BridgeUSA Local Coordinators Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ's
A local coordinator – often referred to as an LC – is a member of the community who helps international high school students and host families navigate the exchange experience. They assist with placements, meet with families, connect with local schools, and offer guidance throughout the program.
With CIEE, it is an independent, 1099 contractor role that receives compensation for each student placed with a host family.
Just like all hosts and participants CIEE works with, we give our local coordinators our Gold Standard Service in terms of support. The CIEE team is available 24/7 for local coordinators.
CIEE also ensures that you’re well prepared to take on the local coordination role. By completing training with both the U.S. Department of State and CIEE, you position yourself for success in your community. Plus, you’ll receive updates throughout the year, as well as annual training should you continue serving as a local coordinator.
You can also bookmark the Host Family Resources page to keep handy.
No, it is not; though it is a great role to add supplemental income and a rewarding position with potential international travel perks. The local coordinator role is designed to be flexible, which is why it’s structured as an independent 1099 contractor position. Coordinators can work as many hours as they choose, but monetary compensation is based on the number of exchange students they place and supervise with host families in their community.
With CIEE, local coordinators help match international students with host families, stay in touch with both throughout the program, and make sure the exchange experience runs smoothly.
Local coordinators have the flexibility to set their own schedules. Some weeks may require more time – such as during student placements or community events – while others are lighter.
You choose when to handle communication, visits, and administrative tasks, making it easy to balance the role with other work or family commitments.
Yes, being a local coordinator is a remote position. In terms of working outside your home, you’ll occasionally be asked to meet up with participants and host families in person (within a 120-mile radius) to meet State Department requirements.
There are three basic requirements for local coordinators to move forward in the application process. You must:
- Be a U.S. citizen and authorized to work in the United States
- Be at least 25 years old
- Pass a criminal background check
- Not be employed by another J‑1 visa sponsor at the same time
Get more information about all of the local coordinator role requirements at CIEE.
No, you do not need experience to become a local coordinator. While serving as a host family or having worked with teens is helpful, it is not a requirement to take on the role.
Learn more about the local coordinator role responsibilities. And contact the CIEE BridgeUSA High School team to find out if the role would be a good fit for you.
No, you are not required to host an exchange student while you are a local coordinator. While you may find it helpful to have had firsthand experience in the past, CIEE understands that committing to coordinating and hosting simultaneously may not be feasible for everyone.
Should you choose to host while taking on the duties of a local coordinator, you must host through the CIEE BridgeUSA High School program.
As a local coordinator with the BridgeUSA High School program, you’ll be responsible for:
- Recruiting, screening, and supporting host families
- Guiding students during their stay
- Acting as a cultural exchange ambassador
In short, you become the connecting piece between the student, host family, and the host school.
Discover more about all of the responsibilities of a local coordinator.
Yes, local coordinators recruit host families in their area. LCs typically say that this is the most rewarding part of the role especially when the participant has an overly positive experience.
Meanwhile, CIEE and international representatives work with students abroad who want to live and study in the U.S. Together, they ensure these teenagers get the full American experience.
One of the main responsibilities of a local coordinator is matching students with host families.
This can involve interviewing prospective families, learning about their interests and lifestyles, and guiding them through the placement process, with continued support throughout the school year.
But you won't do it alone. A sponsor like CIEE will provide you with the training and resources you need to be successful. You'll also have two dedicated regional support members walking alongside you for every step of the way.
The average local coordinator starts with a group of 5 students.
Most local coordinators work with a small number of students at a time, ensuring each one gets the attention and support they need throughout the school year.
Local coordinators earn money per placement. That means there’s no set salary or hourly rate. The role is project based, meaning you’ll earn compensation with each participant you place. With CIEE, local coordinators can earn $1,000-$2,000 per student placement.
You’ll receive your compensation within a week of the placement being all set.
Yes. To become a local coordinator, you must complete training from the U.S. Department of State, plus additional training provided by CIEE. Throughout the year, you'll receive updates, and refresher training is available if you continue past the first year.
You'll also have ongoing support from your CIEE regional placement manager. We deeply value the work our local coordinators do and are here for you every step of the way.
It’s OK to not have the answer to every question right away! Reach out to your CIEE regional placement manager to get the information needed to answer the host family or participant’s answer correctly.
As a local coordinator, if you run into an emergency, you should get in touch with your program support specialist. You also could reach out to CIEE’s dedicated 24/7 CIEE participant services team.
You may also find it helpful to bookmark the Host Family Resources page.