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On the road to Orlando, Florida, Ila and her boyfriend pulled into a Buc-ee’s, a gas station so big it counts as a destination in its own right. Her verdict: “this is the America you see on TikTok!”

When Jelena, “Lena” was ten, she didn’t tell her mother she was playing soccer. Every afternoon she slipped out to join the boys in her neighborhood, and every afternoon she came home and said nothing. When Red Star Youth Clubs came calling to recruit her, her mother assumed no professional club would want a 10-year-old girl on its roster, and nearly let the deadline to join pass by.

Applying for a J-1 visa can feel intimidating before you start. Laura, a Career Training USA Alumni Ambassador from Guatemala, felt that way before her internship in Massachusetts. Here is what the process was actually like, in her own words.

At InterExchange, we know firsthand that the lifeblood of cultural exchange is our network of dedicated host employers. They are the ones on the ground, helping ensure a transformative, welcoming experience.

Join InterExchange as we organize a special volunteering opportunity for you, our amazing participants, at the TCS New York City Marathon. In 2026, the TCS NYC Marathon will take place on Sunday, November 1st!

We asked recent J-1 Intern and Trainee participants from 17 different countries: “How do you foresee this internship or training program in the U.S. benefitting your future career?” Here’s what they said.

If you have been offered an internship or training program in the United States, congratulations! Here is what you need to know about getting the right visa.

The answer is no, you don’t need a lawyer or third party to apply for J-1 Visa Sponsorship. You can apply to InterExchange directly!

Spring is when Work and Travel USA communities do the real work. Not in June, when exchange visitors arrive. In April, at conference tables and community centers and virtual forums, when host employers, city officials, Department of State representatives, and program sponsors sit down to align on what a successful summer actually requires.

Some connections don’t fade with distance or time. On March 17, nearly 100 BridgeUSA alumni gathered in Sofia, Bulgaria to prove exactly that and to celebrate something bigger than a reunion.

All exchange participants who earn income in the U.S. will pay taxes and are required to file a tax return for the calendar year (or years) during which they worked. After you submit your tax return, you may get some of your taxes back. We’ve created a timeline of what you’ll need to do for taxes throughout your program.

Building a support system isn’t just helpful. It can shape your entire exchange experience. Here are some practical ideas to help you connect with others and build relationships during your time in the U.S.