Need Summer Staffing? Our International Talent Builds Workplace Diversity
Finding Reliable Seasonal Staff is Harder than Ever
Busy seasons put real pressure on your business. When customer demand peaks, you need dependable staff in place and ready to work. But local hiring often falls short. Turnover is high. Applicants drop out at the last minute. Inconsistent availability can disrupt service, strain your team, and impact revenue when it matters most.
International workers can be a strong solution, but many employers hesitate. Visa rules feel confusing. Compliance requirements seem risky. Business owners worry about reliability, preparedness, and what happens if an issue arises mid-season. When timelines are tight and margins are thin, uncertainty is not an option.
With United Studies, there’s a better way.
United Studies Helps You Staff with Quality, Reliable Talent
United Studies removes the complexity from seasonal international hiring. We connect employers with vetted, motivated international talent through structured cultural exchange programs designed for peak-demand industries. From placement through the end of the season, we stay involved so employers are never left managing challenges alone.
For over 40 years, United Studies has helped businesses fill critical seasonal roles with workers who arrive prepared, authorized, and ready to contribute. Our screening process, clear expectations, and ongoing support allow employers to focus on operations while we manage the exchange framework behind the scenes.
With United Studies, employers gain reliable seasonal staffing, reduced hiring stress, and a trusted partner who understands the realities of running a business during peak demand.
Summer Staffing Culture Exchange Program Overview
The United Studies Summer Work and Travel Program connects U.S. employers with international participants who are ready to work during peak business seasons. Participants fill essential seasonal roles across tourism driven industries and contribute as dependable members of your team from day one.
Employers benefit from motivated staff who bring strong work ethic, flexibility, and a global perspective to the workplace. Participants arrive authorized to work, prepared for the role, and supported by a sponsor who stays involved throughout the season. Depending on the position, housing may be employer provided or arranged independently, allowing businesses to choose what fits their operations best.
This program is designed for employers who need reliable seasonal staffing, clear expectations, and a compliant hiring solution. With United Studies, businesses gain access to international talent while maintaining stability, productivity, and focus during their busiest times.
How the Summer Staffing 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 your business. We also guide visa and program requirements to ensure compliance.
Step 3: Arrival & Onboarding
Participants arrive prepared for U.S. life and settle into their 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 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. Businesses benefit from a stable staff presence throughout the season.
Summer Staffing Program Employer Eligibility
The Summer Staffing 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 the business and international staff.
Summer Work and Travel Exchange Visitor Requirements
Every foreign exchange student that United Studies places comes to the U.S. ready to contribute to your business. These requirements help us ensure we only place premiere talent.
- 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.
The Better Staffing Experience for U.S. Businesses
Staffing your busy season does not have to be stressful or uncertain. With United Studies, you gain access to international talent supported by a sponsor who understands seasonal operations, compliance requirements, and the importance of dependable staffing when demand is highest.
Our role is to reduce risk, increase reliability, and help businesses build strong teams that keep operations running smoothly during peak periods.
Looking for dependable seasonal staff?
Partner with United Studies and staff your busiest season with confidence.
U.S. Summer Staffing 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 business.
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: