Foreign trained occupational therapist - travel therapy contract expectations

Hi,

Just want to get an idea of what Agencies would normally provide for foreign trained therapists. I am a UK-trained Occupational Therapist who has recently landed, having signed with an agency prior to arrival who have been helping me get over here.

They have offered me a lot of assistance with visa (H1B), flights and housing on arrival which has been great. However, finding out things as you do on arrival, I understand that other companies offer similar assistance.

The contract I have is hourly rate (I understand that I will not be eligible for any per diem allowances as I am not a US national), healthcare benefits, assistance with continuing education, travel costs to assignments, 401k. They have also petitioned my visa and given me assistance with getting the NBCOT exam completed. On arrival they have helped with medical requirements and are processing all the licenses. I have signed a 3 year contract in return, which I am comfortable with as I want to explore as much as possible (3 years is probably not going to be enough!)

However I am required to pay my own housing and, on arrival, sort out things like my own driving licence. On the grapevine I am hearing that other companies assist with these. Also I am getting the feeling that they may just place you anywhere and I would personally like to have some influence on my location - more than comfortable with the flexibility that is inevitably required and, as a newbie, you may get some of the less appealing options (!) but either way I want to be part of the discussion. 

I am happy if these are the norm for foreign trained professionals, but just want to find out. I have other friends who may be interested in coming over and I want to make sure that I advise them correctly on who offers what. Whilst there is a referral bonus with my company, my friendships are priceless!

Thanks for reading and any assistance you have.

Sorry i don't have any foreign trained OT friends that could help you, but from my own travel experience as a US citizen, it doesn't hurt to shop around!!  OT's are always in demand and you should have some say in where you go, for sure, no matter who you are or where you are from.  Typically they will offer you something based on your requests and that's the only obligation you would have.  If they can't offer you something you'd like, there shouldn't be an obligation.

Make sure you read your contract and know what your out is.  And shop around for another agency, it doesn't hurt :)

Thanks for the advice!

Not many travel agencies will be able to help.  I know Jackson Therapy works with H1B applicants.  I have heard good things and bad things.  I’ve also heard that it’s much better to get licensed in either MI or NY and take a solid perm job.  I have also worked with some foreign trained therapists that have had a hard time with other state licenses due to school credits after getting their green cards.  I recently had a PT who has her doctrine and 10 years experience in NYC and recently applied for her CA license and now has to take a bunch of liberal arts classes before she can get her license.                

Does anyone have experience as an American therapist working a contract assignment overseas?  Are there companies that place US therapists overseas (such as Australia) for short term assignments/exchanges?   

When Phil and I went to the AOTA conference years ago in Houston, TX there were several companies offering overseas travel options....most were for PT or OT's not much for COTA or PTA. Specifically Australia that I can remember....I may still have a card or something from them....I will look..