J-1 cultural exchange · United States

3 months

J1 Summer Camp Program

Spend up to three months of the US summer camp season working as a camp counselor alongside American staff, teaching campers and sharing your culture.

Duration
3 Months
Programme cost
Program Fee $750 USD |Other Cost: Insurance Fee, SEVIS Fee and Visa Fee
Guidance
Before departure and while abroad

Overview

The Camp Counselor program allows students, youth workers, teachers, nurse and other eligible candidates experienced in working with children professionally, the opportunity to work in the US as a camp counselor for up to 3 months during the US summer camp season. Camp counselors work alongside US staff members, provide additional skill sets to teach campers, and offer the benefits of a cultural exchange experience.

Who can apply

To participate you must be:

  • Between 18 and 26 years of age

  • Childcare experience: Must have graduated High School at a school or Day Care OR have a Certificate in Early Childhood, Nursing, social Work or Teaching AND OR

  • Be a University Student.

  • Must also be able to provide a Job letter/Letter of recommendation on a letter head as it relates to what you are qualified in.

  • Have a conversational level of English

  • Independent and mature traveler

  • Flexible attitude and willingness to learn

  • Committed to fulfilling job duties for the duration of the program

  • You don't have to be in university or college to be a camp counselor.


Checklist:

(Camp Counselor) non-university

  • Passport

  • Passport size picture

  • Police Record

  • Medical Report

  • 3 Reference

  • Childcare experience letter

(Camp staff) University students

  • Passport

  • School ID

  • Status letter

  • Unofficial transcripts

  • Passport size picture

  • Police Record

  • Medical Report

  • 3 Reference

  • Childcare experience letter

What you’ll be doing

Guiding and teaching children through the American summer camp season — running activities, leading a cabin or a speciality area, and being the counsellor campers remember.

You work alongside American staff, live on site for up to three months, and share your own culture with campers and colleagues. Most counsellors finish the season with time left on their visa to travel.

What’s included

  • Guaranteed PlacementPosition secured before arriving so you know exactly where you are going and you begin earning right away.
  • Medical Insurance CoverageMedical insurance coverage for the duration of your program
  • Emergency Support24/7 emergency support from our U.S. based support teams
  • OrientationWe work with you in advance to prepare you for your adventure and provide you with an orientation about what to expect.
  • International Requirements GuidanceGuidance on visa requirements and travel medical insurance

How to apply

Every program has different requirements, but your Polaris journey follows a clear, guided path.

  1. Step1

    Start here

    Choose and assess

    Review the programs, submit your interest form and complete an initial eligibility assessment.

  2. Step2

    Build your file

    Apply and document

    Complete the current online application and upload the requested passport, school, work and reference documents.

  3. Step3

    Find your fit

    Interview and placement

    Prepare for required interviews. Eligible profiles move into sponsor and placement review.

  4. Step4

    Make it official

    Visa preparation

    Once the required sponsor documentation is issued, complete the current visa application and prepare for the embassy interview.

  5. Step5

    Ready to go

    Orient and depart

    Attend pre-departure orientation, confirm travel arrangements and keep all emergency contacts accessible.

Frequently asked

Questions

Contact us
Will Housing be provided ?

Yes.

Will i make back my money?

The camp program is for experiencing the American culture for 3 months, within that 3 months you will get a stipend that will cover more than what you pay for the program fee.

Ready to apply?

Start your assessment and Polaris will confirm current availability, the requirements and the documents you need.

Eligibility, availability, fees and visa requirements can change. Polaris confirms current information during your assessment. Visa decisions are made solely by the relevant government authority.