Matching Process

When or if your application is accepted, you will have access to the InterExchange matching system. If you already have a job offer from a host camp, upon acceptance your application will automatically be connected with the camp. Otherwise, the matching system will be used to help participants find an offer from a U.S summer camp. This can happen in one of 3 ways:

1. A Camp Director finds your application

Camp Directors are able to browse available applications. If a Camp Director connects with you, it means they are considering you for a position. If you are excited about this opportunity, reach out and introduce yourself! If you are not interested in the camp, you can remove your application and re-enter the matching system. Be sure to review the camp’s profile and contact InterExchange before turning down a camp. We’re here to help!

2. You look for a camp and find one you’re interested in

After your application has been accepted, you will be able to browse profiles for each summer camp that is actively looking to host international staff. If you see a camp that you are interested in, you can connect with them. You will need to write a message about why you are connecting with their camp, and the message will be sent directly to them. Your message should directly state why you are applying to that camp. Do you like the location? Are you really skilled in one of the programs they run? Your message does not need to be long, but it should be specific to that camp. The camp will have access to review your application for five days. Hopefully within a few days, they will contact you for an interview!

3. InterExchange sends your application to a camp that is looking for someone like you 

InterExchange has a close relationship with the camps we work with. We have been helping them find great camp counselors for many years and we know exactly what they’re looking for. If we see that your application has the personality and skills that a camp is currently looking for, we will share your application with that camp.

Tips for a Successful Match

• You can be connected with more than one camp at a time. You will see on your dashboard how many camps you can be connected with at once. If you want to max out your connections while looking for a role – go for it! When your connections are full other camps are not able to see your application, so it may be helpful to keep one spot open. You can only receive one job offer at a time though, so be sure to consider any offers carefully before declining them.
• Keep an open mind! You might already have an idea of the type of camp you’re looking for, the location of that camp or the position you’d like to be in. That’s great, but don’t limit your options! If you do, you may miss out on a great opportunity! 
• Be patient. Give the Camp Director time to review your application. Camp Directors are busy people. If you send your application to a camp, don’t be alarmed if they don’t reach out to you immediately. Also, when you connect yourself with a camp, you are connected with them for at least 2 days; you cannot connect and immediately disconnect. 
• Check your email, including your SPAM folder!  When your application is being reviewed, typically the Camp Director will email you. Sometimes these emails go to SPAM. Check your email regularly so you don’t miss out on a great opportunity! 
• Don’t get discouraged and trust the process. Once you connect a camp, they will either contact you for an interview or decline your application. Finding the right camp can take time but don’t get discouraged. You will find an offer from a great camp! Just be patient and trust the process! 
• Ask for guidance and suggestions! Our Camp USA team has learned from so much experience in the camp world. If you are having a hard time finding a match or going through the process, ask for our help! We want you to find a job where you will succeed, and we are happy to help you in the process.

Preparing to Interview with a Camp

Got a camp interview? Great! This is your chance to show your interest and ask questions. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this opportunity:

• Show your interest: Research the camp before your interview and explain why you want to join their team. Knowing detailed information about the camp beforehand will impress the Camp Director because it shows them you were prepared for the interview and excited to speak with them. 
• Highlight your skills: Sell yourself! Be prepared to talk about a particular skill that you have or a specific activity you could teach.
• Ask questions: Every camp is different, so take this opportunity to ask the Camp Director any questions you have about the campers, the housing or the time off policy. Camp Directors LOVE to talk about camp, so don’t be afraid to ask them questions. 

Remember, the Camp Director is likely interviewing multiple applicants for the same position. You may not know the outcome of your interview for a few days. That’s OK! Be patient and trust the process! 

Possibilities After An Interview

After interviewing with a camp, they might immediately know whether they want to work with you. They could send you a job offer the same day or an email thanking you for interviewing but informing you that it is not a good fit. Sometimes, a camp may ask you to fill out some additional paperwork, have another interview, or request some time to decide. That is all normal.

If it does not end in a job offer, that is okay! Thank the camp for their time, move along in matching, and try again.

If they offer you a job, that is great! You should thank the camp, and then decide if it feels like a good fit for you too. If you are offered a job, you will be able to review the details from your InterExchange account.

Accepting a Job Offer

It could take anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks, but you will eventually be matched with a great camp! If a camp would like to hire you, they will send you a job offer. This job offer will include the proposed position, arrival date, contract start date, contract end date, and total compensation amount. The compensation amount listed is what you will be paid but taxes will be deducted from this amount. For more information on taxes, refer to the Tax Information section of this handbook.

Please note: Upon receiving an offer, you will have five days to decide whether or not to accept it. Camps often are not able to hold a position any longer than that. If you decide you would prefer to keep looking, you can decline the offer. Keep in mind, if you decline an offer, that position will be offered to someone else and it will no longer be available to you. While you have a pending job offer from a camp, you will not be able to make new connections or receive other job offers. It is in your best interest to make a decision quickly! Please reach out to the InterExchange team with any questions and we will do our best to assist.

Next Steps

Once you have accepted a job with camp, InterExchange will begin preparing the documents you will need in order to apply for your J-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy. Please stay in touch and we will guide you through the visa + embassy process. Once your visa is approved, you can book flights and prepare to travel!