As your program ends, one of the most valuable things you can take home is a strong professional reference. Your U.S. supervisor, host family, or colleagues can help you stand out when applying for future opportunities. This can often make a bigger difference than your resume and skills alone.
Before you leave, connect with the people you’ve worked with on LinkedIn and save their contact information. These relationships can open doors for years to come.
Professional References
Most jobs and programs require 2-3 references who can speak about your work performance, skills, and character. Your program supervisor or host is an ideal reference—and showing your international experience gives you an advantage.
How to Ask Someone to Be Your Reference
Ask permission first
Never list someone as a reference without asking them. Send a polite message like: “I really valued my time with you during my program. Would you be willing to serve as a professional reference for me? I’m happy to provide details about the opportunities I’m applying for.”
Provide helpful information
Once they agree, give them your goals and the types of opportunities you’re seeking (jobs, postgraduate studies, future programs, etc.), a copy of role descriptions when you have interviews scheduled, and updates on your progress. This helps them speak specifically about how your skills and experience match what others are looking for.
Collect their details
Make sure you have each reference’s current email address, phone number, and current job title or role. Also be prepared to talk about past experiences you’ve worked on together.
Choose references wisely
The quality of your references can make a big difference in getting future opportunities. Only ask people who have worked or lived closely with you, saw your best qualities, and who you’re confident will speak positively about your skills and character. A weak reference can hurt your chances, so choose people who genuinely want to help you succeed.
Recommendation Letters
A recommendation letter is a written document that describes your skills, accomplishments, and character. It’s useful for job applications, graduate school, or future programs.
When to request a letter
It’s best to ask 3-4 weeks before you need it. Your supervisor or host is likely busy, and a thoughtful letter takes time to write—which is a good thing! The best letters include specific examples of your contributions and growth.
How to ask
Here’s an example of how to ask someone to write a recommendation letter in person or via email:
“I’ve really appreciated the opportunity to work/live with you during my program. As I prepare for my next steps, would you be willing to write a recommendation letter for me? I’m happy to provide details about what would be most helpful.”
What to tell them
Help them write a strong letter by providing the following:
- The purpose of the letter (job applications, postgraduate studies, future programs, etc.)
- Your program dates
- Key responsibilities or accomplishments you’d like highlighted
- Specific skills or qualities that are important for your goals
- Any deadline for submission
If you need to follow up
If a week passes, it’s okay to send a friendly reminder:
“I wanted to follow up on the recommendation letter we discussed. I know you’re busy, so please let me know if there’s any information I can provide to make this easier. I’d appreciate having it by [date], but let me know what is possible on your end.”
Always say thank you
Whether someone writes you a letter or serves as a reference, send a thank-you note. Let them know when you achieve your goal—people appreciate hearing that their support made a difference.
What if they say no?
If your supervisor or host cannot provide a reference or letter for whatever reason, thank them anyway for the opportunity to learn and grow during your program.
As an alternative, consider asking another supervisor or manager you worked with, a senior colleague or mentor, or your program coordinator. If you’re an au pair, you can ask your Local Coordinator, and if you’re a camp counselor, ask your camp director or head counselor.
Keep these relationships strong
The connections you make during your program can support your future for years. Stay in touch by sharing updates on LinkedIn, sending occasional messages about news they might find interesting, and letting them know when their recommendation helped you succeed.
These relationships are part of your professional network—and they’re one of the most valuable things you’ll take home from your exchange experience.
