Partner With United Studies for Your Exchange and Study Abroad Program
Finding a Trusted U.S. Exchange Partner Is More Important Than Ever
Placing students in U.S. exchange programs carries real responsibility. Your organization is trusted by students and families to provide safe, meaningful opportunities abroad. But finding the right U.S. partner can be challenging. Program rules are strict. Visa requirements are complex. Poor communication or unclear expectations can create risk for students, damage trust, and impact your reputation.
Many international partners worry about working with sponsors who are difficult to reach, slow to respond, or disconnected once students arrive. When issues arise, you need a U.S. partner who is present, accountable, and prepared to act. In international exchange, uncertainty is not an option.
With United Studies, there’s a better way.
United Studies is Your Reliable Partner for Exchange Programs
United Studies works closely with international exchange partners to place students in compliant, well supported U.S. exchange programs. We act as an engaged sponsor, guiding visa processes, coordinating placements, and providing ongoing oversight throughout the program.
For over 40 years, United Studies has partnered with organizations around the world to deliver successful exchange experiences. We screen placements carefully, set clear expectations, and remain involved from arrival through program completion. Our approach protects students, supports partners, and ensures programs run smoothly on both sides.
With United Studies, partners gain a responsive U.S. sponsor, transparent communication, and confidence that students are supported every step of the way.
Exchange Program Overview for International Partners
United Studies supports multiple U.S. exchange programs, including high school, homestay, summer camps, and Summer Work and Travel. Through these programs, international partners can place students in structured, compliant exchange opportunities that combine education, work, and cultural immersion.
Students are placed in approved schools, host families, camps, or workplaces depending on the program. United Studies oversees placements, monitors progress, and provides local support to ensure safety, compliance, and a positive experience.
Our programs are designed to help international partners offer reliable U.S. exchange options while maintaining strong relationships with students and families.
How Our Foreign Exchange Programs Work
We believe participants should always know what to expect. Our process is simple, guided, and predictable.
Step 1: Apply
International partners share program goals, student profiles, and timelines. We align on expectations, requirements, and capacity.
Step 2: Screening & Coordination
United Studies works with partners to ensure students meet program criteria and prepares documentation needed for compliant placement and visa processing.
Step 3: Placements & Preparation
Students are matched with approved placements. Pre-arrival guidance helps students understand expectations and prepare for life in the U.S.
Step 4: Arrival & Support
Once students arrive, United Studies remains actively involved. Local coordinators and staff provide support, monitoring, and communication throughout the program.
Step 5: Program Completion & Departure
At the end of the program, United Studies supports proper program closure and departure according to exchange guidelines, ensuring a smooth and compliant conclusion.
International Exchange Partner Program Eligibility
United Studies carefully vets all international partners to ensure we are only placing high-quality foreign exchange students. A qualified International Partner must supply the following required materials in order for United Studies to consider a working relationship:
- Proof of business licensing and/or registration to enable them to conduct business in the venue(s) where they operate
- Disclosure of any previous bankruptcy and of any pending legal actions or complaints against such an entity on file with local authorities
- Written references from three current business associates or partner organizations
- Summary of previous experience conducting J-1 Exchange Visitor Program activities
- Criminal background check reports (including original and English translations) for all owners and officers of the organizations
- A copy of the sponsor-approved advertising materials the foreign entities intend to use to market the sponsors’ programs (including original and English translations)
- A copy of the foreign entity’s notarized recent financial statements
- Statement that your company will not use a third party to fulfill any functions attributed to you in this agreement
- Statement that you will not pay or provide incentive to employers to accept participants
- Annually updated price lists for Summer Work Travel Programs including itemizations of all costs charged to participants.
These expectations help create a safe and positive environment for campers and staff. United Studies prefers to create partnerships with agencies that have a proven history sending participants outbound on exchange programs.
Summer Camp Cultural Exchange Program Fees
- Program Fees are negotiated and determined with each International Partner specific to the designated program.
- Shipping Fees are a charge on top of the Program Fees.
- Insurance in general is included in the Program Fee, unless the International Partner chooses otherwise.
- SEVIS fees are not included in the program fees. In general, United Studies encourages our International Partners to process the SEVIS fee from their country office.
- Our Cancellation & Refund Policy attempts to protect our Exchange Visitors, Partners, and United Studies.
- $100-If the International Partners sends applications and a participant withdraws, the program is cancelled, or United Studies is unable to complete the program, $100 of an applicant’s program fee will be held by United Studies.
- $250-If United Studies has accepted a participant’s application and applied for the Form DS-2019 with the U.S. Department of State, and a participant withdraws, is not approved for a Visa, the program is cancelled, or United Studies is unable to complete the program, $250 of an applicant’s program fee will be held by United Studies.
- Extension Fees
- An Exchange Visitor may request to extend their program dates to those that are approved by the U.S. Department of State. However, this may require an extension of health insurance, which is billable to the Exchange Visitor.
- In rare cases that an Exchange Visitor cannot return to their home country because of travel and governmental interruptions, the U.S. State Department may offer an exception to extend program dates beyond the normal published dates. In this case, the U.S. Department of State will require an Exchange Visitor pay a $367.00 fee to process the request to extend.
- Invalid Status: If an Exchange Visitor fails to complete an Arrival Check-In within 10 days, their status with SEVIS will go to Invalid. The Exchange Visitor will be responsible for the fee of $367.00 issued by the U.S. Department of State to be considered for reinstatement pending approval and an additional $250 administrative fee to United Studies for handling the documentation.
A Partnership Built on Trust and Experience
International exchange works best when partners share values, communicate clearly, and stay engaged. United Studies brings over three decades of experience, a hands-on approach, and a commitment to student well-being.
By partnering with United Studies, your organization gains a dependable U.S. sponsor that understands the importance of reputation, compliance, and long-term success in international exchange.
Looking for a trusted U.S. exchange partner?
Partner with United Studies and place your students with confidence.
U.S. Summer Camp Culture Exchange Program
Frequently Asked Questions
It all starts with submitting your application! Once your cultural exchange partner application with us is approved, we will help you connect with host families and employers to place your exchange visitors.
United Studies aims to work with a diverse group of International Partners each season. We expect to partner with agencies that have a proven history of sending outbound participants. United Studies, as a smaller U.S. sponsor, has a limited number of visa positions available and therefore may not be able to honor all interested inquiries.
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.
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.
Exchange Visitors looking for a second job that does not interfere with the hours at the primary job, must have the employer vetted by United Studies before starting work. Working at a position not approved by United Studies is grounds for dismissal from the program.
All efforts should be made for the exchange visitor to maintain 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 updated 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.
The employer has 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. Employers may terminate an Exchange Visitor from his/her job for poor performance on the job. Employers do not have the authority to send an Exchange Visitor back to their home country or threaten to get their visa revoked.
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.
No, Exchange Visitors are not allowed to drive vehicles that require a driver’s license.
United Studies requires that each Exchange Visitor have vetted and prearranged employment and housing prior to departing for the U.S. The Department of State limits what jobs can be performed by Exchange Visitors and United Studies reserves the right to deny any job that does not comply with our policies.
For our high school and homestay programs, exchange visitors are paired with a host family in the U.S. They live with this family for the duration of their stay.
Participants in our summer camp program typically have housing provided by the summer camp.
Participants in our summer work and travel program typically need to find housing independent of their employer. We assist participants with securing housing before they leave for the United States.
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.
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.
In the case that an Exchange Visitor must cancel or withdraw from the Summer Work and Travel program before their arrival into the U.S., the Exchange Visitor would need to visit the program agreement with their home country agency to determine their refund eligibility. Our Cancellation & Refund Policy attempts to protect both our Exchange Visitors and United Studies.
$100-If your home country agency sends us your application and you withdraw, the program is cancelled, or United Studies is unable to complete your program, $100 of your program fee will be held by United Studies.
$250-If United Studies has accepted your application and applied for your Form DS-2019 with the U.S. Department of State, and you withdraw, are not approved for your Visa, the program is cancelled, or United Studies is unable to complete your program, $250 of your program fee will be held by United Studies.
The United Studies Summer Work and Travel team manages and vets your application, employers, job offers, and housing. This administrative work is covered by charging the above fees. If an Exchange Visitor cancels or withdraws after they arrive in the U.S., the Exchange Visitor is not eligible for a refund of any program fees from United Studies.
Exchange Visitors are required to complete an Arrival Check-In within 10 days of arriving in the U.S. United Studies will send an electronic link and reminder to Exchange Visitors to complete the Arrival Check-In. Monthly Check-Ins are required for Camp Counselor and Summer Work and Travel Exchange Visitors. The Monthly Check-In, similar to the Arrival Check-In, are to be submitted by the 1st of each month.
Explore Our International Exchange Programs
Ready to explore the U.S. as an exchange visitor? We have work and study abroad programs that fit every international exchange student’s dreams. Learn more about our complete culture and language immersion programs in the United States:
U.S. High School Immersion
Want to experience American high school? This immersive program is built around learning, family life, and culture.
U.S. Homestay Program
Our homestay programs help you live like a local and build language immersion through daily life. Lengths vary to fit your desired exchange timeline.
Summer Camp Program
Join a U.S. summer camp as a counselor or staff member for a fun, skill-building cultural immersion experience you won’t forget!
Work and Travel Program
Want to explore the U.S. but can’t just go on vacation? Our work and travel program let’s you grow your finances and travel the nation.
Stories From Our Student Exchange 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: