Background image for
Profile photo of
CIEE Staff

Work Exchanges

Hometown: the world!

We blog about CIEE's Work Exchange programs: Summer Work Travel, Camp Counselor, Intern, Trainee, Research Scholar, and Professor. Share your story!

Posts

James Barrett, executive chef at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Resort in Cambridge, Maryland, traveled to Thailand and Indonesia with CIEE BridgeUSA to interview candidates for culinary roles in his kitchen.
From CIEE

What Is a Hiring Roadshow? A Guide for Employers

By Work Exchanges at CIEE

If filling roles – whether seasonal, high volume, or specialized – has become more challenging, you’re not alone. Employers across industries are exploring new ways to stay competitive. Like hiring roadshows.

Illustration of colorful gears
From CIEE

Where Can You Find Qualified Engineering Interns? Looking Beyond Traditional Recruiting Channels

By Work Exchanges at CIEE

To build a strong engineering internship program, employers need to know where engineering students and recent graduates look for internships – and what recruiting options they may be missing.

Illustration of the parts of a J-1 visa training plan
From CIEE

J-1 Visa Training Plan (Form DS-7002) for BridgeUSA Interns and Trainees Explained

By Work Exchanges at CIEE

Because so much is prepared before the BridgeUSA Intern and Trainee programs begin, both the employer and the participant know exactly what to expect throughout the experience.

Summer Work Travel participants ride Maid of the Mist, a popular boat tour in Niagara Falls, New York.
From CIEE

6 Cultural Exchange Activities That Are Easy for Employers to Organize

By Work Exchanges at CIEE

Many employers worry that organizing cultural activities for participants will be complicated, time consuming, or expensive. The good news? It doesn’t have to be.

Image of a J-1 visa
From CIEE

What Is a J-1 Visa Sponsor? An Employer's Guide to Hosting International Exchange Participants Through BridgeUSA

By Work Exchanges at CIEE

If you’re considering hosting international talent at your workplace, you’ll need to work with a J-1 visa sponsor. Understanding that relationship is one of the most important first steps for employers.

From CIEE

4 BridgeUSA Professional Exchange Programs Employers Should Know

By Work Exchanges at CIEE

Hiring globally doesn’t have to mean long-term sponsorship, relocation challenges, or complex immigration processes. Sometimes, organizations just need access to global expertise – quickly, clearly, and with a defined purpose.

Michael Lumpkin is the retail senior manager of Aramark Destinations Pikes Peak.
From CIEE

Summer Work Travel Employer Q&A: How Aramark Destinations Pikes Peak Builds a Strong Seasonal Retail Team

By Work Exchanges at CIEE

Meet U.S. employers partnering with CIEE BridgeUSA to hire international seasonal staff and support cultural exchange. Michael Lumpkin, retail senior manager at Aramark Destinations Pikes Peak, shares his experience.

Culinary interns from South Africa pose for a photo.
From CIEE

Why BridgeUSA Is a Safe, Structured Way to Host International Talent

By Work Exchanges at CIEE

You’re ready to host international interns or trainees with the BridgeUSA program, but questions linger: How does it actually work? Will you have real support? And how can you be sure you’re staying compliant?

Graphic illustration of puzzle pieces showing how host employers, BridgeUSA participants, and J-1 visa sponsors are connected
From CIEE

What Employers Should Know About Working with a U.S. Department of State-Designated J-1 Sponsor

By Work Exchanges at CIEE

Bringing international talent into your workplace can be a smart move. But first, ask yourself: Is this J‑1 visa sponsor designated by the U.S. Department of State?

Graphic illustration of a J-1 visa
From CIEE

J-1 Visa Basics Every Employer Should Understand

By Work Exchanges at CIEE

The J‑1 visa supports a flexible, culturally rich exchange program that benefits both employers and participants. Yet misconceptions about BridgeUSA compliance, training plans, and employer responsibilities often create unnecessary hesitation.