CIEE BridgeUSA Work Exchanges Blog
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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
Ryan's Amazing Adventures in America, Part I
By Ryan O'Leary, CIEE Work & Travel USA 2015 and Graduate Visa USA 2016 Check back next week for Part II of Ryan's story! Hi there, my name is Ryan... keep reading
Ryan's Amazing Adventures in America: Part II
By Ryan O'Leary, CIEE Work & Travel USA 2015 and CIEE Graduate Visa 2016 During those twelve months post-Cape Cod, I couldn’t get America out of my head. I felt... keep reading