Looking for Cultural Exchange at Your Camp? Our Intl. Talent is Perfect
Finding Reliable Camp Staff is Harder than Ever
Running a summer camp depends on having the right staff in place at the right time. When local hiring falls short, camps are left scrambling to fill counselor and support roles during their busiest season. Turnover, last-minute cancellations, and inconsistent availability can disrupt programming, camper safety, and staff morale.
International staff can be a strong solution, but many camps hesitate. Visa rules feel complex. Compliance requirements can seem risky. Camp directors worry about reliability, preparedness, and what happens if an issue arises mid-season. With tight timelines and full responsibility for campers, camps cannot afford uncertainty or unsupported placements.
With United Studies, there’s a better way.
United Studies Fills Your Camp with Quality, Reliable Talent
United Studies removes the risk and complexity from international camp staffing. We connect camps with vetted, prepared international staff through structured cultural exchange programs designed specifically for seasonal camp environments. From placement through the end of the season, we stay involved so camps are never left managing issues alone.
For over 40 years, United Studies has helped camps build dependable teams with counselors and support staff who arrive ready to work, engage with campers, and contribute positively to camp culture. Our experience, screening process, and ongoing support allow camps to focus on delivering great programs while we manage the exchange framework behind the scenes.
With United Studies, camps gain reliable staffing, clear expectations, and a sponsor that understands the realities of camp operations.
Summer Camp Culture Exchange Program Overview
The United Studies Summer Camp Program places international participants at U.S. summer camps as counselors or support staff. Participants live on site, work closely with campers and fellow staff, and become part of the full camp community.
Camps benefit from motivated staff who bring energy, responsibility, and global perspective to their teams. Housing and meals are typically included, helping participants settle in quickly and stay focused on their roles. The program supports both counselor positions that work directly with children and essential support staff roles that keep camps running smoothly.
This program is designed for camps that need dependable seasonal staff and value cultural exchange as part of the camper experience.
How the Summer Camp Program Works
We believe participants should always know what to expect. Our process is simple, guided, and predictable.
Step 1: Apply
Employers start by sharing their staffing needs, timelines, and work requirements. This helps ensure the right matches.
Step 2: Screening & Placement
United Studies screens and matches international participants based on skills, experience, and fit for camp life. We also guide visa and program requirements to ensure compliance.
Step 3: Arrival & Onboarding
Participants arrive prepared for camp life and move into on-site housing. They begin work and integrate into your staff team quickly.
Step 4: Ongoing Support
Support does not stop after arrival. United Studies and local coordinators remain involved to help camps address questions, adjustments, or concerns throughout the season.
Step 5: Program Completion & Departure
After the work period ends, participants complete the program according to exchange guidelines. Camps benefit from a stable staff presence throughout the season.
Summer Camp Program Employer Eligibility
The Summer Camp Program is designed for employers looking for premiere international talent. Typical requirements include:
- Department of State requirements
- Must be a 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 staff and at no less than minimum wage
- 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
These expectations help create a safe and positive environment for campers and staff.
Summer Camp Cultural Exchange Program Requirements & Fees
Camp Counselor Exchange Visitor 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 Visitor (Support Staff) 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-secondary educational 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.
Camp Counselor & Support Staff 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.
The Better Staffing Experience for U.S. Camps
Staffing your camp does not have to be stressful or uncertain. With United Studies, you gain access to international talent supported by a sponsor who understands camp environments, compliance requirements, and the importance of consistency.
Our role is to reduce risk, increase reliability, and help camps build strong teams that create safe, enriching experiences for campers.
Looking for dependable summer camp staff?
Partner with United Studies and staff your season with confidence.
U.S. Summer Camp Culture Exchange Program
Frequently Asked Questions
It all starts with submitting your application! Once your cultural exchange application with us is approved, we will help you select and onboard international talent at your camp.
In the case that an Exchange Visitor cannot come on program due to a pandemic (travel interruptions, governmental proclamations, employer cancellations), United Studies will follow the published cancellation/withdrawal policy.
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.
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.
Yes, any time that is spent preparing for the job must be paid time for the Exchange Visitor.
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 the 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
No, Exchange Visitors are not allowed to drive vehicles that require a driver’s license.
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.
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.
Exchange Visitors in the Summer Work and Travel program must have vetted and approved employment before coming to the United States. 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.
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.
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.
Explore Our International Exchange Programs
Need dependable seasonal help without the hiring headache? Our exchange programs connect U.S. employers with vetted international talent who are ready to work, learn, and contribute during peak demand.
Summer Camp Program
Looking for reliable staff for your summer camp? Our international counselors and support staff bring energy, responsibility, and a strong work ethic to your team. We help camps fill critical roles with participants who are screened, prepared, and supported throughout the season. With housing typically included and clear program guidelines, camps gain dependable help while creating a rich cultural exchange experience for campers and staff.
Work and Travel Program
Struggling to staff during your busiest season? Our Summer Work program helps employers fill essential roles with motivated international workers who are authorized to work in the U.S. We guide compliance, placement, and support so your team can stay focused on operations. Participants earn income, gain experience, and bring fresh perspective, while your business gains reliable staffing during peak demand without long-term commitments.
Stories From Our Student Summer Work Programs
Students, host families, coordinators, and employers all rave about our education and cultural exchange programs. Read about it from our friends, communities, and successful placements: