For Hosts

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.

Winter in the U.S. offers something truly magical! From traditional snow activities to regional celebrations, this guide will help you make the most of your winter experience while connecting with Americans and fellow international participants.

Work & Travel Canada participant McKenna traveled from the Pacific Northwest to Toronto for her second Working Holiday visa. What better way to get insider border‑crossing tips than from someone who’s done it twice? Below is an excerpt from her travel journal.

Léa came to NYC on a J-1 visa for a sustainability internship—and ended up running 26.2 miles. Discover how Career Training USA became a journey of professional growth, community, and crossing unexpected finish lines.

As a host employer, you play a crucial role in facilitating meaningful cultural immersion. Investing in their experience outside of work shows you value them as cultural exchange participants, not just employees, and helps build meaningful relationships with American coworkers.

Resilience, a good attitude, and the willingness to go above and beyond can turn a summer job into a career-defining experience. In Dan’s case, it earned him Employee of the Quarter!

A reflection by Work & Travel USA participant Chuang from China, who spent the summer of 2025 working at Schooner Landing in Damariscotta, Maine.

When Congress cannot agree on how to fund the U.S. Government before the budget deadline, many government services may be paused or reduced in what is known as a “Government Shutdown.” While temporary, shutdowns can last weeks—the most recent one lasted 35 days.

Your exchange program may be wrapping up—but your growth journey is only getting started. What you do with your experiences abroad will determine whether you simply return home with fond memories or with practical wisdom that shapes your future. 

Join InterExchange as we organize a special volunteering opportunity for you, our amazing participants, at the TCS New York City Marathon. In 2024, the TCS NYC Marathon will take place on Sunday, November 3!