CIEE BridgeUSA Work Exchanges Blog
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Moving Halfway Across the World to Become a Camp Counselor
Nervous. Excited. Scared. Those are some words I could use to describe the feelings I had upon packing my life into a 23kg suitcase to work at a summer camp in the United States.
What Is a J-1 Visa Sponsor? An Employer's Guide to Hosting International Exchange Participants Through BridgeUSA
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.
What Employers Should Know About Working with a U.S. Department of State-Designated J-1 Sponsor
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?
J-1 Visa Basics Every Employer Should Understand
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.
Exchange Program Sponsors vs. Agents: What's the Difference?
Sponsors and agents. They sound similar, but are they? While both can help participants come to America on a BridgeUSA exchange program, they play very different roles in the process.
What 24/7 Sponsor Support Really Means for Employers
A partner. An ally. An advocate. That’s the kind of support employers deserve from a J-1 visa sponsor and their BridgeUSA program: reliable, responsive, and always in your corner.
Summer Camp Spotlight: Easter Seals Camp Sno-Mo
My name is Chris Ellis, and I'm the director for Easter Seals Camp Sno-Mo in New Hampshire. I've been here for 15 years, and I have worked with staff from CIEE for all of the 15 years.
Lessons from the Unplugged Life: The Art of Being Here
As the final week of camp arrived, I’d learned – truly learned – how to live in the moment.
A Summer Job Becomes a Life-Changing Career Path
Maria thought she was just signing up for a summer job. Four years later, everything's changed.
The Power of Disconnecting to Reconnect: Finding Presence at Camp
At camp, disconnecting from screens opens the door to genuine connections with nature, campers, and ourselves. As a first-time counselor, I witnessed how unplugging transforms moments into meaningful memories.
Camp Counselor: The Toughest Job You Will Ever Love
by Roisin Doyle, CIEE Camp Exchange USA, 2019 Like most girls my age, I have dreamed of going to an American summer camp ever since I was a kid after... keep reading
Building Girls of Courage, Confidence, and Character
by Frederikke Baunbæk Larsen, CIEE Camp Exchange USA, 2019 I see myself as quite a normal girl: I was born and raised in small and ordinary Denmark. I spent my... keep reading
Becoming a Teacher and a Friend at Summer Camp
By Saces Ferrer, CIEE Camp Exchange USA 2019 participant Hi! I am Saces Ferrer from the Philippines and I participated in the Camp Exchange USA program with the help of... keep reading
From Biscuits and Grits to Being a Role Model: Lee Yan Yi's Camp Exchange USA Experience
By Lee Yan Yi, current CIEE Camp Exchange USA 2019 participant I am from Malaysia. I am working as a camp counselor at YMCA Camp Cosby this summer. I am... keep reading
How Margarette Became "CharisMaggie"
By Margarette “Maggie” Leandre My name is Margarette, but many people call me Maggie. I was born in Guyana but I grew up in Jamaica. I found out about the... keep reading