Work Exchange Programmes in the US

WHAT IS A WORK EXCHANGE PROGRAMME?
A number of programmes between the US and the UK encourage international understanding through practical work experience (called "internships" in the US) for up to a maximum of 18 months. The programmes are known as work exchange programmes, and vary widely in nature. Some programmes allow participants to do any job available, others are restricted to specific fields. Check to see which programme best suits your situation and needs.

Work exchange programmes can only be administered by organisations authorised to issue the US Government form DS 2019. This allows work exchange programme participants to apply for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa at a US Embassy, letting participants work legally in the US for a certain period.

Plan your participation in a work exchange programme as early as possible. Some programmes require that you obtain an offer of employment in the US before you apply to them. Programmes may have application deadlines or require you to apply a certain number of months before you intend to leave for the US. Check as to how long the whole process will take. Allow time for the visa application, and if possible do not purchase a flight before you know your visa application has been successful.

Temporary Work Visas
The J-1 visa is often the most straightforward and cost effective route to obtaining permission to work in the US for a short period of time. Other temporary work visas include the H-1B, H-2B and H-3 visa categories, each of which has very specific eligibility requirements. For more information on temporary work visa categories please consult the US Embassy website. EAS cannot answer visa enquiries.

Further Information
For more information, contact the organisations on the list below. You are welcome to consult these reference publications at EAS's, Mondays 1.30pm - 7.00pm, Tuesdays -Fridays 1.30pm - 5.00pm.

• America’s Top Internships, 1998 Edition (Princeton Review Publishing, Random House Inc., New York)

• National Directory of Arts Internships 1995-96 (National Network for Artist Placement, Los Angeles, CA)

• Peterson’s Internships 1999 (Peterson’s, Princeton, NJ 08543-2123)

• Peterson’s Summer Jobs USA 1998 (Peterson’s, Princeton, NJ 08543-2123)

PLEASE NOTE Inclusion on this list does not imply approval or recognition. All programme descriptions have been provided by the organisations concerned, or obtained from their materials.

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION
Section of International Law and Practice; 1620 L Street, NW, Suite 825 Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 466-2600; Fax: (202) 466-4575; Website:http://www.abanet.org/intlaw/ilex/home.html

Programme Name: International Legal Exchange Program (ILEX).

Programme Fees: $500 non-refundable application fee.

Eligibility Requirements: Qualified lawyer/attorney, English language proficiency.

Age Limit: Information not available.

Time Permitted in the USA: Initial placement minimum 3 months, maximum 12 months. Extension to 18 months solely at discretion of host office.

Application Deadline: Complete application must be submitted at least six months before desired starting date for placement.

Additional Programme Description: “Individual Placements of Foreign Attorneys in US Law Firms of Law Offices: ILEX…places individual foreign attorneys who wish to receive comparative training with U.S. law firms or in other legal offices. Additionally ILEX tracks the progress of these placements by maintaining contact with participants and the host firms.”

AMERICAN YOUTH WORK CENTER
AYWC Practical Training Program, 1200 17th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20036

Website: http://www.youthtoday.org/aywc

Programme Name: American Youth Work Center Practical Training Program

Programme Fees: Return airfare; $250 on acceptance - $100 Department of State SEVIS Fee; $80 covers initial health insurance; Practical Trainees should take around $3,000 to cover initial living costs.

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must have experience and/or training in: social work; psychology; counselling; work with people with a learning disability; substance abuse problems or mental illness; youth work; or other related fields. Most Trainees have a degree or relevant professional qualification, and at least two years paid or voluntary youth or social work experience.

Age Limit: None set, but most Trainees are aged 22 to 30 years.

Time Permitted in the USA: 18 months, after which Trainees must leave US.

Application Deadline: Normally three rounds of interviews per year, in May, October and February. Deadlines for applications in March, August and December respectively. Applications may be submitted online at www.youthtoday.org/aywc.

Additional Programme Description: "The AYWC Practical Training Program enables people with training and/or experience in human/social services to enter the US to receive practical, hands-on training and work experience in one of a range of American social service agencies, whilst earning the prevailing wage rate plus benefits. The Program has been operating since 1986, and currently places around 150 Practical Trainees in the US each year."

AUPAIRCARE
1565 Stratford Road, Hall Green, Birmingham B28 9JA.
Phone: 0121 733 6444, Fax: 0121 733 6555
Website:www.100s-aupairs.co.uk Email: lorraine@au-pairs4u.com

Programme Name: AuPairCare Cultural Exchange Programme.

Programme Fees: $500 refundable training fee, $150 insurance contribution (non-refundable)

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must have a good level of English, males or females eligible, good child care experience required and full, clean driving licence. Ability to commit for one year.

Age Limit: 18-26 years.

Time Permitted in the USA: 1 year plus 13th month independent travel opportunity.

Application Deadline: Applicants placed all year round.

Additional Programme Description: “AuPairCare have been placing Au Pairs since 1986. All families are interviewed and screened before an au pair is placed with them and year-long support is provided… (An) educational allowance offers Au Pair an excellent opportunity to further their studies during their year. Local Co-ordinator support and 24 hour help-line. 4 day / 5 night training orientation in New York City upon arrival in America, where applicants are trained in child care, safety, first aid and cultural differences etc. Excellent opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.”

AU PAIR IN AMERICA
37 Queens Gate, London SW7 5HR.Tel: 020 7581 7322,
Fax: 020 7581 7345, Website: www.aupairamerica.co.uk

Programme Name: Au Pair in America; Au Pair Extraordinaire.

Programme Fees: $60 nonrefundable placement fee, $100 nonrefundable insurance contribution, $400 Good Faith Deposit (refundable on completion of the programme); Au Pair Extraordinaire applicants make the same payments, but applicants receive $1000 upon programme completion.

Eligibility Requirements: Good level of spoken English, recent childcare experience, able to commit for 12 months, full clean driving licence, completed secondary education. Au Pair Extraordinaire applicants must have one of Au Pair in America’s recognised childcare qualifications from their country, or 2 years of full-time childcare experience.

Age Limit: 18-26 years (up until 27th birthday).

Time Permitted in the USA: 1 year plus 13th month independent travel opportunity.

Application Deadline: Vacancies all year – apply 2-3 months before you would like to depart.

Additional Programme Description: “Au Pair in America was the first organisation to be designated by the US Department of State and is still the largest. In return for 45 hours per week of excellent childcare you will receive: medical and personal insurance, 4-day orientation in New York, food and board in your host families’ home, weekly payment, 24-hour support system from a fully trained community counsellor, a carefully screened host family, study allowance, a 13th month to travel and the chance to make friends throughout the world!”

BritishAmerican Business
75 Brook Street, London, W1K 4AD
Tel: 020 7290 9888 (UK) 00 1 212 661 4060 (US) Fax: 020 7491 9172 (UK) Fax: 001 212 661 4074 (US)
Website:www.babinc.org Email: ukinfo@babinc.org

Working in the US:

Programme Name: J1 (Exchange Visitor) Program

Program Fee: US$1,400

Eligibility Requirements:
Company Requirements:
1) The company must be a Corporate or Transatlantic Council member of BritishAmerican Business in the United States; and
2) either be doing business between the US and the UK, through a parent or subsidiary company; or if the company does not have a presence in the UK through a parent or subsidiary relationship, the company must intend to establish a UK office, thereby justifying their need to bring a UK-based executive into the USA for training and work experience.

Executive Requirements
1) There are no age or nationality restrictions. However, non-British executives must either be a resident of the UK or already be employed by the applicant company.
2) Participants must have achieved, by academic study and/or work experience, a minimum competency requirement in the relevant field.
3) Executives must have the intention of continuing to do business with the member company upon completion of the training, by being employed by the member company in the UK or country of residence.

Age Limits: None

Time Permitted in the US: 18 months

Application Deadline: No deadline for applications; at least 3 weeks processing time is required.

Additional Programme Description: If you are transferring staff to the United States from anywhere in the world, our J1 Visa Program may well offer you a very expedient, easy and cost-effective solution. We are authorized by the United States Department of State to issue to qualified business trainees the Certificate of Eligibility necessary to apply for an Exchange Visitor (J-1) Visa.

Contact: Alice Mount, amount@babinc.org, Tel: +1 212 983 3734

Working in the UK:

Programme Name: Training and Work Experience Scheme Program

Eligibility Requirements:
Company Requirements:
1) Membership in a member association of the BABC is a prerequisite for program participants.

Executive Requirements:
1) The participant must have the educational or professional qualifications necessary to take on the training or benefit from the work experience.
2) The participant must intend to return to country of residence at the completion of the training and work experience.
3) If participating in a training program, the program should lead to a formal qualification.

Age Limits: For work experience, the participant should generally be between the ages of 18 and 35 years. For training, the participant must be between the ages of 18 and 35 years.

Additional Programme Description: BABi is able to process the TWES Permit (Training and Work Experience Scheme permit, WP2 Program) with a priority service through our close working relationship with the Department for Education and Employment (DfEE). The WP2 Work Permit is available to overseas nationals who undertake either training or work experience in the UK. For training, permits may be issued for up to two years. For work experience, the initial permit is issued for one year, but this can be extended for one further year. BABi is authorized to screen applications for candidates originating from any country in the world. For more information on the WP2 Program please go to the Immigration and Nationality website.

Contact: Sherry Dolatshahi, sdolatshahi@babinc.org, Tel: +44 (0)20 7290 9883

BUNAC
Enquiries Department, 16 Bowling Green Lane, London EC1R OQH
Tel: 020 7251 3472 Fax: 020 7251 0215
Website: www.bunac.org Email: enquiries@bunac.org.uk

Programme Names: Work America; Summer Camp USA; KAMP USA; Volunteer USA.

Programme Fees: Start at £125 for Work America; £77 for Summer Camp USA; £70 for KAMP USA. Full programme fee for Volunteer USA is £250 for a 10 or 12 week placement.

Eligibility Requirements: Work America and KAMP USA are open to full-time UK university level students (includes final years). Summer Camp USA and Volunteer USA are open to students and non-students.

Age Limits: Applicants need to be aged at least 18 for all programmes.

Time Permitted in US: Work America, Summer Camp USA and KAMP USA - up to 4 months over the summer. Maximum time on Volunteer USA is twelve weeks.

Application Deadlines: Work America, Summer Camp USA and KAMP USA usually open in the autumn and close in May or June. Volunteer USA is open year-round.

Additional Programme Description: "BUNAC's work programmes to the USA are a chance to work and travel in the USA as a local rather than a tourist. They provide a unique insight into 'real life' America whilst giving applicants the opportunity to earn money to finance their travels. Advice and support is provided in the UK before departure and in the USA on arrival. Applicants can work on an American summer camp either as a counsellor on the Summer Camp USA programme or in a support role on KAMP USA. Alternatively on Work America they can take any job, anywhere in the USA. Volunteer USA offers individuals the chance to participate in various outdoor projects in the spectacular settings of America’s national parks. For the latest programme information, visit www.bunac.org"

CAMP AMERICA
Dept PC1, 37a Queens Gate, London SW7 5HR, Tel: 020 7581 7373 Website:www.campamerica.co.uk

Programme Names: Camp Counsellors; Campower; Family Companions.

Programme Fees: 1st Deposit £30 if interviewed before the 5th of January 2008 more thereafter; 2nd deposit £33 if interviewed before the 5th January 2008 more thereafter; European Airport & Security Tax £94; Medical insurance £160

Eligibility Requirements: Camp Counsellors - available to leave for 9-10 weeks in June, sporting skills or arts and crafts, and childcare experience; Campower - as for Camp Counsellors and must be full-time student; Family Companion - full-time student, child care experience.

Age Limits: Camp Counsellors - 18 by 1st June; Campower - 18 by 1st June; Family Companion - 18 by 1st June and not over 24.

Time Permitted in US: Maximum 17 weeks.

Application Deadlines: variable - normally mid-May, but can be later depending upon demand.

CHALLENGE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
101 Lorna Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 3EL. Tel: 01273 220261, Fax: 01273 220376, Website: www.challengeuk.com

Programme Name: Work Placement Programme in the USA

Programme Fees: £3,495 for a year, £ 2,995 for a semester

Eligibility Requirements: must be a graduate or undergraduate willing to work on a voluntary basis for a ‘blue chip’ company in San Francisco.

Age Limits: 18-26

Time Permitted in US: up to 3 months

Application Deadlines: 2 months before departure

Additional Programme Description: “Gain hands-on experience working for a ‘blue chip’ company related to your field of study. Individual searches are carried out for each student. Previous ‘interns’ have been in law, journalism, finance and the media.”

INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL EXCHANGE ASSOCIATION (AGRIVENTURE)
Servicing Officer, IAEA/Agriventure, Speedwell Farm Bungalow, Nettle Bank, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE14 05A Tel: 01945 450999, Fax: 02476 696684
Website: www.agriventure.com Email: uk@agriventure.com

Programme Name: International Agricultural Exchange Association.

Application Fees: From £2000 (includes return flights, visa, work/travel insurance, transfers and other items).

Eligibility Requirements: UK/Eire National, agriculture/horticulture experience, full driving licence.

Age Limits: 18-30 years old

Time Permitted in the US: 5½ to 9 months

Application Deadline: Not applicable, but application should be made at least 2 months before departure for all programmes.

Additional Programme Description: “IAEA has 30 years of experience arranging for young agriculturalists to live and work with approved host families. Programmes to the USA leave February to March. Many types of agricultural/horticultural placements are available including a ‘custom harvest crew’ on the March programme.”

INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYMENT TRAINING (IET)
45 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1XL
Website: www.jobsamerica.co.uk Email: info@jobsamerica.co.uk

Programme Name: IET

Application Fees: £250 - £375 Depending on the length of stay in the US (+ additional £32 Visa fee).

Eligibility Requirements: Anyone with a degree from recognised UK university and have work experience in your chosen field, or you must be a specialist worker with work related certificates.

Age Limits: 18+

Time Permitted in the US: Three months up to 18 months

Application Deadline: There is none

Additional Programme Description: IET works with US companies to place international applicants in field related work experience for up to 18 months. Placements are usually in metropolitan cities, however, arrangements can be made for other locations if you specify the area. You will be equally paid as your US co-workers. 30 day travel break to see the US at the end of the programme.

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE EXCHANGE OF STUDENTS FOR TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE (IAESTE)
Central Bureau, British Council, 10 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2BN.
Tel: 020 7389 4771, Fax: 020 7389 4426
Website: www.iaeste.org.uk Email: united_kingdom@iaeste.org

Programme Name: IAESTE (Student Exchange Programme)

Application Fees: £75 (reserved offer scheme), £48 (once accepted for open offer scheme - see below).

Eligibility Requirements: Degree level students in science, engineering, technology, applied arts and related fields.

Age Limits: up to 30 years old

Time Permitted in the US: 6 weeks to 6 months (typical placement 3 months)

Application Deadline: Initial application by first week in December a year before you would like to take up placement in the US.

Additional Programme Description: "In 1998 IAESTE will have had 50 years experience of recruiting UK and foreign students with a view to giving the opportunity to live and work in a foreign country. Founded at Imperial College, London in 1948, IAESTE is an independent, non-political organisation that now has offices in 64 countries worldwide. IAESTE operates both an open offer (we nominate trainee) and reserved offer (employer finds trainee) scheme."

THE INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME (UK) LTD
The Old Rectory, Belton-in-Rutland, Oakham, Rutland LE15 9LE. Tel: 01572 717 381, Fax: 01572 717 343
Website: www.iepuk.com/ Email: ws@iepuk.com

Name of Programme: International Exchange Program (UK).

Programme Fee: Budget figure £1500-£2000 to cover all programme fees, health and accident insurance, flights.

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be aged between 18-34, be single and in good health, have at least one year's practical experience in the chosen industry, have a current driving licence, working knowledge of the English language and approved health and accident insurance.

Age Limits: 18-34

Time Permitted in the US: Initially six months to one year with a possible extension for a further six months.

Application Deadline: None, placements available year round.

Additional Programme Description: "One of the largest programmes into the USA offering placements to around 1000 inbound trainees in equine, agriculture, horticulture and enology. Our partner, Communicating for Agriculture (CA) will pre-place every accepted applicant into an approved training position and appoint a co-ordinator to support each trainee during their stay in the USA. Seminars and visits are arranged. "

3. J1 Trainee Programme
The J1 Trainee Programme is designed for people with higher studies and some work experience in their field to gain an insight into their sector from a US perspective and share this cross-cultural and professional knowledge upon return to their home country at the end of the training. This programme cannot be used to undertake a regular job in the US but is solely for the purpose of training.

MOUNTBATTEN INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME
5th Floor, Michael House, 35-37 Chiswell Street. London EC1Y 4SE
Tel: 0845-370-3535, Fax: 0845-370-3536
Email: info-uk@mountbatten.org, Website: www.mountbatten.org

Name of Programme: Mountbatten Internship Programme leading to a Certificate in International Business Practice

Programme Fee: Application fee £55, participation fee £1800(Interns are paid $980/mth and provided with free accommodation and basic medical insurance).

Eligibility Requirements: Graduate degree in any discipline (or 3 A levels/A level equivalent with at least 3 years of work experience); 3 months of office work experience; Near native fluency in English (if English is your second language); Good Office skills (e.g. typing- 40 wpm, MS Office).

Age Limits: 21-28 years

Time Permitted in US: 12mths work experience/Certificate work, 30 days to travel.

Application Deadline: (1) Sept 06 Intake: March 15th, 2006, (2) Jan 07 Intake: July 31st, 2006, (3) May 07 Intake: Nov 15th , 2006

Additional Programme Description: “The Mountbatten Programme is a nonprofit organisation that administers
Additional Programme Description: “The Mountbatten Programme is a nonprofit organisation that administers practical training programmes for articulate, skilled and motivated graduates. Sponsor companies in New York take one or more interns as trainees for 12 months starting in September, January, or May. Sponsors are selected because of the range and diversity of their operations and their commitment to intercultural exchange and experiential education. Today, there are over 250 Mountbatten interns serving with some 100 sponsor companies in New York, These range from Fortune 500-sized companies [ UBS, Citibank, AT&T, American Express, British Airways, Merrill Lynch ] through nonprofit/non commercial entities [ British American Chamber of Commerce, Columbia University Hospital ] right down to small companies including sole proprietorships. On top of that, the Programme provides structured educational training that places the interns' experience in context, which includes modules in Managing Information and Managing the Market. These components are awarded by the University of Cambridge in association with Mountbatten Programmes. Help and guidance are always available from permanent professional staff in New York. A very rewarding programme for those who do it for the right reasons and with the right attitude (positive, committed and determined).”

THE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR WORK EXPERIENCE
344-354 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8BP. Tel: 020 7833 5520, Fax: 020 7833 9710, Email: wcva@dircon.co.uk Website: www.wcva.dircon.co.uk

Programme Name: US/UK Career Development Programme.

Programme Fee: £65 payable to NCWE plus fee to NCWE's US partner, which is paid either by US employer or applicant and ranges from $600 to $1000.

Eligibility: Must be a British national with an arranged full-time training placement and a relevant first degree, minimum one year relevant work experience or current student status in Hospitality & Tourism. You must earn a minimum $250/week at your US placement.

Age Limits: 18+

Time Permitted in US:: up to 18 months.

Application Deadline:: Year-round applications possible.

Additional Programme Description: "This programme is arranged in conjunction with the US-based Association of International Practical Training (AIPT). Non-UK nationals should contact AIPT for information specific to their nationality."

Name of Programme: The Walsh Visa Program.

Programme Fee: N/A

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must have been residents of Northern Ireland or Border counties of Republic of Ireland for at least three months and must meet the US immigration/visa requirements. Priority is given to applicants who: have been unemployed for at least three months; have been made redundant or are in receipt of a notice of redundancy; have completed or are currently participating in a Training and Employment Agency (N.Ireland) or FAS - Training and Employment Authority (Ireland) or other publicly funded employment/training programme. Applications from individuals who do not meet these criteria are currently given low priority.

Age Limits: 18-35 years

Time Permitted in US: Up to 36 months

Application Deadline: N/A

Additional Programme Description: "The Walsh Visa Program is a new visa programme enacted by the US Congress which creates 12,000 temporary non-immigrant work visas and is set up to promote the economic regeneration of Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland in support of the Irish Peace Process. Employment is possible with participating US employers in nine occupational sectors: hospitality and tourism; customer services; information and communication technology; pharmaceuticals; engineering; sales, marketing and promotion; agriculture/horticulture diversification; food processing; and furniture. Successful applicants will enter a home-country based 4-6 week training program on numeracy, literacy, basic computer skills, and work socialisation that will afford them minimum employment skills. A US Program Administrator will provide, among other things, assistance with housing, obtaining a social security number and a site-specific orientation on local transportation, educational opportunities

The Washington Center Internship Programs Include:

• Undergraduate Programs:
- Advocacy, Service and Arts Program
- Americas Leaders Program
- Business and Information Technology Program
- Congressional Leaders Internship Program
- International Affairs Leaders Program
- Law and Criminal Justice Leaders Program
- Mass Communications Leaders Program
- NAFTA Leaders Program
- Science and Policy Program

• Post Graduate Professional Development Program

• The Washington D.C.-Monterrey Internship Program

• The Washington D.C.-London Internship Program

Programme Fees for 2007:

Undergraduate Programs:
• Spring & Fall -15 weeks: Application fee $125. Tuition $5,475. Housing $4,175 (optional). SEVIS Fee $100.
• Summer -10 weeks: Application fee: $125. Tuition. $4,650. Housing $3,250 (optional). SEVIS Fee: $100.

Post Graduate Professional Development Program:
• Spring & Fall -15 weeks: Application fee: $125. Tuition $2,950. Housing $4,175 (optional). SEVIS Fee $100.
• Summer -10 weeks: Application fee: $125. Tuition $2,400. Housing $3,250 (optional). SEVIS Fee $100

The Washington D.C.-Monterrey Internship Program:
• $7,900 includes: Housing in Washington, D.C.; Housing in Monterrey and health insurance in Mexico

The Washington D.C.-London Internship Program:
• Students earning credit: Program fee $4,650. Housing fee $3,250. London supplement $1,090
• Postgraduate students (without academic class in London): Program fee $3,732. Housing fee $3,250. London Supplement $1,090.

Trainees should take around $2,500 to cover living costs. Health Insurance is required (estimate: $50 monthly)

Eligibility Requirements: Trainees must be junior or senior students (enrolled in the last two years of their degree) or have graduated.
For additional requirements please visit our website www.twc.edu.

Age Limit: None set, but most Trainees are aged 22 to 30 years.

Time Permitted: Most internships are 10 weeks in the summer and 15 weeks in the fall and spring. Trainees can enroll in two semesters for up to 9 months, after which Trainees must leave US.

Application Deadline: Normally there are three deadlines per year: March, June and November. Applications can be submitted online at: https://app.applyyourself.com/?id=twc

Additional Programme Description: The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars is an independent, non-profit educational institution founded in 1975, dedicated to provide practical training for students to become more competitive through internship placements and academic training. Each year, we receive more than 1,500 participants throughout the U.S.A and abroad. Currently more than 35,000 students and young professionals have gone through our programs. The Washington Center receives more than 300 international participants per year. They are either recent graduates that would like to have a work experience or undergraduate students (we have agreements with over 850 colleges and universities in the U.S.A and abroad that allow students to receive academic credit for their program at TWC).

During our programs, participants complete internships in different organization and attend academic sessions in their area of interest. This experience allows them to learn about a broad range of social, economic and political issues directly from world leaders and industry experts. The programs not only give an unparalleled learning experience in the areas of commerce, business, trade, and public policy but also provide participants with the opportunity to gain invaluable knowledge and the skills to become young leaders. Through this experience, participants develop professional skills and apply academic learning to the work world, thereby clarifying personal goals, investigating career opportunities, and preparing for life after college. Our program components are: 1) the program related to a field of study, 2) full time internships from Tuesday to Friday and 3) special activities. Housing is available in shared 2 bedroom furnished apartments for students of the same gender.

For general questions please contact Mrs. Virginia Gergoff at: virginiag@twc.edu