Become a Host Summer Camp

The BridgeUSA, Camp Counselor Program provides an opportunity for youth-focused Exchange Visitors that are seeking job experiences working with children in a hands-on learning environment. An Exchange Visitor benefits from the Camp Counselor Program by immersing in American culture, traveling to sightseeing wonders, enjoying local activities all while being a team member in a summer adventure.

Exchange Visitors are generally available to work for U.S. Summer Camps beginning in May and June and have the potential to enhance your winter programs. United Studies has placed Exchange Visitors with camps that have varied from traditional residential with or without a faith-based focus to special needs day camps.

United Studies can help you fill your Camp Counselor and Support Staff openings with Exchange Visitors. United Studies has a strong belief in the value of cultural exchange and provides reliable team service with efficient operations. We regularly seek out partners and Exchange Visitors from around the globe to become important members of camp communities.

By welcoming an Exchange Visitor, you are changing the life of an international exchange person in a truly unique way while diversifying your workforce. Exchange Visitors become global ambassadors that contribute to public diplomacy and promote a more unified world.

Become a Host Summer Camp

The BridgeUSA, Camp Counselor Program provides an opportunity for youth-focused Exchange Visitors that are seeking job experiences working with children in a hands-on learning environment. An Exchange Visitor benefits from the Camp Counselor Program by immersing in American culture, traveling to sightseeing wonders, enjoying local activities all while being a team member in a summer adventure.

Exchange Visitors are generally available to work for U.S. Summer Camps beginning in May and June and have the potential to enhance your winter programs. United Studies has placed Exchange Visitors with camps that have varied from traditional residential with or without a faith-based focus to special needs day camps.

United Studies can help you fill your Camp Counselor and Support Staff openings with Exchange Visitors. United Studies has a strong belief in the value of cultural exchange and provides reliable team service with efficient operations. We regularly seek out partners and Exchange Visitors from around the globe to become important members of camp communities.

By welcoming an Exchange Visitor, you are changing the life of an international exchange person in a truly unique way while diversifying your workforce. Exchange Visitors become global ambassadors that contribute to public diplomacy and promote a more unified world.

How It Works

Apply

A Host Employer submits an Inquiry directly with United Studies
United Studies will send a Host Camp Agreement requesting Vetting
Materials and camp details

Interview

The Host Employer reviews and sets up interviews with interested candidates

Make a Job Offer to those successful candidates
United Studies will handle all of the visa paperwork

Onboarding

Welcome your Exchange Visitor to the U.S.A.!
Train your team
Arrange a trip to the Social Security Office
It’s time for Cultural Exchange!

How It Works

Apply

A Host Employer submits an Inquiry directly with United Studies
United Studies will send a Host Camp Agreement requesting Vetting
Materials and camp details

Interview

The Host Employer reviews and sets up interviews with interested candidates

Make a Job Offer to those successful candidates
United Studies will handle all of the visa paperwork

Onboarding

Welcome your Exchange Visitor to the U.S.A.!
Train your team
Arrange a trip to the Social Security Office
It’s time for Cultural Exchange!

Eligibility

Employer Eligibility

Department of State requirements

Must be a current licensed business
Maintain Worker's Compensation Insurance
Have not had any layoffs during the last 120 days
Provide a minimum of 32 hours per week of work at the same wage as American’s and no less than minimum wage
See Other Regulations for further details

Confirmation of Exchange Visitors

An Exchange Visitor is required to submit regular electronic Check-Ins
Site visits may be conducted by United Studies team members
Department of State calls or site visits must be responded to by the employer or participant

Camp Counselor Exchange Visitors must meet these requirements

Sufficiently proficient in the English language to supervise and interact with American youth
A foreign post-secondary student, youth worker, teacher or individual with specialized skills
At least 18-years-old
And, have health insurance during the duration of their exchange program

Summer Work and Travel Exchange Visitors (Support Staff) must meet these requirements:

Sufficiently proficient in English to successfully interact in an English-speaking environment
Post-secondary school students enrolled in and actively pursuing a degree or other full-time course of study at an accredited classroom based, post-econdaryeducational institution outside the United States
Have successfully completed at least one semester or equivalent of post-secondary academic study
Are pre-placed in a job prior to entry unless from a visa waiver country
And, have health insurance during the duration of their exchange program.

Eligibility

Employer Eligibility

Department of State requirements

Must be a current licensed business
Maintain Worker's Compensation Insurance
Have not had any layoffs during the last 120 days
Provide a minimum of 32 hours per week of work at the same wage as American’s and no less than minimum wage
See Other Regulations for further details

Confirmation of Exchange Visitors

An Exchange Visitor is required to submit regular electronic Check-Ins
Site visits may be conducted by United Studies team members
Department of State calls or site visits must be responded to by the employer or participant

Camp Counselor Exchange Visitors must meet these requirements

Sufficiently proficient in the English language to supervise and interact with American youth
A foreign post-secondary student, youth worker, teacher or individual with specialized skills
At least 18-years-old
And, have health insurance during the duration of their exchange program

Summer Work and Travel Exchange Visitors (Support Staff) must meet these requirements:

Sufficiently proficient in English to successfully interact in an English-speaking environment
Post-secondary school students enrolled in and actively pursuing a degree or other full-time course of study at an accredited classroom based, post-econdaryeducational institution outside the United States
Have successfully completed at least one semester or equivalent of post-secondary academic study
Are pre-placed in a job prior to entry unless from a visa waiver country
And, have health insurance during the duration of their exchange program.

Cultural Exchange

Talented Exchange Visitors participate annually in U.S. Department of State cultural exchanges promoting mutual understanding and public diplomacy. Exchange Visitors experience cultural exchange by:

Working with other Americans
Being Exposed to American Culture in day to day living (dining, shopping, spending time with new friends)
Exploring local sites and fairs or U.S. wonders like the Grand Canyon
And, participating in activities such as cookouts, sporting events, get togethers hosted by employers, friends, and/or local organizations.

Cultural Exchange

Talented Exchange Visitors participate annually in U.S. Department of State cultural exchanges promoting mutual understanding and public diplomacy. Exchange Visitors experience cultural exchange by:

Working with other Americans
Being Exposed to American Culture in day to day living (dining, shopping, spending time with new friends)
Exploring local sites and fairs or U.S. wonders like the Grand Canyon
And, participating in activities such as cookouts, sporting events, get togethers hosted by employers, friends, and/or local organizations.

2024 Camp Counselor & Support Staff Program Fees

*Discounted Rate Available: For each 1st Time Camp Counselor hired, camps qualify for a $100 discount on a support staff participant fee.

**Deadline: Returners must be completed with United Studies by Dec. 1st to qualify for reduced rates with limited availability. Returners are staff who came through United Studies and worked at your camp last summer. Pocket money is negotiated between the camp and the participant.

**Insurance ($170 for 9 weeks) is not included in fee for Direct Placement/Returner Camp Counselor and will be charged to camp.

A $35 non-refundable SEVIS fee in accordance with the U.S. State Dept. will be charged to camp for each participant hired.

Camp is responsible for the cost of all domestic travel from the camp designated arrival location.

Minimum Pocket Money is the amount a participant earns AFTER all taxes have been deducted. Taxes include federal, state, and/or applicable local taxes. Participants do not pay Social Security, Unemployment, or Medicare taxes. Please inform your payroll department.

This fee sheet should be read in conjunction with the United Studies Camp Agreement.

2024 Camp Counselor & Support Staff Program Fees

*Discounted Rate Available: For each 1st Time Camp Counselor hired, camps qualify for a $100 discount on a support staff participant fee.

**Deadline: Returners must be completed with United Studies by Dec. 1st to qualify for reduced rates with limited availability. Returners are staff who came through United Studies and worked at your camp last summer. Pocket money is negotiated between the camp and the participant.

**Insurance ($170 for 9 weeks) is not included in fee for Direct Placement/Returner Camp Counselor and will be charged to camp.

A $35 non-refundable SEVIS fee in accordance with the U.S. State Dept. will be charged to camp for each participant hired.

Camp is responsible for the cost of all domestic travel from the camp designated arrival location.

Minimum Pocket Money is the amount a participant earns AFTER all taxes have been deducted. Taxes include federal, state, and/or applicable local taxes. Participants do not pay Social Security, Unemployment, or Medicare taxes. Please inform your payroll department.

This fee sheet should be read in conjunction with the United Studies Camp Agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can an Exchange Visitor attend cultural activities that the Employer has arranged?

A. Yes. United Studies encourages participation in Employer-sponsored events as well as on their own. We encourage Exchange Visitors to practice their English and to learn about American culture as well as share their culture with their American counterparts.

Q. Must my company pay the participant during orientation or on-the-job training?

A. Yes, any time that is spent preparing for the job must be paid time for the Exchange Visitor.

Q. Can an Exchange Visitor work a second job?

A. Yes, second jobs are allowed if they do not interfere with the primary job. An Exchange Visitor cannot begin working a second job unless United Studies has vetted and approved the second job.

Q. Can I assign an Exchange Visitor a different job once they have arrived in the United States?

A. All efforts should be made to provide the Exchange Visitor with the job that they are contracted to work. If by chance they are needed or better suited for a different position, they must agree to the change in writing and an update job offer. United Studies must approve this new position.

Q. Can an Exchange Visitor quit a job with no notice given to the employer?

A. Although United Studies asks Exchange Visitors to give a two-week notice to the employer, we cannot require an Exchange Visitor to stay in their original job. United Studies will be available to talk with both the employer and the Exchange Visitor to work out any grievances.

Q. Can an Exchange Visitor be terminated and sent back to their home country?

A. You, as the employer, have the right to evaluate an employee and to give them helpful suggestions for doing a good job. An Exchange Visitor can also be given warnings for unacceptable job performance. You may terminate an Exchange Visitor from his/her job for poor performance on the job. You as an employer, do not have the authority to send an Exchange Visitor back to their home country or threaten to get their visa revoked.

Q. Are Exchange Visitors covered by the company’s worker’s compensation insurance?

A. Yes, Exchange Visitors must be covered while performing on the job. Participants have their own health insurance should an illness occur that is not job related (pursuant to State law).

Q. Can an Exchange Visitor drive a vehicle for my company?

A. No, Exchange Visitors are not allowed to drive vehicles that require a driver’s license.

Q. Can I call United Studies (U.S. Sponsor) and discuss work related or other issues the Exchange Visitor may be experiencing?

A. Yes, United Studies welcomes the opportunity to help you with anything that may arise with one of our Exchange Visitors. We want both our Exchange Visitors and our employers to have a good experience.

Q. Does my company have to provide housing in order to hire an Exchange Visitor?

A. While United Studies seeks employers that offer housing, it is not a requirement that you must provide it. We however may reach out and ask you for recommendations for housing near your place of business.

COVID-19 or other pandemic viruses

Contact if EV tests positive or shows symptoms of Covid
Expectations of safe workplace (PPE, hand sanitizer, etc.)
How to handle quarantine pre-training and if EV sick
In the case of a shut down, please communicate with United Studies
In the case that an Exchange Visitor is already on program while a pandemic occurs, United Studies will work with the home country agency, the home country embassy, and the host employer to determine the best care and repatriation options per Exchange Visitor.

Kind of Jobs

Exchange Visitors in the Summer Work and Travel program must have vetted and approved employment before coming to the U.S. Exchange Visitors in the Summer Work and Travel program work in entry level jobs that vary widely in location and task. Examples of Summer Work and Travel jobs include summer camp kitchen and maintenance, resort housekeeping and serving, restaurant cooking and dishwashing.

Earnings

An Exchange Visitor can expect to make the same wages as their American counterparts. Wages depend on the negotiated amount with the employer and can be no lower than that State’s minimum wage.
Some jobs, such as a server/ waitress/ waiter, include tips (sometimes called gratuities).
Summer camp positions are usually paid in full at the end of the summer session but include housing and meals as a part of the paid benefits.

Cultural Experience

Exploring, sightseeing, and participating in American communities with new friends will help Exchange Visitors make the most of their Summer Work and Travel experience. Cultural experiences in the U.S. stretch from the simplest visit to a big box store (Walmart, etc.), baseball games and barbecues to sightseeing trips to see New York City, the Grand Canyon, or the town you are living in for the summer.

How to Apply

Exchange Visitor applicants will apply for the Summer Work and Travel program through their home country agency.
To apply for the Summer Work and Travel program, you will need a passport, a CV, proof of university enrollment, police background check, and a documented check-up with a medical professional.

Form DS-2019

The Form DS-2019 is a U.S. Department of State document prepared and signed by your U.S. Sponsor (in this case, United Studies is your Sponsor).
The Form DS-2019 is then reviewed by the Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy and is the official governmental approval for an Exchange Visitor to be considered for a Visa.
An Exchange Visitor must keep their Form DS-2019 with them during travel to the U.S. and in a safe place from then on.

Loss or Expiration of Passport or Documents

There are times that an Exchange Visitor misplaces their Form DS-2019 or their Passport. Both can be replaced. United Studies can provide an Exchange Visitor with a replacement Form DS-2019.
An Exchange Visitor that has a lost or has an expired Passport will need to arrange an appointment with their home country embassy that is closest to their locale here in the U.S.
Exchange Visitors should not expect to travel on a Passport that will expire 6 months from the date of arrival to the U.S.
Fees may apply for document replacement.

Stay & Work Longer

The U.S. Department of State determines a set of dates that an Exchange Visitor can be in the U.S. working for an employer. Those dates are firm and cannot be negotiated. However, if the employer requests to extend the Exchange Visitor’s job until the last approved date determined by the U.S. Department of State, United Studies will consider the request and likely, sign an approval.
An Exchange Visitor cannot work beyond the approved program dates set by the U.S. Department of State.

Insurance

Exchange Visitors are covered by health insurance during their SWT program dates. Program dates are from the start date to the end date listed on an Exchange Visitor’s Form DS-2019.
General illness, emergencies, and Covid-19 are covered by the United Studies selected health insurance. Preventative Covid-19 testing is not covered.
United Studies strongly encourages an Exchange Visitor to purchase insurance to cover the dates that they will remain in the U.S. during their Grace Period.
Urgent care vs. Emergency rooms

Monthly Check-ins

U.S. Sponsor

Intl partners use multiple sponsors
United Studies is yours
We write your docs, complete your check-ins and are responsible while you are in the U.S.

Grace Period

Each Exchange Visitor is eligible for up to a 30-day Grace Period at the end of their program dates. However, an Exchange Visitor is expected to return in time to begin university coursework.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can an Exchange Visitor attend cultural activities that the Employer has arranged?

A. Yes. United Studies encourages participation in Employer-sponsored events as well as on their own. We encourage Exchange Visitors to practice their English and to learn about American culture as well as share their culture with their American counterparts.

Q. Must my company pay the participant during orientation or on-the-job training?

A. Yes, any time that is spent preparing for the job must be paid time for the Exchange Visitor.

Q. Can an Exchange Visitor work a second job?

A. Yes, second jobs are allowed if they do not interfere with the primary job. An Exchange Visitor cannot begin working a second job unless United Studies has vetted and approved the second job.

Q. Can I assign an Exchange Visitor a different job once they have arrived in the United States?

A. All efforts should be made to provide the Exchange Visitor with the job that they are contracted to work. If by chance they are needed or better suited for a different position, they must agree to the change in writing and an update job offer. United Studies must approve this new position.

Q. Can an Exchange Visitor quit a job with no notice given to the employer?

A. Although United Studies asks Exchange Visitors to give a two-week notice to the employer, we cannot require an Exchange Visitor to stay in their original job. United Studies will be available to talk with both the employer and the Exchange Visitor to work out any grievances.

Q. Can an Exchange Visitor be terminated and sent back to their home country?

A. You, as the employer, have the right to evaluate an employee and to give them helpful suggestions for doing a good job. An Exchange Visitor can also be given warnings for unacceptable job performance. You may terminate an Exchange Visitor from his/her job for poor performance on the job. You as an employer, do not have the authority to send an Exchange Visitor back to their home country or threaten to get their visa revoked.

Q. Are Exchange Visitors covered by the company’s worker’s compensation insurance?

A. Yes, Exchange Visitors must be covered while performing on the job. Participants have their own health insurance should an illness occur that is not job related (pursuant to State law).

Q. Can an Exchange Visitor drive a vehicle for my company?

A. No, Exchange Visitors are not allowed to drive vehicles that require a driver’s license.

Q. Can I call United Studies (U.S. Sponsor) and discuss work related or other issues the Exchange Visitor may be experiencing?

A. Yes, United Studies welcomes the opportunity to help you with anything that may arise with one of our Exchange Visitors. We want both our Exchange Visitors and our employers to have a good experience.

Q. Does my company have to provide housing in order to hire an Exchange Visitor?

A. While United Studies seeks employers that offer housing, it is not a requirement that you must provide it. We however may reach out and ask you for recommendations for housing near your place of business.

COVID-19 or other pandemic viruses

Contact if EV tests positive or shows symptoms of Covid
Expectations of safe workplace (PPE, hand sanitizer, etc.)
How to handle quarantine pre-training and if EV sick
In the case of a shut down, please communicate with United Studies
In the case that an Exchange Visitor is already on program while a pandemic occurs, United Studies will work with the home country agency, the home country embassy, and the host employer to determine the best care and repatriation options per Exchange Visitor.

Kind of Jobs

Exchange Visitors in the Summer Work and Travel program must have vetted and approved employment before coming to the U.S. Exchange Visitors in the Summer Work and Travel program work in entry level jobs that vary widely in location and task. Examples of Summer Work and Travel jobs include summer camp kitchen and maintenance, resort housekeeping and serving, restaurant cooking and dishwashing.

Earnings

An Exchange Visitor can expect to make the same wages as their American counterparts. Wages depend on the negotiated amount with the employer and can be no lower than that State’s minimum wage.
Some jobs, such as a server/ waitress/ waiter, include tips (sometimes called gratuities).
Summer camp positions are usually paid in full at the end of the summer session but include housing and meals as a part of the paid benefits.

Cultural Experience

Exploring, sightseeing, and participating in American communities with new friends will help Exchange Visitors make the most of their Summer Work and Travel experience. Cultural experiences in the U.S. stretch from the simplest visit to a big box store (Walmart, etc.), baseball games and barbecues to sightseeing trips to see New York City, the Grand Canyon, or the town you are living in for the summer.

How to Apply

Exchange Visitor applicants will apply for the Summer Work and Travel program through their home country agency.
To apply for the Summer Work and Travel program, you will need a passport, a CV, proof of university enrollment, police background check, and a documented check-up with a medical professional.

Form DS-2019

The Form DS-2019 is a U.S. Department of State document prepared and signed by your U.S. Sponsor (in this case, United Studies is your Sponsor).
The Form DS-2019 is then reviewed by the Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy and is the official governmental approval for an Exchange Visitor to be considered for a Visa.
An Exchange Visitor must keep their Form DS-2019 with them during travel to the U.S. and in a safe place from then on.

Loss or Expiration of Passport or Documents

There are times that an Exchange Visitor misplaces their Form DS-2019 or their Passport. Both can be replaced. United Studies can provide an Exchange Visitor with a replacement Form DS-2019.
An Exchange Visitor that has a lost or has an expired Passport will need to arrange an appointment with their home country embassy that is closest to their locale here in the U.S.
Exchange Visitors should not expect to travel on a Passport that will expire 6 months from the date of arrival to the U.S.
Fees may apply for document replacement.

Stay & Work Longer

The U.S. Department of State determines a set of dates that an Exchange Visitor can be in the U.S. working for an employer. Those dates are firm and cannot be negotiated. However, if the employer requests to extend the Exchange Visitor’s job until the last approved date determined by the U.S. Department of State, United Studies will consider the request and likely, sign an approval.
An Exchange Visitor cannot work beyond the approved program dates set by the U.S. Department of State.

Insurance

Exchange Visitors are covered by health insurance during their SWT program dates. Program dates are from the start date to the end date listed on an Exchange Visitor’s Form DS-2019.
General illness, emergencies, and Covid-19 are covered by the United Studies selected health insurance. Preventative Covid-19 testing is not covered.
United Studies strongly encourages an Exchange Visitor to purchase insurance to cover the dates that they will remain in the U.S. during their Grace Period.
Urgent care vs. Emergency rooms

Monthly Check-ins

U.S. Sponsor

Intl partners use multiple sponsors
United Studies is yours
We write your docs, complete your check-ins and are responsible while you are in the U.S.

Grace Period

Each Exchange Visitor is eligible for up to a 30-day Grace Period at the end of their program dates. However, an Exchange Visitor is expected to return in time to begin university coursework.

US Camps & Int'l Counselors

Become a Host Summer Camp

Become a Host Summer Camp

How It Works

Apply

Interview

Onboarding

How It Works

Apply

Interview

Onboarding

Eligibility

Employer Eligibility

Camp Counselor Exchange Visitors must meet these requirements

Summer Work and Travel Exchange Visitors (Support Staff) must meet these requirements:

Eligibility

Employer Eligibility

Camp Counselor Exchange Visitors must meet these requirements

Summer Work and Travel Exchange Visitors (Support Staff) must meet these requirements:

Cultural Exchange

Cultural Exchange

2024 Camp Counselor & Support Staff Program Fees

2024 Camp Counselor & Support Staff Program Fees

Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19 or other pandemic viruses

Kind of Jobs

Earnings

Cultural Experience

How to Apply

Form DS-2019

Loss or Expiration of Passport or Documents

Stay & Work Longer

Insurance

Monthly Check-ins

U.S. Sponsor

Grace Period

Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19 or other pandemic viruses

Kind of Jobs

Earnings

Cultural Experience

How to Apply

Form DS-2019

Loss or Expiration of Passport or Documents

Stay & Work Longer

Insurance

Monthly Check-ins

U.S. Sponsor

Grace Period