How InterExchange Work & Travel USA Works

InterExchange Work & Travel USA is a program that matches U.S. employers in need of short-term, seasonal staff, with skilled, English-speaking international students who want to live, work, and travel in the United States.

For employers, it’s a great way to get motivated, enthusiastic staff for your full season. For international students, it’s simply one of the best ways to experience life in America.

About the Program

Work & Travel USA is a program authorized by the U.S. Department of State. It was designed to promote cultural exchange and global awareness. InterExchange, a non-profit organization, has been a designated sponsor of the program for more than 30 years.

InterExchange offers two options for participants: a Job Placement program, which matches international students with employers in the U.S., and a Self-Placement program for employers who have already hired a student and need a J-1 Visa sponsor. This option is particularly popular for returning students.

Our Screening Process

To ensure the best possible experience for all of our participants, InterExchange screens and interviews all of the international students who apply for the program – including those in the Self-Placement program.

If you’re a student who wants to apply to the program, we will check to make sure that you meet the basic Work & Travel USA requirements, including age and education status. We’ll also ask about your work experience and skills and the type of employment opportunities that appeal to you. In addition, we’ll assess your English skills. You don’t need to be completely fluent, but you should have strong speaking and writing abilities.

Once accepted into the program, we’ll send your profile to employers who we believe will be a good fit for your skills. The employer always makes the final hiring decision.

About Our Services

With the InterExchange Work & Travel Job Placement program, you don’t have to worry about the details and logistics involved with international jobs. InterExchange takes care of:

  • Recruiting
  • Interviewing and Screening
  • J-1 Visa processing
  • Orientation
  • Travel Arrangements
  • Social Security Enrollment
  • Emergency Support & General Assistance

With our Self-Placement program, we handle the J-1 Visa processing and provide 24-hour emergency support.

Orientation & Training

If you’re a student in our Job Placement program, you have the advantage of participating in a 2-day orientation session in New York City before you start your job in the U.S. At the session, an InterExchange representative will help you begin to adjust to life in the U.S. and will give you valuable information about American culture and customs—both in the workplace and in social settings.

You’ll also receive important details about your legal documents and paperwork, as well as American tax and employment laws.

InterExchange staff will also be happy to answer your questions, and provide you with emergency contact information in case you need our assistance at anytime during your stay.

Getting Started

If you’re an employer who wants to hire international students, just complete our free registration form.

If you’re an international student interested in living and working in the USA, fill out an application form.

Need more information? Check out our frequently asked questions or contact us.