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Comment by elomar | Hacker News Reader

Sounds like a great opportunity. Is it open to non-US citizens? :)

Yes! We can work on the visas for exceptional candidates.

That's good to hear. I can't apply this time due to visa issues, but I hope the program is a success for both LivingSocial and the candidates so that more editions are done :)

J-1 "two years restriction"

What about the relocation expenses? Are you offering a relocation package?

As someone who has attempted a country switch a year ago I got myself into trouble when I had to arrange a place to stay - a proper place to stay, because the company back then could arrange me a room in a small apartment with 6 other people sharing a kitchen and due to issues that forced me to pay 3 nights in a hotel. Luckily I found a room to rent through a colleague, right on the first day in the office.

Point being, as much as I adore the idea of dedicating my whole life into learning software engineering and web development, get hands-on experience in a real company and do what I consider meaningful impact in the world, abstract things in the offer like "money", "relocation package" (if any) and apartment are going to keep me "trapped in Greece" for now.

Can you confirm or deny if my worries are legit?

You should probably talk straight to the HR people who have all the expertise/knowledge about these things. Email them at hungryacademy at livingsocial dot com.

Thank you very much for your response. I will ASAP!

This is awesome, more companies need to show this kind of initiative. I'll be applying, we'll see if i qualify as an "exceptional candidate"

After contacting with the HR in the email that you gave me they told me that they don't offer visas for this program. :(

Same here. Too bad.

I'm sorry, I was mixed up about this. It's still possible for future iterations of the program, but for this one they've decided "no."

That's alright. I keep hearing a lot about how hard it is for a company to sponsor someone and, given the short notice, I was struck surprised by it.

I think the calendar/rush is a bigger problem than the will/funding. I will do my best, for future iterations, to invite the world.

j3, I just wanted to say that I find your approach inspiring anyway. At least you and LS are doing something about this. Becasue it is an issue. All the companies want perfect candidates, but none is willing to take passionate people and just plain teach them.

thoughtbot runs a similar program and we do offer visas:

http://apprentice.io

Prem Sichanugrist was a former apprentice of ours. He's from Thailand and is now a full-time thoughtbot employee.

Please apply if it interests you!

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