How it works
You’ll enjoy dedicated support from the moment you sign up.
Process
The process is straightforward. Sign up with our program. We’ll contact you to set up a short interview with us, then a host employer. Once you get hired, we’ll help with planning and support for your journey to the job location. During your summer, we’ll communicate at regular intervals and be here for support so you can get the most out of your program!
Step 1: Sign up (Deadline: May 31, 2025)
Easy online application!
Step 2: Interview with InterExchange program advisor (Within 1 week after sign-up)
Tell us your preferences for your location and role, and what you are hoping to get out of the summer!
Step 3: Job interview with host employer (1-2 weeks)
We’ll arrange your interview, usually within a week or two of signing up. If you’re hired, we’ll facilitate the process and paperwork with the local employer, then send you your employment paperwork and employee handbook.
Step 4: Arrival
Get acclimated and situated a few days before your job begins. Start dates can occur as early as May 15, or as late as mid-June.
Requirements
Eligibility and Selection
Participants must be:
- At least 18 years old at program start date
- Legal to work in the U.S.
- Graduate of an accredited U.S. high school
- Enrolled full-time in a classroom-based U.S. college, university, or other higher-education institution either currently, starting in fall 2025, or with deferred status for 2026
- Committed to participating in the cultural and professional development aspects of the program
All qualified applicants will be contacted by an InterExchange staff member to begin the interview and placement process.
Duration of Participation
Participants must commit to 8-16 weeks during summer vacation. Program start dates are flexible and begin as early as May 15.
Costs & Earnings
In general, participants will recover the expenses listed below with earnings from their job. Our most recent international participant survey showed that our Work & Travel USA international students were able to earn enough money to cover these expenses, and many were able to save enough to travel in the U.S. before returning to their home countries.
Program Fee: $295
Your program fee covers all of the following:
- Summer job placement with one of our trusted host employers
- Arrangement of local housing at or very near your job location
- Support throughout the application and interview process
- Orientation session prior to your program
- Regular check-ins and 24-hour support throughout your program
- Cultural, reflective, and career development information, activities, and support
Other Costs Not Included in Program Fee
Travel costs
Approximate travel costs will depend on the distance from your home to your job placement (please note these are estimates only, and your costs may vary! Contact us if you need travel planning support.)
- Within the same state: ~$300
- Neighboring states: ~$400-500
- Cross-country: ~$600-700
Housing (Weekly):
Housing costs depend on your job placement, as each host employer has a different arrangement. All housing will be arranged by InterExchange and your host employer and will be directly at or very near your job location. A deposit might be required.
- Low cost: ~$110/week
- Average cost: ~$140/week
- High cost: ~$175/week
Meals, transportation, and incidentals (Monthly):
Some housing includes meals. Your personal spending will vary, but here are some general estimates:
- Basic: ~$150/month
- Average: ~$175/month
- Comfortable: ~$200/month
These are general estimates and will vary depending on your specific location, job placement, and personal lifestyle. Your actual costs may be higher or lower. We recommend budgeting extra to cover any unexpected costs.
How Much Will I Spend?
You can expect to spend between $1,500 and $2,500 throughout your American Summer Exchange Program. This estimate greatly depends on personal circumstances, including travel choices, housing arrangements, and spending habits. Below are a few scenarios for an 8-week program duration to help guide your planning:
Low-cost scenario (within the same state, low housing, basic spending):
Total: $1,480
Average-cost scenario (cross-country travel, average housing, average spending):
Total: $2,170
High-cost scenario (cross-country travel, high housing, comfortable spending):
Total: $2,500
We recommend budgeting $900-$1,200 to cover your initial costs, deposits, and any unexpected situations before you receive your first paycheck.
How Much Will I Earn?
All job placements will earn at least minimum wage. Hourly pay will vary depending on the specific host employer and position. See earning examples below:
Scenario 1: Guest Services
- Rate per hour: $14.00
- Weekly hours: 38
- Gross weekly pay: $532
- 8-week program duration: $4,256
Scenario 2: Cook, Prep Cook, Deli
- Rate per hour: $16.00
- Weekly hours: 35
- Gross weekly pay: $560
- 8-week program duration: $4,480
Jobs
Job Types
As part of the American Summer Exchange Program, participants will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in various roles across different settings. Below are some of the job types available to participants:
1. Kitchen Positions
Line cook, food prep, dishwashing. All under the supervision of a kitchen manager or a head chef.
2. Server/Dining Room
Bringing orders to customers, serving water and some refreshments, maintaining a clean dining facility and buffet area, assisting with some kitchen duties as needed.
3. Housekeeping/Cleaning
Includes outdoor tasks such as waste disposal, sweeping, mopping and indoor tasks such as making beds and cleaning indoor facilities.
4. Outdoor Attendant
Assisting visitors with information and directions about walks, hiking, driving and parking, information about facility offerings and rules, and overall help with the environment.
5. Retail
Assist customers with gift shop purchases (point of sale), may involve light refreshments such as ice cream or coffee/tea, provide direction and information about the facilities.
6. Lifeguard
Ensuring a safe environment for swimmers, and maintaining a clean and safe pool. Experience is necessary but training/certification is an option!
What skills will you gain?
- Practical work experience
- Cultural competency
- Communication in diverse scenarios
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Resourcefulness and problem solving
Cultural Curriculum
During the program, we’ll send you four reflection questions
Deployed pre-departure, upon arrival, during the program, and at the program conclusion.
You send us four reflections.
These can be submitted to us in one of two formats: either video, or photos accompanied by a written reflection. The curriculum is designed to be brief, but to support deep reflection so you get the most out of your experience.
