When you host BridgeUSA J-1 Summer Work Travel exchange visitors, your business becomes part of a public diplomacy effort that has been building international goodwill since 1949. You are not just filling a seasonal staffing need; you are giving an international university student a genuine American experience they will carry with them for life.
As the U.S. Department of State states, the responsibility of creating an effective, meaningful, safe, and productive summer exchange experience rests with the host employer.
AWA handles vetting, compliance, insurance, and exchange visitor support so you can focus on running your business.
By participating in the AWA BridgeUSA program, host employers agree to the following responsibilities:
- Provide seasonal or temporary employment that complies with all federal, state, and local labor laws
- Pay exchange visitors at least the applicable federal, state, or local minimum wage (whichever is highest), consistent with wages paid to comparable U.S. workers
- Provide or arrange safe, compliant, and reasonably priced housing, or assist exchange visitors in locating suitable housing
- Provide adequate orientation and on-the-job training
- Supervise exchange visitors and offer ongoing guidance and support throughout the placement
- Create a welcoming environment that encourages cross-cultural interaction and genuine people-to-people exchange
- Notify AWA immediately of any exchange visitor health, safety, or welfare concerns
- Notify AWA if an exchange visitor does not arrive, abandons their position, or if employment terms change
- Maintain required workers' compensation insurance for all BridgeUSA exchange visitors as required by state law
- Not place exchange visitors in prohibited job categories as defined by the U.S. Department of State
To become an approved AWA host employer, please submit the following:
- Host Employer Application
- Business License
- Workers' Compensation Insurance
- Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Housing Documentation and Photos
Contact us at info@workadventures.org or +1-888-292-0088. Our team will walk you through the employer vetting process and connect you with pre-screened international participants for your seasonal staffing needs.