Internship Program

About the Program

What is our Internship Program?

Our Internship program is designed to allow college, university students or recent graduates to go to the United States and get hands-on experience of US culture and business practices in their chosen occupational field. The program bridges the gap between formal education and practical work experience.

What's included in the price?

Our program fee includes the following:

• Work permit

• Job placement

• Personalised training plan

• Health insurance

• Housing assistance

• Visa assitance (where applicable)

• Cultural activities

• 24/7 helpline

Is this program right for me?

To take part in our 1-year Internship Program you must:

• Be enrolled in and pursuing studies at college or university; or be a recent graduate (no more than 12 months)

• Apply for an internship program that is directly related to your field of study

What occupational fields are eligible for internship programs?

There are many occupational fields eligible for internship programs. Cultural Exchange Bridge specialises in hospitality, tourism and agriculture, and we source and place students in paid internships in these fields.

We also offer services to students who wish to find their own placements in other fields.  For a full list of occupational fields eligible 

for J1-visa internship programs click here

What about my prospective employer, are they right for me?

Our partner employers are all vetted by our sponsors who operate under the auspices of the US Government Department of State.

This means the employer:

• recognises that you are an entry level intern, and tailors your internship to your level of skills and experience

• keeps your internship consistent with the training objectives outlined in your program application

• abides by all federal, state and local occupational health and safety laws

• abide by all program rules and regulations set forth by the sponsors, including the completion of all mandatory program evaluations

• have sufficient resources, plant, equipment and trained personnel available

• provide continuous on-site supervision and mentoring by experienced and knowledgeable staff

• Ensure that interns obtain skills, knowledge, and competencies through structured and guided activities including but not limited to: classroom training, seminars, rotation through several departments, on-the-job training, attendance at conferences

Your employer is also required to notify your sponsor promptly if there are any changes in or deviations from the internship placement plan during training and internship programs and immediately in the event of any emergency involving interns.

You mentioned a sponsor, what is that?

A J-1 visa program sponsor is a non-profit organisation that provides safe and secure J-1 visa programs in the United States. They are responsible for a number of things including your work permit, insurance and eligibility of our employer partners. They have authorisation from the United States government to do this – so they are a pretty big deal. Sponsors work with specialist companies like us, to make sure they receive enough exchange visitors to meet the stated goals of the J-1 visa program.

Cultural Exchange Bridge work with The Wise Foundation for Internship Programs. If you want to find out more, check out their website here: Wise Foundation