Real participant experience

Polaris community

Lead the way for
the next traveller.

Our Scholarship Awardees and Seasonal Ambassadors are Polaris alumni who help the next generation find their pathway: on camera, at events and in their own words.

Ambassador stories

In their own words.

Hear directly from the people who’ve represented Polaris on campus, at events and abroad.

Main storyPolaris ambassadorsAmbassador stories

In their own words

What people say about Polaris.

Reviews from participants, parents and host partners.

  • ★★★★★

    I am on the Intern and Trainee program in New York City at Mohonk Mountain House, and I have just been promoted to the first-ever Junior Sous Chef. Thank you for this opportunity. It has been a life-changing experience for me here.

    Sadian StoneIntern & Trainee, New York
  • ★★★★★

    A big shout out to you guys for this opportunity. I am forever grateful. Continue to do a great job.

    Abigail LawrenceJ1 Summer Work & Travel

Scholarship & Ambassador program

What it takes to represent Polaris.

Two routes exist depending on where you are in your Polaris journey — the Steven Bramwell Scholarship, and the Polaris J-1 SWT Seasonal Ambassador Program.

Route one

The Steven Bramwell Scholarship

Covers the full or part cost of a Polaris program fee. At least one student receives it each year.

Scholarship benefits

The Steven Bramwell Scholarship helps cover the cost of a Polaris program. The scholarship may pay:

  • The full Polaris program fee, or
  • Part of the Polaris program fee

The scholarship allows the recipient to travel to the United States and participate in one of the programs offered by Polaris Travel and Placement Services. At least one student will receive the scholarship each year.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must:

  • Qualify for at least one Polaris program.
  • Be accepted or eligible to participate in the selected Polaris program.
  • Write a letter to Steven Bramwell explaining:
    • Why they want to receive the scholarship.
    • Why they want to participate in a Polaris program.
    • How the scholarship would help them.
    • Why they believe they are a good candidate.

Selection process

  • Steven Bramwell will review the applications and select the scholarship recipient.
  • The recipient will be notified after the selection process is complete.
  • The scholarship may cover all or part of the Polaris program fee, depending on the award decision.

Recipient responsibilities

By accepting the scholarship, the recipient agrees to:

  • Take a photo as the scholarship recipient.
  • Participate in a video explaining the scholarship.
  • Send photos and videos of their experience while in the United States.
  • Share their scholarship journey through Polaris’s online platforms.
  • Help select the next Steven Bramwell Scholarship recipient.

Participation in these activities is required before and after travel.

Route two

Polaris J-1 SWT Seasonal Ambassador Program

Visa and SEVIS fees covered, and a reduced program fee of US$1,500. The season runs September to September.

What is the Seasonal Ambassador Program?

The Polaris J-1 Summer Work and Travel Seasonal Ambassador Program is for selected university students who are qualified for the J-1 Summer Work and Travel program. Ambassadors must:

  • Be participating in the program through Polaris, or
  • Have previously participated through Polaris and plan to return through Polaris.

The program season begins in September and ends the following September.

Program benefits

Selected Polaris Seasonal Ambassadors will receive:

  • Coverage of the J-1 visa fee.
  • Coverage of the SEVIS fee.
  • A reduced Polaris program fee of US$1,500.

The ambassador is responsible for paying the US$1,500 program fee and any other costs not specifically covered by Polaris.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be between 18 and 30 years old.
  • Be a university student.
  • Qualify for at least one Polaris program.
  • Have applied for a Polaris program.
  • Have active accounts on at least two social media platforms.
  • Be creative, confident, and comfortable speaking with others.
  • Be willing to promote Polaris and its services.
  • Be willing to participate in promotional events and online outreach activities.
  • Be willing to learn about Polaris and its programs.
  • Be willing to share each stage of their Polaris experience while in the United States.
  • Be willing to participate in Polaris events and activities.

How to apply

To apply, the applicant must write to Polaris and explain:

  • Why they are interested in becoming a Seasonal Ambassador.
  • Why they would be a good ambassador for Polaris.
  • How they plan to promote Polaris.
  • Which social media platforms they use.
  • Any relevant experience in communication, marketing, leadership, or public speaking.

Selection process

Seasonal Ambassadors will be selected by Polaris J-1 Summer Work and Travel agents and managers. Selection will be based on the applicant’s:

  • Eligibility for the program.
  • Interest and commitment.
  • Creativity and communication skills.
  • Social media presence.
  • Willingness to promote Polaris.
  • Ability to participate in events and share their experience.

Ambassador responsibilities

Selected ambassadors must:

  • Represent Polaris in a positive and professional manner.
  • Promote Polaris programs online and in person.
  • Participate in outreach and promotional events.
  • Share updates, photos, videos, and information about their Polaris experience.
  • Share each step of their journey while in the United States.
  • Participate in Polaris events and ambassador activities.
  • Follow Polaris guidelines and provide accurate information about its services.
  • Remain active throughout the ambassador season, from September through the following September.

How to apply

From interest to introduction.

Intakes are reviewed year-round. Contact the office for the current cycle.

  1. Step1

    Register your interest

    Tell Polaris you'd like to be considered as a Scholarship Awardee or Seasonal Ambassador.

  2. Step2

    Share your story

    Send a short video or write-up introducing yourself and why you'd represent Polaris well.

  3. Step3

    Meet the team

    Qualifying applicants are invited to the Polaris office to meet the team and confirm next steps.

  4. Step4

    Get confirmed

    Selected awardees and ambassadors are confirmed and added to the Polaris community.

Ready to represent Polaris?

Apply to become an awardee or ambassador.

Send Polaris your interest and the team will confirm which route fits your current stage best.

Register your interest