Moving to LA

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

How long does the visa take?

2-3 months.

[Gecko10]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Hi TRF,

It is time for me to start working things out for my second watchmaking internship and I can go to Vanessa at Jewelers on Time in Newport Beach CA.

I know rent is expensive in the LA area but I can work this out with the company and possibly a scholarship from school. But the difficult thing is finding a suitable studio or room with small kitchen, bed/living room and bathroom, (preferably between $1400 and $1900).
How do I not get scammed by some guy on apartments.com or craigslist?

I would appreciate your input.

You have my deepest sympathy. Get your schooling and then get the hell out

of there.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by SearChart

2-3 months.

Don't underestimate the ability of the US government to delay and frustrate you in the visa process. Allow plenty of time.

[GB-man]

Sounds exciting Bas! Agree with Abdullah regarding the visa. I wasn't able to be of much help as I'm on the right coast

[Chewbacca]

good luck Bas.

if Vanessa makes you wash her car or house, open a thread in Watch Out.

[Danny83]

Thats a good move Bas, look online at Cityfeet.com, by the way you will live next to the second coolest mall in the world South Coast Plaza. Good luck

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by SearChart

2-3 months.

What visum are you gonna use ?

A J-1 ?

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[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Kingair

What visum are you gonna use ?

A J-1 ?

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Yep

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Yep

If there is a US visa service local to you, consider hiring them to put your package together and represent you. The visa process can be a mine field for the unwary. Having an experienced guide makes all the difference.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

If there is a US visa service local to you, consider hiring them to put your package together and represent you. The visa process can be a mine field for the unwary. Having an experienced guide makes all the difference.

There are a few companies here in the Netherlands who are official 'sponsors'. You pay them to get the DS-2019 form, they set a meeting for you with the US consulate and make sure you get the J1. Not a cheap option but pretty much the only way to get a visa if the company you're doing the internship with can't provide the DS-2019 form.

[SearChart]

The sponsor I contacted told me that November should be more than enough time.

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by SearChart

The sponsor I contacted told me that November should be more than enough time.

4 months to go 👍

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[Star Ferry]

Sounds like OP has his visa application under control and just wants advice on housing.

Physically being in the area will filter out 95% of scams, hence my recommendation to start out in an Airbnb. Does Airbnb offer rentals longer than a month (I've never actually used it)? The risk is that you can't rebook the same unit and are forced to move out at end of month.

Using a realtor is an expensive proposition for a 7 month lease, as they'll probably want a full month's rent as a fee. I think your best bet is some kind of subletting arrangement.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Star Ferry

Sounds like OP has his visa application under control and just wants advice on housing.

Physically being in the area will filter out 95% of scams, hence my recommendation to start out in an Airbnb. Does Airbnb offer rentals longer than a month (I've never actually used it)? The risk is that you can't rebook the same unit and are forced to move out at end of month.

Using a realtor is an expensive proposition for a 7 month lease, as they'll probably want a full month's rent as a fee. I think your best bet is some kind of subletting arrangement.

I contacted an airbnb place in Costa Mesa, the place can be rented for the whole period.



Thank you all for the thoughtful advice!

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by SearChart

I contacted an airbnb place in Costa Mesa, the place can be rented for the whole period.



Thank you all for the thoughtful advice!

Was Saturday in Costa Mesa !

[Daryl]

Originally Posted by Thatguy

I live in Irvine and previously lived in Costa Mesa so I know the area. Let me know if you need any help with anything related to the area.


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+1

welcome to SoCAL Bas!

[Porter]

Congratulations Bas! Hope you will enjoy/learn a lot!!

"If you're not having fun you're doing something wrong". Groucho Marx.

[mannyv11]

Congrats Bas been following your watch making journey from the start, can't wait to see your next step =)

[2ar2c1]

JOT? you'll have fun with Vanessa and the twins :)

[SearChart]

So apparently tuition fees have to be paid for the whole year, even though I'm not in school for three quarters of it... That said, the room through Airbnb didn't work out, I'd have to book far in advance which is a pretty large sum of money. Going through a realtor is something I can't afford.

And on top of it my school has denied my request for a scholarship, as I'm not doing an internship in the European union.

Looks like I have to continue my quest for a good internship place...

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by SearChart

So apparently tuition fees have to be paid for the whole year, even though I'm not in school for three quarters of it... That said, the room through Airbnb didn't work out, I'd have to book far in advance which is a pretty large sum of money. Going through a realtor is something I can't afford.

And on top of it my school has denied my request for a scholarship, as I'm not doing an internship in the European union.

Looks like I have to continue my quest for a good internship place...

Crowd fund it Bas.

[cop414]

Bas, I'm sorry to hear that your plans have fallen through, I know that it will all work out but I can tell that you were excited to work with Vanessa and to experience California.

[Kingair]

Bas what are your options for tuition / scholarship in the EU at the moment ?

Perhaps grab those first and give CA a shot later

Well be waiting for you 😉



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[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Kingair

Bas what are your options for tuition / scholarship in the EU at the moment ?

Perhaps grab those first and give CA a shot later

Well be waiting for you 😉

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I'll only apply for scholarship if costs exceed income. I'm currently working on Beyer, UN, another Rolex service center and Frederique Constant.

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by SearChart

I'll only apply for scholarship if costs exceed income. I'm currently working on Beyer, UN, another Rolex service center and Frederique Constant.

Than I would first focus on these and try to secure a position with one of both 👍

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[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Crowd fund it Bas.

Like on gofundme? I'm not going to ask people for money for this 'luxury problem', there are people on there that need money for cancer treatment and all.
That's just ethically wrong in my book.

[Kingair]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Like on gofundme? I'm not going to ask people for money for this 'luxury problem', there are people on there that need money for cancer treatment and all.
That's just ethically wrong in my book.

Ethically . . .

Finally you want to get here in CA

And that doesn't take away going for it at 500 %

Whatever it takes . . . realize your dream !

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[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Kingair

Ethically . . .

Finally you want to get here in CA

And that doesn't take away going for it at 500 %

Whatever it takes . . . realize your dream !

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Nope, I want a good internship, if that is in the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland or the USA doesn't matter. Company and learning > location.

JOT would have been a very good place indeed, but I just can't afford it. No problem, I will find something else good.

[BristolCavendish]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Crowd fund it Bas.

Seriously?

Originally Posted by SearChart

Like on gofundme? I'm not going to ask people for money for this 'luxury problem', there are people on there that need money for cancer treatment and all. That's just ethically wrong in my book.

Your character + integrity = a class act.

[rr-nyc]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Just saw that there are monthly payments on Airbnb.
Can one stay for this long in an Airbnb though? (7-8 months)

You need a formal lease. Airbnb is fine for 1-30 days. After that, you want a signed document that protects you and the landlord.

As others have recommended a realtor, I would take it one step further and say find one that specializes in rentals. Not sure how the socal market is but you also want to find an apartment that is no fee for you.