable masks or masks that is still my intention to maximize my exposure to U.S.
require filters, I will bring enough for the entire period of culture throughout my program in whatever way I
5
can safely do so, and that I will report my cultural monthly check-ins.
interactions to Greenheart Exchange in my
FORCE MAJEURE
In signing this Agreement, I thereby acknowledge, understand, and accept that certain unforeseeable circumstances beyond
Greenheart’s right or ability to control and/or prevent may result without notice in the delay, disruption, and/or termination
of certain programs, the cancellation or suspension of planned activities within such programs, and/or otherwise
render Greenheart’s reasonable and good faith performance of its contractual obligations impractical and/or impossible to carry
out. Examples of such circumstances include, but are not limited, to: (1) acts of God, such as severe acts of nature or weather
events including, but not limited to, floods, fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, explosions, and similar acts and/or events.
(2) war, acts of civil or military authority, national emergencies, insurrection, riots, and/or acts of terrorism; (3) epidemics,
pandemics, and/or similar widespread public health phenomena; (4) strikes, labor disputes, and/or work stoppages; (5) acts or
events that disrupt channels of communication and/or power supply; and/or (6) any other acts, events, or circumstances not
within Greenheart’s reasonable right or ability to control and/or prevent that would render Greenheart’s reasonable and good
faith performance of its contractual obligations impractical and/or impossible. I appreciate and accept the risk that in the event a
program or element thereof is disrupted due to unforeseeable circumstances beyond Greenheart’s reasonable right or ability to
control and/or prevent, I may be requested and/or required to return to my home country early at my own expense. I agree to
review all Greenheart program disruption and cancellation policies prior to agreeing to participate in
any Greenheart program. I further agree to renounce any and all legal claims against Greenheart and/or its representatives that
may arise from the occurrence of unforeseeable circumstances beyond Greenheart’s reasonable right or ability to control and/or
prevent, including, but not limited to, claims for the costs of repatriation, loss of income, loss of academic credit, unanticipated
housing expenses, program fee refunds, ground transportation costs, etc.
RECOGNITION OF AGREEMENT:
By submitting this form as part of my application, I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the conditions above. I confirm
that there is no reason (e.g., pre-existing health condition, emotional or behavioral problem) why I should not be able to
participate in the program. I confirm that I have not been convicted of any felony. I confirm that I am aware that falsifying or
withholding any information on the application could result in program dismissal. I agree to print this form and to sign it in front of
a representative of my sending organization.
Participant Signature:
Participant Name Printed: Date (mm/dd/yyyy):
6

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Greenheart Exchange Work and Travel

Participant Code of Conduct

GENERAL: actions within my GEO account. I agree to accept any

MAINTAINING MY PROGRAM STATUS IN SEVIS e. I start to work a second or additional job,

proceeding or counterclaim related to or arising out

and uniforms or equipment). my program.

Participant Name Printed: Date (mm/dd/yyyy):

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