How it works
You’ll enjoy dedicated support from the moment you sign up.
Overview
Get ready to embark on the summer adventure of a lifetime! Every great expedition needs a map, and these guideline pages are your essential guide to navigating your application, job placement, and travel – ensuring a seamless, safe, and wildly successful experience as you leap forward into American Summer Exchange.
Step 1: Submit Application (Applications for Summer 2026 Open Soon)
Program start dates are between late May – mid June.
Applications open December 1, 2025. The deadline to sign up is May 31, 2026, but early sign up is strongly encouraged!
Step 2: Interview with an InterExchange program advisor
We’ll review your application and preferences for travel location and job. We’ll also discuss what you are hoping to get out of your summer experience!
Step 3: Job interview with Host Employer
We’ll arrange your interview with the host employer. Upon hire, you’ll receive an employment contract and employee handbook. You’ll also receive information about the job site, housing, transportation, and other important information for making your trip.
Step 4: Arrival
Get acclimated and situated a few days before your job begins. Start dates can occur as early as May 15, or as late as mid-June.
Throughout the summer, InterExchange will be available for support during your program!
Requirements
Eligibility and Selection
Participants must be:
At least 18 years old at program start date
Legal to work in the U.S.
Graduate of an accredited U.S. high school
Enrolled full-time in a classroom-based U.S. college, university, or other higher-education institution either currently, starting in fall 2026, or with deferred status for 2027
Committed to participating in the cultural and professional development aspects of the program
All qualified applicants will be contacted by an InterExchange staff member to begin the interview and placement process.
Duration of Participation
Participants must commit from 8-16 weeks during their summer vacation. Program start dates are flexible and begin as early as May 15.
Costs & Earnings
Program Fee
Program fee: $295
Travel Costs
Some common travel sites for comparative prices include:
Approximate travel costs will depend on the distance from your home to your program placement site.
Earnings
In general, participants will cover any travel expenses with earnings from their job. Past participants were able to earn enough money to cover their expenses, and many were able to save enough to travel in the U.S. before returning home.
You will earn at least minimum wage, and often more, with an average of 35-38 hours per week. Specific hourly earnings are detailed on the job descriptions section on the Main Program Page.
Other Costs
Jobs
Job Types
As part of the American Summer Exchange Program, participants will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in various roles across different settings. Below are some of the job types available to participants:
1. Kitchen Positions
Line cook, food prep, dishwashing. All under the supervision of a kitchen manager or a head chef.
2. Server/Dining Room
Bringing orders to customers, serving water and some refreshments, maintaining a clean dining facility and buffet area, assisting with some kitchen duties as needed.
3. Outdoor Attendant
Assisting visitors with information and directions about walks, hiking, driving and parking, information about facility offerings and rules, and overall help with the environment.
4. Retail
Assist customers with gift shop purchases (point of sale), may involve light refreshments such as ice cream or coffee/tea, provide direction and information about the facilities.
5. Lifeguard
Ensuring a safe environment for swimmers, and maintaining a clean and safe pool. Experience is necessary but training/certification is an option!
What skills will you gain?
- Practical work experience
- Cultural competency
- Communication in diverse scenarios
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Resourcefulness and problem solving
Housing
Where will I live?
All housing will be pre-arranged by InterExchange and your host employer and will be directly at or very near your job location.
How much does housing cost?
Typical rents are weekly and range for $125-150 per week (500-600 per month) for a 2-3 person dorm-type shared room.
Some locations have costs on top of rent due upfront: a housing deposit due within the first month or a one-time fee for utilities. Please refer to the location guides on the Main Program Page. for more information per location.
Types of Housing
Housing is typically dorm-style with 1-4 people per room. Floors or suites are separated by gender. Bathrooms are separated by gender. Common areas such as recreation, living rooms, and kitchens are mixed-gender. See each location fact sheet for more details!
Transportation
Will I need to bring a car?
Participant housing is arranged in close proximity to the work site so participants will not need to bring a car.
Public transportation and bicycles are generally available.
Cultural Curriculum
One of the goals of this program is to immerse in culture. During the program, we’ll send you reflection questions about your cultural identity and what you learn about other cultures while on program.
You can reflect and reply to us in a variety of formats: either a quick video, or written reflection with photos.
The curriculum is designed to be both quick and easily done from a phone or tablet, and to inspire insightful reflection about your cultural exchange experience.
Crossroads Grant
The American Summer Exchange Crossroads Grant provides up to $500 to highly motivated participants who have demonstrated a strong interest in cultural exchange, education or community building!
Crossroads Grant Eligibility
- An applicant for participation in the American Summer Exchange program.
- Has demonstrated exceptional contribution to community via a civic organization, volunteer role, or other community-oriented activity.
- Willing to travel outside of your comfort zone!
Crossroads Grant Application
Applicants for the grant must first complete the regular American Summer Exchange Program Application. The Crossroads Grant application consists of a few additional short essay questions, plus a reference letter.
Who can write a Reference Letter?
A community leader, volunteer coach or teacher who supervises or oversees you in a program, class, club, internship, or job and can describe your previous experience as a changemaker in your community.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Grant Application Opens: December 1, 2025
Grant Deadline: February 1, 2026
Grant Notification: February 15
Crossroads Grant Award Disbursement
Once accepted into the American Summer Exchange program and upon award of the Crossroads Grant, participants are required to submit a brief written itinerary to InterExchange, outlining their estimated program costs and how they will use the grant to support their program participation.
