Matching Process

When or if your application is accepted, you will have access to the InterExchange “matching system”. The matching system helps 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 puts your application “on review”, 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 send your application directly to them. The camp will have exclusive access to your application for 7 days. During this time, we recommend that you contact the camp to introduce yourself! 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 an available application that has the personality + skills that a camp is currently looking for, we will share the application with that camp.

Tips for a Successful Match

• 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 a full week 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. 
• Check your email, including your SPAM folder!  When your application is being reviewed, typically the Camp Director might 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 apply to 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.

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. 

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!