Did you know that the Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program brings almost 300,000 foreigners every year to the United States for study, research, professional training, temporary work, and cultural exchange? And did you know that SHRM is a designated sponsor of J-1 trainee and intern exchanges? This presentation will provide a look into how organizations in your community can utilize the J-1 visa to foster global connections and hone local talent through cultural interaction and professional collaboration with foreign specialists. We will discuss the key requirements for a successful training program, the compliance obligations of a host organization, and the benefits of the program to the hosts, exchange visitors, and the community as a whole.
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Gennady Babankov
Manager, Exchange Visitor Program
SHRM
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Babankov has more than 20 years of experience building and managing global education and training programs for students and professionals. He has experience in teacher training, study abroad, cross-cultural training, and language acquisition, and has directed field operations in Russia, Central Asia, Middle East, and the Caucasus.
Prior to joining SHRM in 2019, Babankov managed several education and training programs sponsored by the federal government, including the Flagship Overseas Language Program (U.S. Department of Defense), Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program (U.S. Department of State), and the Open World Program (Library of Congress).
Babankov earned his J.D. degree from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University, a master’s degree from the Johns Hopkins University, and a bachelor’s degree from the Lomonosov Moscow State University in Russia.
Babankov has lived in the United States since 1994 and currently resides in Fairfax, VA.
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Katie Rudolph
Compliance & Engagement Senior Specialist, Alternate Responsible Officer
SHRM
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As SHRM’s Exchange Visitor Program Compliance & Engagement Specialist, Ms. Rudolph works directly with SHRM’s intern and trainee program participants and host organizations to coordinate and administer the J-1 visa process and the program logistics. She has over 15 years of experience with international exchange program management, social media outreach, and strategic planning and development. Prior to SHRM, Ms. Rudolph worked as the program manager at Alfred Friendly Press Partners, a J-1 visa sponsor organization, and supported international education and study abroad programming at the International Student Exchange Program in Washington, DC. She earned her MA in European studies from Universiteit van Amsterdam in the Netherlands and her BA in history from University of the South in Tennessee. She also spent several years studying and later, working in France.