Work & Travel USA is a cultural exchange program, not just a summer job. Participants come eager to experience authentic American life beyond tourist attractions.
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.
Cultural exchange can happen naturally, but it’s easy to get caught up in daily operations. Being intentional makes the difference between simply hiring a seasonal employee and creating a meaningful cultural exchange. The investment pays off: participants with rich experiences become more engaged employees, benefiting your entire workplace.
Create a Welcoming Foundation
For many participants, this is their first time in the U.S.—and possibly their first time away from home. Start by creating a warm, welcoming environment where exploring a new culture feels safe and enjoyable.
Whether you’ve hosted international participants before or this is your first time, here are practical and creative ways to help them feel welcome from day one:
Help Them Discover Your Community
Participants come to experience American culture, not just get work experience for their resume. Supporting their community connections outside work hours enriches their experience. Many host employers find it helpful to designate a particular staff member to help coordinate these activities and answer questions.
Remove Barriers to Exploration
One of America’s greatest features is its diversity. Often within a few hours’ drive, participants can experience completely different landscapes and cultures—from quiet small towns to bustling cities to natural wonders. Helping participants explore beyond your area gives them a fuller picture of American life. Depending on your company’s resources, you can remove barriers to travel by providing transportation, financial support, or travel planning assistance.
Provide Ongoing Support
Even with a strong welcome and community connections, participants will face challenges adjusting to American life. Being proactive with support helps them thrive both during and after the program.
Watch for Culture Shock & Homesickness
Learn to recognize the signs: withdrawal, frustration, low energy, or excessive sleeping. Schedule regular check-ins and maintain judgment-free communication about participants’ wellbeing. Consider designating a “buddy” they can turn to beyond their direct supervisor for informal support. One of the most healing aspects of culture shock is realizing you’re not alone, so connect participants with peer support networks—both others currently in the program and alumni who’ve successfully navigated the experience.
Help Navigate Practical Challenges
Remember that everyday tasks for Americans can be completely foreign to international participants. Offer assistance with banking, phones, healthcare systems, and local safety. Provide clear emergency protocols, including InterExchange’s 24/7 emergency line. Most importantly, welcome all questions, even ones that seem “obvious.” What’s routine in America may be totally different from how things work in their home country, and creating a safe space to ask prevents small confusions from becoming big problems.
Support Their Professional Future
Think beyond their summer success—set your participants up for long-term career benefits. Rotate participants through different departments to build varied experience and skills. Assign mentors who can explain American workplace culture and help them articulate this experience for job markets back home. When the program ends, write strong recommendation letters that emphasize the cultural adaptability they’ve gained—a quality employers worldwide value highly.
Small Investments, Big Returns
Cultural exchange is the “why” behind Work & Travel USA—make it a priority, not an afterthought. Start with one or two initiatives from this guide and ask current participants what would help most.
The investment pays off: participants with enriching experiences become better employees, strengthen your program reputation, and bring cultural learning to your American staff. You’re not just providing jobs—you’re creating experiences that shape young professionals’ lives and build international goodwill.
Your next steps: Choose 2-3 strategies to implement this season, then build from there.
For additional tips on hosting cultural exchange visitors, check out these resources or contact your InterExchange representative.
