We Can't Do It Alone

Steps to International Partnership

How to Become Eligible

• United Studies prefers to create partnerships with agencies that have a proven history sending participants outbound on exchange programs.
• A qualified International Partner must supply the required documents in order for United Studies to consider a working relationship.
• Specific Vetting Materials Required:

International Partner Programs

• United Studies is designated to host 3 programs under the U.S. Department of State’s BridgeUSA (J-1) programs.

• United Studies also has Exchange Visitors that come through the F-1 program as secondary school participants.
  
   
• Short-Term Homestay is a flexible option for younger participants that would like to travel to the U.S. for a 2 to 4 week experience.

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.

•     Extension Fees        

• Invalid Status

Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19 or other pandemic viruses

• 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.

Selection of International Partners

• 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.

Cancellation/Withdrawal

• 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.

Employment and Housing Arrangements

• 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.

Second Jobs

• 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.
• Exchange Visitors found working at a position not approved by United Studies is grounds for dismissal from the program.

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.

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.

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

Arrival and Monthly Check-ins

• 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.

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.