Become an Summer Camp Counselor

Become an Summer Camp Counselor

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Become an International Camp Counselor!
Travel and work over your summer break! International Camp Counselors experience the U.S. for up to 4 months while earning wages and leading others.

The Camp Counselor program places you in direct contact with citizens from the U.S. and the world, allows you to plan for travel adventures big and small across the 50 States, and helps to grow your CV at a U.S. Summer Camp in an leadership position.

Each year United Studies works with international agencies from around the globe. We welcome and seek out a diverse body of partners and Exchange Visitors to join us for a memorable experience.
 

So How Does It Work?
 
   

APPLY

  

INTERVIEW

  

TRAVEL
Camp Counselor Exchange Visitors work with their home country agency to apply for the program, submit the necessary documents all while meeting the program requirements.   

There are several interviews that a Camp Counselor Exchange Visitor should plan for during the application process:

  • Applicant interview with your home country agency,
  • English evaluation, 
  • Employer interview(s) 
  • And, Visa appointment interview. 
 

Pack and get ready to travel!

Well, there are probably a few things before packing that you will need to do.

  • Attend a pre-arrival orientation about the Camp Counselor experience 
  • Gather your government documents for travel
  • Now, you can pack! 
 

Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you have any questions or would like to apply, please contact us today!
 
 
Apply   Request Info
 

Become an International Camp Counselor!
Travel and work over your summer break! International Camp Counselors experience the U.S. for up to 4 months while earning wages and leading others.

The Camp Counselor program places you in direct contact with citizens from the U.S. and the world, allows you to plan for travel adventures big and small across the 50 States, and helps to grow your CV at a U.S. Summer Camp in an leadership position.

Each year United Studies works with international agencies from around the globe. We welcome and seek out a diverse body of partners and Exchange Visitors to join us for a memorable experience.
 

So How Does It Work?
 

APPLY
Camp Counselor Exchange Visitors work with their home country agency to apply for the program, submit the necessary documents all while meeting the program requirements. 
 

INTERVIEW

There are several interviews that a Camp Counselor Exchange Visitor should plan for during the application process:

  • Applicant interview with your home country agency,
  • English evaluation, 
  • Employer interview(s) 
  • And, Visa appointment interview. 
 

TRAVEL

Pack and get ready to travel!

Well, there are probably a few things before packing that you will need to do.

  • Attend a pre-arrival orientation about the Camp Counselor experience 
  • Gather your government documents for travel
  • Now, you can pack! 
 

Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you have any questions or would like to apply, please contact us today!
 
 
Request Info
 
Apply
 

What Are the Fees Associated with Becoming a Camp Counselor?
 
 

PROGRAM FEES
Program Fees are paid to your home country agency. In general, you are not charged any fees by United Studies, unless you request an extension or services above your normal program dates and activities. 
 

LIVING EXPENSES AND BUDGETING
Camp Counselor Exhange Visitors live and work on sight. Meals are also provided. Because of this wages are normally distributed at the end of the camp session. 
 

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
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. 
 

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. 
 
 
 

If you have any questions or would like to apply, please contact us today!
 
Apply   Request Info
 

What Are the Fees Associated with Becoming a Camp Counselor?
 
 

PROGRAM FEES
Program Fees are paid to your home country agency. In general, you are not charged any fees by United Studies, unless you request an extension or services above your normal program dates and activities. 
 

LIVING EXPENSES AND BUDGETING
Camp Counselor Exhange Visitors live and work on sight. Meals are also provided. Because of this wages are normally distributed at the end of the camp session. 
 

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
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. 
 

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. 
 
 
 

If you have any questions or would like to apply, please contact us today!
 
Request Info
 
Apply
 

Who Can Participate?
Camp Counselor applicants must meet these requirements: 
  • Sufficiently proficient in English to successfully lead an activity or a group in an English-speaking environment 
  • At least 18 years of age 
  • A bona fide youth worker, student, teacher, or an individual with a specialized skill 
 

So How Does It Work?
 
   

AGE

  

ENGLISH SKILLS

  

SKILLS
At least 18 years of age  

Sufficienly proficient in English to successfully lead an activity or a group in an English-speaking environment.

  

A bona fide youth worker, student, teacher, or an individual with a specialized skill.
 

Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you have any questions or would like to apply, please contact us today!
 
 
Apply   Request Info
 

Who Can Participate?
Camp Counselor applicants must meet these requirements: 
  • Sufficiently proficient in English to successfully lead an activity or a group in an English-speaking environment 
  • At least 18 years of age 
  • A bona fide youth worker, student, teacher, or an individual with a specialized skill 
 

So How Does It Work?
 

AGE
At least 18 years of age
 

ENGLISH SKILLS
Sufficienly proficient in English to successfully lead an activity or a group in an English-speaking environment.
 

SKILLS
A bona fide youth worker, student, teacher, or an individual with a specialized skill.
 
 
 
 

Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you have any questions or would like to apply, please contact us today!
 
 
Request Info
 
Apply
 

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. 
 

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.
 

Loss or Expiration of Passports or Documents
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.
 

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.
 

Monthly Check-ins
 
 

U.S. Sponsor
Intl partners use multiple sponsors 

United Studies is yours 

We write your docs, complete your check-ins and are responsible while you are in the U.S. 
 

Kind of Jobs
Exchange Visitors in the Camp Counselor program must have vetted and approved job offer before coming to the U.S. Exchange Visitors in the Camp Counselors Program jobs can only work at Summer Camps as Camp Counselors. 
 

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.

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 Camp Counselor 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. 
 

How To Apply
Exchange Visitor applicants will apply for the Camp Counselor program through their home country agency.

To apply for the Camp Counselor, you will need a passport, a CV, police background check, and a documented check-up with a medical professional. 
 

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.
 

Insurance
Exchange Visitors are covered by health insurance during their CC 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 
 

Cancellation/Withdrawal
In the case that an Exchange Visitor must cancel or withdraw from the Camp Counselor 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. 
 

Program Staff

Gail Leopold

Previously from Connecticut and now living in Westchester, New York, Gail has been in the J1 industry for over 35 years. Having gained much experience during that time by visiting camps, meeting with directors, conducting orientations for participants both abroad and in the U.S., and as an American Camp Association Standards Visitor, she continues to endeavor matching participants with camps so a great experience is had by both camp and counselor.

 

She brings to United Studies her knowledge of camps and expertise in the J1 field in order to help increase market share, and share her joy in making placements that insure a successful camp experience for everyone.



Danielle Allenbrand

Danielle was exposed to exchange while in high school. Her family hosted a student from France and a student from China. The memories of being a host sister stuck with Danielle so when she became a mom, she encouraged her family to begin hosting students. Hosting turned into an opportunity to work with United Studies as a coordinator, in the office with the high school program and now also working with Camp Counselor and Summer Work & Travel programs. Danielle loves cultural exchange and working with all involved to help everyone have a successful experience. She hopes that everyone learns and grows from exchange and tries to find the life lesson in each memory. Danielle and her husband have two children of their own and an ever-growing family of exchange students. Danielle loves working in her flower garden, talking to new people and tries to spend time recharging at the beach as often as possible! Danielle hopes to make the world a smaller place through exchange.



 

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. 
 

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.
 

Loss or Expiration of Passports or Documents
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.
 

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.
 

Monthly Check-ins
 
 

U.S. Sponsor
Intl partners use multiple sponsors 

United Studies is yours 

We write your docs, complete your check-ins and are responsible while you are in the U.S. 
 

Kind of Jobs
Exchange Visitors in the Camp Counselor program must have vetted and approved job offer before coming to the U.S. Exchange Visitors in the Camp Counselors Program jobs can only work at Summer Camps as Camp Counselors. 
 

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.

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 Camp Counselor 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. 
 

How To Apply
Exchange Visitor applicants will apply for the Camp Counselor program through their home country agency.

To apply for the Camp Counselor, you will need a passport, a CV, police background check, and a documented check-up with a medical professional. 
 

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.
 

Insurance
Exchange Visitors are covered by health insurance during their CC 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 
 

Cancellation/Withdrawal
In the case that an Exchange Visitor must cancel or withdraw from the Camp Counselor 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. 
 

Program Staff

Gail Leopold

 

Previously from Connecticut and now living in Westchester, New York, Gail has been in the J1 industry for over 35 years. Having gained much experience during that time by visiting camps, meeting with directors, conducting orientations for participants both abroad and in the U.S., and as an American Camp Association Standards Visitor, she continues to endeavor matching participants with camps so a great experience is had by both camp and counselor.

 

She brings to United Studies her knowledge of camps and expertise in the J1 field in order to help increase market share, and share her joy in making placements that insure a successful camp experience for everyone.


 

Danielle Allenbrand

 

Danielle was exposed to exchange while in high school. Her family hosted a student from France and a student from China. The memories of being a host sister stuck with Danielle so when she became a mom, she encouraged her family to begin hosting students. Hosting turned into an opportunity to work with United Studies as a coordinator, in the office with the high school program and now also working with Camp Counselor and Summer Work & Travel programs. Danielle loves cultural exchange and working with all involved to help everyone have a successful experience. She hopes that everyone learns and grows from exchange and tries to find the life lesson in each memory. Danielle and her husband have two children of their own and an ever-growing family of exchange students. Danielle loves working in her flower garden, talking to new people and tries to spend time recharging at the beach as often as possible! Danielle hopes to make the world a smaller place through exchange.

What to Expect When Living in the US!
The easiest way of describing US culture is acknowledging that it is a melting pot of many different traditions and individuality. The country’s customs, holidays, food, and music are a fusion of many immigrant heritages that were adapted to new surroundings. Americans have a strong sense of independence and a willingness to share their own ideas, own viewpoints, and value the freedom to do it their way. 
 

 
 
   

BE ON TIME

  

HOUSING

  

TRANSPORTATION
When working a typical job in the U.S., you should be aware of traditional US business practices. Carefully review your job duties and make sure you are performing those to your supervisor’s expectations. It is important to be on time and ready to work your shift.  Prepare for traffic delays if you do not work close to your job. Forty hours a week is typically a full time position. If you do not show up for work and do not call in, this may be grounds for the employer to terminate your position.  

Housing cost and rent will vary from location to location. But, on average you can expect to pay between $85 to $135 per week. Your rent in general will include furnishings, utilities, and wi-fi in a shared bedroom. Housing is very hard to find in popular seasonal destinations and can be more expensive than you would think.

  

Transportation can be readily available in larger cities and towns that include public transit systems, metros, Ubers and taxis. However, if you will be living in a more rural community, a small town or at a summer camp, public transportation may not be available at all. It is important to discuss this with your employer and ask how an Exchange Visitor can get from their place of work or house to a local grocery store, other entertainment options and travel hubs. 
 

Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you have any questions or would like to apply, please contact us today!
 
 
Apply   Request Info
 

What to Expect When Living in the US!
The easiest way of describing US culture is acknowledging that it is a melting pot of many different traditions and individuality. The country’s customs, holidays, food, and music are a fusion of many immigrant heritages that were adapted to new surroundings. Americans have a strong sense of independence and a willingness to share their own ideas, own viewpoints, and value the freedom to do it their way. 
 

 
 

BE ON TIME
When working a typical job in the U.S., you should be aware of traditional US business practices. Carefully review your job duties and make sure you are performing those to your supervisor’s expectations. It is important to be on time and ready to work your shift.  Prepare for traffic delays if you do not work close to your job. Forty hours a week is typically a full time position. If you do not show up for work and do not call in, this may be grounds for the employer to terminate your position.

 
 

HOUSING
Housing cost and rent will vary from location to location. But, on average you can expect to pay between $85 to $135 per week. Your rent in general will include furnishings, utilities, and wi-fi in a shared bedroom. Housing is very hard to find in popular seasonal destinations and can be more expensive than you would think.

 
 

TRANSPORTATION
Transportation can be readily available in larger cities and towns that include public transit systems, metros, Ubers and taxis. However, if you will be living in a more rural community, a small town or at a summer camp, public transportation may not be available at all. It is important to discuss this with your employer and ask how an Exchange Visitor can get from their place of work or house to a local grocery store, other entertainment options and travel hubs. 
 
 

Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you have any questions or would like to apply, please contact us today!
 
 
Request Info
 
Apply
 


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