FAQ - Frequently asked Questions
1. How and where do I obtain visa information?
2. How do I find Swedish related companies in the U.S.?
3. How do I find a job/internship in the U.S.?
4. How do I use and create a network?
2. How do I find Swedish related companies in the U.S.?
3. How do I find a job/internship in the U.S.?
4. How do I use and create a network?
5. How do I find an apartment?
1. How and where do I obtain visa information?
There are different ways to apply for a visa depending on what type of visa and country of residence. The Swedish American Chamber of Commerce doesn't handle inquiries concerning issuing of visas or visa applications. However, the following links will guide you through to various institutions handling these matters.
There are different ways to apply for a visa depending on what type of visa and country of residence. The Swedish American Chamber of Commerce doesn't handle inquiries concerning issuing of visas or visa applications. However, the following links will guide you through to various institutions handling these matters.
Contact the Embassy of the United States if you consider applying for a visa to the U.S. The Visas/Consular section provides a variety of services. The Immigrant Visa Section processes cases for people wishing to Immigrate to the United States. The Non-Immigrant Visa Section processes applications for temporary visas to the United States including tourist visas, business visas, student visas and temporary work permits.
Consular Section
Consular Section
Embassy of the United States of America
Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 31
115 89 Stockholm
Sweden
Phone: +46 8 783 5300
Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 31
115 89 Stockholm
Sweden
Phone: +46 8 783 5300
Contact the Consulate General of Sweden if you residing in the United States.
If you are a U.S. citizen holding a valid U.S. passport and your stay in Sweden will not exceed 90 days, you will NOT need a visa. Visa applications for residents in the United States are handled by the Consulate General of Sweden in New York: Visa for visiting Sweden, work and residence permit, residence permits for visiting university students, residence on the basis of personal or family connection, residence permit for high school exchange students.
Consulate General of Sweden New York
One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza
885 Second Avenue, 45th Floor
New York, NY 10017
One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza
885 Second Avenue, 45th Floor
New York, NY 10017
USA
Phone: +1 212 583 2550
Phone: +1 212 583 2550
Fax: +1 212 583 2599
Contact the American Scandinavian Foundation if you consider participating in a training program in the U.S. Scandinavians are able to train in the U.S. and receive income through the Foundation's U.S. Government designated Exchange Visitor (J visa) Program. Under ASF's sponsorship, a trainee may remain in the U.S. for up to eighteen months of training, after which s/he must return home to share the experience with colleagues, family and friends.
The American-Scandinavian Foundation
Scandinavia House
Scandinavia House
58 Park Ave.
New York, NY 10016
New York, NY 10016
USA
Phone: +1 212 879 9779
Phone: +1 212 879 9779
2. How do I find Swedish related companies in the U.S.?
If you have access to the Internet, there are a few search engines that enables a customized search for American and Swedish companies. The Swedish Trade Council has developed the Swedish Export Directory, which gives key information about Swedish companies that export products outside of Sweden. The Swedish and American yellow pages are another powerful tool to locate businesses in Sweden and in the U.S., or visit SACC-USA for more information about the SACC network.
If you have access to the Internet, there are a few search engines that enables a customized search for American and Swedish companies. The Swedish Trade Council has developed the Swedish Export Directory, which gives key information about Swedish companies that export products outside of Sweden. The Swedish and American yellow pages are another powerful tool to locate businesses in Sweden and in the U.S., or visit SACC-USA for more information about the SACC network.
For information about Swedish related companies in San Diego or any other business enquiry, you are welcome to contact us for further assistance. Send an e-mail to: info@sacc-sandiego.org
3. How do I find a job/internship in the U.S?
First, The Swedish American Chamber of Commerce is not an employment agency. In fact, we have no license to operate as such. However, we do like to stress some general advice for foreign job seekers. Also look for general trainee programs at SACC-USA.
4. How do I use and create a network?
The sooner you realize that it is through networking that people get jobs, the sooner you'll have one. Employers hire people through referrals from friends and associates (in most cases). This is why you've got to let everyone know you're looking for a job. Anyway, the point is to ask everyone.
For you who insist you have no connections, you need to get busy making them. How, you ask? Cold calls. Enter the game of high-risk, high payoff job-hunting fun. Say you want to work at the Really Cool Company in marketing. Pick up the phone and call them. Get their number via their website, company directories. Very nicely, ask for the name of the marketing director and ask to be transferred. Now what, you ask? Introduce yourself, ask for a meeting, and write a personal letter and enclose your resume.
The sooner you realize that it is through networking that people get jobs, the sooner you'll have one. Employers hire people through referrals from friends and associates (in most cases). This is why you've got to let everyone know you're looking for a job. Anyway, the point is to ask everyone.
For you who insist you have no connections, you need to get busy making them. How, you ask? Cold calls. Enter the game of high-risk, high payoff job-hunting fun. Say you want to work at the Really Cool Company in marketing. Pick up the phone and call them. Get their number via their website, company directories. Very nicely, ask for the name of the marketing director and ask to be transferred. Now what, you ask? Introduce yourself, ask for a meeting, and write a personal letter and enclose your resume.
From being transferred, three things can happen:
1. The person you've asked for picks up the phone directly.
If so: Introduce yourself and say that you're very interested in working for that company in marketing. Say that you would love to meet with them for five minutes to talk about the company. If they say no jobs are available, say: That's fine. You'd still love to meet with regard to positions that might become available in the future. That you really want to work for that company. You don't know anybody there and you'd be very grateful for five minutes of their time. If they say no, ask if you can write them. They'll say yes. Then: Thank them, hang up, call the secretary back to get the address and spelling of the person's name. Write in the letter, "Thanks for speaking with me yesterday. As we discussed, I am sending you my resume with the hope of meeting with sometime in the near future for five minutes..."
2. The person's assistant picks up the phone.
If so: Ask to speak with their boss. If they put you through, see above.
If not, explain: That you would love to work for that company. You're calling to see if you can meet with their boss for five minutes. Chances are they'll say to send a resume. If so: get the person's name and in the cover letter say, "As discussed with ___, I am sending my resume in the hope of meeting with you..." Before you hang up with the assistant ask them if they know of any jobs available. If you have personality and "give good phone" you might get help here. Try to get into a conversation with the person. Say you'd really love to get your foot in the door there and you'll do whatever it takes. Maybe they'll help you. Send the letter to the person's boss. A week later call to make sure they got your resume. If, after sending your resume, they tell you their boss won't meet with you, do this: Ask if you can check in with *him* (the assistant) every few weeks to see if anything becomes available.
If not, explain: That you would love to work for that company. You're calling to see if you can meet with their boss for five minutes. Chances are they'll say to send a resume. If so: get the person's name and in the cover letter say, "As discussed with ___, I am sending my resume in the hope of meeting with you..." Before you hang up with the assistant ask them if they know of any jobs available. If you have personality and "give good phone" you might get help here. Try to get into a conversation with the person. Say you'd really love to get your foot in the door there and you'll do whatever it takes. Maybe they'll help you. Send the letter to the person's boss. A week later call to make sure they got your resume. If, after sending your resume, they tell you their boss won't meet with you, do this: Ask if you can check in with *him* (the assistant) every few weeks to see if anything becomes available.
3. You'll get voice-mail.
If so, hang up and call again later. For further information on job opportunities etc., surf the net. Browse the websites of companies you're interested in and Internet-based employment sites such as:
www.monster.com
www.hotjobs.com
www.monster.com
www.hotjobs.com
5. How do I find an apartment?
There are obviously many ways to get an apartment in San Diego. Below we present some convenient, and often successful, approaches.
There are obviously many ways to get an apartment in San Diego. Below we present some convenient, and often successful, approaches.
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