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General Information
This program provides young people from around the world with the opportunity to experience the United States in a way that is cultural, fun and educational! As a registered U.S. government designated sponsor of J-1 cultural exchange programs, we as an Operator offer people aged 18 to 28 a variety of unique options to work and travel in the U.S. for a four-month period during their summer holiday. Opportunities exist with a variety of quality employers as well as summer camps throughout the U.S., and applicants have their choice of several programs tailored to meet their individual needs. Whether looking to build upon your resume, experience true American culture, or just spend your holiday doing something different, this program has the opportunity you have been looking for! If you are prepared to work hard and have fun, this is the program for you!
How to apply?
- Contact your local representative, and arrange an interview
- Obtain 2 verifiable references in English
- Provide a copy of the details page in your passport
- Provide a letter confirming your student status (or a copy of your Student Book)
- Submit 2 passport-size photographs
- Pay the processing Fee
What does the program offer?
- Your choice of a variety of programs depending on your skills and background
- Professional and comprehensive support from a team of experienced professionals both during the application process and during your time in the U.S.
- Recruitment events in certain countries where you can meet potential employers in person and be offered a job right “on the spot”
- Detailed job offer/placement and travel information for your place of employment or camp
- Support in verifying validity of job offers and quality of working conditions
- Visa documentation and support in applying for your visa
- Comprehensive pre-departure orientation
- Meet and Greet upon arrival in New York, during the month of June, for those who request it
- Two free nights in a New York City hostel to be used either upon arrival in the U.S. or after your contract is completed
- Full comprehensive medical coverage for the duration of your visa
- The opportunity to travel and see the U.S. after your contract is completed
- Earn an hourly wage
- The freedom to find your own employment or have the operator arrange a placement for you with one of our quality pre-screened employers
- Housing will either be provided at a cost or you will have assistance in locating housing
- For the camp workers: All meals and accommodation, free of charge, for the duration of their contract (minimum nine weeks)
- Free transfer to your placement once in the U.S.
Flight info
Camp participants: You will be required to make your own flight arrangements to and from your place of employment at your own expense. You will receive a $500 flight contribution with your pocket money.
SWT participants: You will be required to make your own flight arrangements to and from your place of employment at your own expense. No flight
reimbursement is provided.
The program only works with the best employers – we don't "dump" participants with just any employer who needs staff – we only use those who have had a successful history of working with international staff, that we've inspected or that have been accredited by the American Camping Association. All we ask is that you bring us your skills and experience and we'll make sure you get to use them or have the opportunity to learn new ones!
What Program Options are Available?
SUMMER WORK TRAVEL (SWT) (Full-time students only)
- Self-Arranged Job Option – You have the choice of finding your own employer, or
- Placement Option – requesting a placement with one of our first-class employers offering various jobs in theme parks, resorts, country clubs, and a variety of other places. You will be working for an hourly wage and can often take advantage of free or subsidized meals and accommodation. You will, however, have to budget for your own transfer from your home country to your place of employment. Either way, you can be assured that our partner will handle all the documentation and endeavour to match your skills and experience to just the right position, helping to ensure that you have a unforgetable summer experience in the States.
SUMMER CAMP POSITIONS (Must be available by June 15)
Hardworking, enthusiastic, energetic young persons who want to work in an American summer camp can also join AWE in the following positions:
- SPECIALIST COUNSELLORS .... You can apply for this position if you have instructed or coached in one of the specialty activities and have quality experience working with youngsters
- SPECIAL NEEDS COUNSELLORS .... You can apply for this position if you are qualified and/or have quality experience working with adults or children with mental/physical disabilities.
- SUPPORT STAFF (Full-time students only) Previous experience in at least two areas, such as maintenance, cleaning, kitchen work, laundry or food preparation.
Once your application has been accepted, remember to do the following:
- Read all documents carefully, including the Welcome Letter
- Submit , Police Report, Medical Report, and any other required documents
- Memorize your AWE ID number; you will need to use it all the time!
- If you are on the Self-Arranged Job Option, make sure your U.S. employer fax or sends an Employment Agreement form to the office of our partners in USA
How much will I get paid?
CAMP STAFF Participants receive guaranteed pocket money, and, in some cases, additional bonuses
SWT Participants are paid on an hourly basis dependent on placement and position. Your Offer of Placement Letter will provide details of rate being offered, together with any additional benefits.
REMEMBER - American employers want hard workers and in return, they will try to ensure that you have the greatest cultural exchange experience possible. Ideal applicants are those who enjoy giving and experiencing new things and are prepared to work as part of a team in either an indoor or outdoor environment. Being a hard, diligent, and dependable worker are part of your keys to a successful summer, as are having a strong work ethic and the ability to be enthusiastic about even the most mundane job!
What are the Application Requirements?
In order to participate, you must comply with the following criteria. You must:
- be aged 18-28
- be available to work in the US for at least 9 weeks (All camp staff must be available to arrive by June 15)
- speak fluent English and have good communication skills
- provide two verifiable references, supportive of the position for which you are applying
- hold an international passport and provide a copy of the ‘personal details’ page
- provide a satisfactory Medical and Police Report
- be able to pay the required fees
- have every intention and be able to provide proof of returning to your home country at the conclusion of the program
- never have been convicted of a crime or offence of a sexual nature or one that was related to drugs or violence or theft
- be enthusiastic, adaptable and flexible, and have a good sense of humour
SWT &Camp Support staff must:
- be a bona fide full-time student (attending for at least 18 hours per week) at the time of application
- have evidence of their registration for a full-time course of study
- provide a supportive reference from a previous employer for whom you worked – references must be written within the previous 6 months prior to your application. (This employment may have been full or part-time, paid or voluntary).
Specialist Counselors must:
- have an excellent level of skill in a high demand activity. (Those with a teaching/ coaching qualification will receive placement priority if their application is supported by relevant references and copies of awards and certificates)
- have recent successful experience working with groups of youngsters
- be a good communicator
- be able to lead, motivate, and inspire children and co-workers
Special Needs Counselors must:
- have a calm, caring nature
- be dedicated to working with challenged populations
- be willing to work with both children and adults with a wide range of disabilities
- have a general level of skill in a range of activities
- have recent, relevant experience of working with challenged groups
- be able to provide a reference from that previous work
- be a good communicator
- have an ability to lead, motivate and inspire the campers
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