The InterExchange Work & Travel USA Program

Program Overview

InterExchange has been a U.S. Department of State-desginated sponsor of the J-1 Summer Work Travel program since 1970. This program provides students with a way to visit the U.S. by helping them to work and earn spending money while they make friends from around the world and learn about the U.S. and its culture. During their time here, students have the opportunity to improve their English, explore host communities, act as ambassadors for their countries, and become future advocates of the United States. Students also have an optional 30-day travel period to explore the U.S. at the end of their work assignments.

The InterExchange Work & Travel USA Program

The primary purpose of the Summer Work Travel program is to offer young men and women from around the world an opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge and understanding of the United States through a combined cultural and work experience. The InterExchange Work & Travel USA program places international university students in temporary seasonal jobs throughout the U.S. We help match these motivated students with American employers who are in need of entry-level staff in locations where seasonal needs are not met by the local workforce. InterExchange Work & Travel USA participants should not be hired in place of U.S. employees.

We make every effort to recruit applicants who are hardworking, flexible, and ready for new experiences. InterExchange Work & Travel USA works with international organizations in more than 60 countries to help recruit and screen qualified applicants. Our international participants help increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries; help strengthen the ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and other nations; and assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic, and peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world.

Program Seasons

Summer Program

Participating employers include hotels, bed & breakfasts, national parks, restaurants, amusement parks, pools, and convenience stores.

Summer InterExchange Work & Travel USA participants are primarily from countries in the Northern Hemisphere. Participants come from many countries, including Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and Uzbekistan.

Winter Program

Participating employers include hotels, bed & breakfasts, and restaurants in ski resort areas and at warm weather tourist destinations.

Winter Work & Travel USA students are primarily from countries in the Southern Hemisphere. Students come from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.

Spring Program

Participating employers are usually focused on the busy months between the winter and summer peak seasons and include hotels and resorts. Spring InterExchange Work & Travel USA students are from the Philippines.

12-Month Program

A 12-month J-1 Visa is available for citizens of Australia and New Zealand. The program allows students and recent graduates to work legally in the United States in entry-level, unskilled positions for up to 12 months.

InterExchange Work & Travel USA Student Requirements

InterExchange Work & Travel USA applicants must be:

• Full-time university students
• Between the ages of 18 and 28
• Able to demonstrate a high level of maturity and adaptability
• Able to work for a minimum of three months
• Proficient in written and spoken English

InterExchange Work & Travel USA is committed to selecting and matching your business with the best possible seasonal staff.

Next: How InterExchange Can Help Fill Seasonal Staffing Needs »