US Summer Camps Offering International Exchange Opportunities
Traveling to the U.S. Can Be Expensive & Complicated
Spending a summer working in the United States sounds like an exciting opportunity, but there are dozens of pitfalls. Finding a real job, understanding visa rules, and knowing who to trust are all challenging. Many people worry about choosing the wrong sponsor, arriving without support, or facing problems far from home.
There are also practical concerns. Will the job be reliable? Will housing be provided? What happens if something goes wrong? When timelines are tight and rules are strict, one mistake can cost an entire summer.
With United Studies, there’s a better way.
United Studies’ Summer Camps Fix It
United Studies removes the uncertainty by guiding each step with care and experience. We prepare participants for camp life, match them thoughtfully, and remain involved throughout the season. Our goal is to create a safe, positive experience where participants can focus on caring for campers, building skills, and enjoying a meaningful cultural exchange.
For over 40 years we’ve helped international exchange visitors fulfill their dreams of working and traveling in the U.S. Our thousands of successful placements are proof you can come to the United States on a camp visa and have an immersive and rewarding experience.
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 children and staff, and take part in the full camp experience.
Camps are typically active, outdoor environments where teamwork, responsibility, and energy matter. Housing and meals are included, which helps participants settle in quickly and focus on their role.
The program is designed for adults who enjoy working with children, value cultural exchange, and want a structured yet fun way to spend their summer in the United States.
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
Participants start by sharing their background, availability, and work preferences. This helps ensure the right match.
Step 2: Visa and Job Placement
United Studies works with camps to place participants in approved seasonal jobs. We also guide visa applications and program processes clearly.
Step 3: Arrival & Immersion
Once in the United States, students settle into their new home, start work, and begin experiencing daily American life.
Step 4: Ongoing Support
Support does not stop after arrival. United Studies remains involved to help with questions, challenges, and adjustments along the way.
Step 5: Travel in the U.S.
Our summer camp program has extra time built in after the work period so you can travel and enjoy the United States as a tourist.
Summer Camp Program Requirements
The Summer Camp Program is designed for participants who are ready to take responsibility and work closely with children. Typical requirements include:
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Being 18 years or older
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Comfort working with children and teens
- Sufficiently proficient in English to lead an activity or group in an English-speaking environment
- Know one of the required camp skills to teach at a summer camp. You can view the full list here.
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Ability to live and work in a shared camp environment
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Willingness to follow camp rules and schedules
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Openness to teamwork, learning, and cultural exchange
These expectations help create a safe and positive environment for campers and staff.
Summer Camp Cultural Exchange Program Costs & Fees
Summer Camp Exchange Visitors will have upfront costs that include a program fee (paid to a domestic sponsor), Embassy fees, and the cost of travel. Direct placement or returning counselors and support staff may process their visa paperwork directly with United Studies. United Studies does not charge fees to participants, though all participants will pay Embassy fees and have travel expenses.
Regardless of sponsorship, you should have at least $1,000 available when you arrive to the U.S. to cover emergencies and discretionary expenses during time off. You do not need to carry this money with you all the time, and your food and housing expenses are covered by the camp.
Program Fees
Program Fees are paid to your home country agency. United Studies charges no fees unless you resign or are terminated early. In such cases, you may be liable for remaining camp costs.
Living Expenses and Budgeting
Camp Counselor Exchange Visitors live and work on sight. Meals are also provided. Camps pay in many different ways, either weekly, every 2 weeks, monthly, or at the end of the season. All of this is outlined in camp contracts before participants travel.
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.
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.
Build Your Skills and Confidence with Cultural Exchange
Working at a summer camp is more than a job. Participants gain leadership skills, confidence, and friendships that last long after the summer ends. Living and working at camp creates strong connections with campers, coworkers, and people from around the world.
With United Studies, participants are supported before arrival and throughout the season, so they can focus on making a positive impact and enjoying a truly memorable summer.
Ready to spend your summer at a U.S. camp?
Start your camp journey with guidance you can trust.
U.S. Summer Camp Culture Exchange Program
Frequently Asked Questions
It all starts with submitting your application! We have international work abroad partners in Europe, South America, and Asia. Once your cultural exchange application with us is approved, we will connect you with one of our partners to begin your journey.
An Exchange Visitor can expect to make the same wages as their American counterparts. Wages depend on the negotiated amount with the camp that will be outlined in the camp contract.
Camps pay at varying times throughout the season and the payment schedule can be found in the camp contract or through your camp contact. Housing, meals and availability of cultural activities are part of the paid benefits.
As part of your application and placement process, United Studies will assist you in securing housing for your stay. All camp members will live in camp housing on site or near camp property.
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.
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.
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, listed on the exchange visitor’s Form DS-2019, are firm and cannot be negotiated. Any changes musted be approved by United Studies before the program begins. 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. Camp Counselors may work during their free period or the summer if desired.
Exchange Visitors should not expect to travel on a Passport that will expire 6 months from the date of arrival to the U.S.
In the case that an Exchange Visitor must cancel their participation in 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 covered by health insurance during the dates listed on their Form DS-2019.
General illness and emergencies are covered by the United Studies selected health insurance. Any work related injuries will be covered by the camp and their workman’s compensation policy. Pre-existing conditions and preventative Covid-19 testing are 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.
Each Exchange Visitor is eligible for up to a 30-day Grace Period at the end of their program dates to travel and explore the U.S. However, an Exchange Visitor is expected to return in time to begin university coursework.
Each Exchange Visitor has a Sponsor in the U.S. that works with your international partner to prepare your documents and is your contact while you are in the U.S. A Sponsor prepares your DS-2019, validates you in SEVIS, and reviews your monthly check-ins.
United Studies is a U.S. Sponsor.
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 Summer Camp 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: