Summer Work and Travel
For university students: up to 4 months of seasonal work over the summer break, then up to 30 days to travel.
BridgeUSA programs · 2027
Exchange programs in the USA: find the J-1 program that fits you
Compare five J-1 programs on one page. See who each one is for, how long it lasts and what it can do for you, then find your match in 2 minutes.
- 5 programsfrom high schoolers to academics
- 12–18 monthsIntern / Trainee internships
- 30 daysto travel after your program
What is the J-1 Exchange Visitor (BridgeUSA) program?
When people talk about exchange programs in the USA, they usually mean the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. Run by the U.S. Department of State under the name BridgeUSA, it gives students, young people, professionals and academics the chance to spend a set period in America working, training, studying or doing research. The idea is to build bridges between cultures and strengthen mutual understanding.
The J-1 umbrella covers many categories, including au pairs, teachers, university students, physicians and specialists. Bridge USA Türkiye focuses on five of them: Summer Work and Travel, Intern / Trainee, Camp and Travel, J-1 High School Exchange and Research Scholar.
In every program, the process runs through a sponsor organization designated by the U.S. Department of State. Your sponsor issues your DS-2019, and you use it to apply for your J-1 visa. You'll find every visa step in our J-1 visa guide.
Our five programs at a glance
Pick the one that feels closest to you, then explore the details on its program page.
Intern / Trainee
Internships in America across 10 occupational fields, for students, recent graduates and professionals.
Camp and Travel
A camp counselor summer at an American camp, for students, graduates and teachers aged 18 and over.
J-1 High School Exchange
For students aged 15–18½: a semester or a full year at an American high school, living with a host family.
Research Scholar
Research at U.S. institutions for 3 weeks to 5 years, plus the Short-Term Scholar option for shorter visits.
Exchange programs in the USA: comparison table
Who they're for, how long they last and how work is handled: all five J-1 programs side by side.
| Work and Travel | Intern / Trainee | Camp and Travel | J-1 High School Exchange | Research Scholar | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who is it for? | Full-time university students in classroom-based programs | Students, graduates of the past 12 months, experienced professionals | Students, graduates, teachers, youth workers | High school students | Academics and postdoctoral researchers |
| Age | Usually 18+ (varies by sponsor) | No program age limit; may vary by sponsor | 18 and over | 15 – 18½ | Your academic profile matters, not your age |
| Duration | Up to 4 months | Intern up to 12, Trainee up to 18 months | Up to 4 months; camps usually run 8–11 weeks | 1 semester or 1 academic year | 3 weeks – 5 years; Short-Term Scholar up to 6 months |
| Paid work | Yes, an hourly wage (at least minimum wage) | Mostly paid; the amount is set with the host company | Yes, seasonal pay | No, students don't work | Host salary, grant or your own funding |
| When | Summer break (June–September) | Year-round | Summer (June–August) | U.S. school year (August–June) or one semester | Year-round |
| Housing | Usually arranged or recommended by the employer | Usually arranged by the participant; the host company may suggest options | Usually at camp, meals included | With a volunteer host family | Arranged by the participant; the host institution may help |
| When to start applying | September–November 2026 | 4–6 months before your target date | Fall–winter 2026 | By March 2027 | A few months before your start date |
Eligibility quiz
Which program fits you? Take the 2-minute quiz
Choose your age, education, English level and target dates, and instantly see the J-1 programs that look like a good fit. You can fine-tune the result with one of our advisors.
Your result
Programs that look like a great fit
Based on your answers, these are the options that stand out. We confirm your eligibility together in a free consultation.
For university students: Work and Travel and Camp and Travel
Want to spend your summer break in America? You have two great options. With Work and Travel, you work a seasonal job in a beach town, a theme park or a national park, earn an hourly wage, and then travel for up to 30 days once the job ends. All you need is to be a full-time student in a classroom-based university program who has completed at least one semester.
Camp and Travel is made for people who love working with kids: at an American summer camp, you lead sports, arts and outdoor activities. There's no student requirement; you just need to be 18 or older. Explore Camp and Travel ›
For recent graduates and professionals: Intern / Trainee
Want American work experience in your own field? Intern / Trainee is the program for you. If you're a student or graduated within the past 12 months, you can intern for up to 12 months. If you hold a degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or have 5 years of experience in your field, you can train for up to 18 months as a Trainee.
Programs are possible in 10 occupational fields, from hospitality and engineering to marketing and culinary arts. Every internship follows a training plan (the DS-7002) with goals agreed in advance. To weigh up the two most popular programs, read Work and Travel or internship?
Can't decide? Let's figure it out together
You may qualify for more than one program. Talk through the pros and timelines with an advisor, and make your choice with confidence.
For high school students and parents: J-1 High School Exchange
For teens aged 15 to 18½, studying at an American high school turns English into the language of everyday life and gives confidence a real boost. Students live with a volunteer American host family and spend a semester or a full academic year joining classes, clubs and school teams.
Throughout the program, a local coordinator stays in regular contact with the student and keeps a close eye on how they're settling in. Applications for the 2027–2028 school year open this fall.
For academics and researchers: Research Scholar
Working at a U.S. university, research center or museum opens the door to joint publications and new projects. The Research Scholar program can last anywhere from 3 weeks to 5 years. Heading over for a conference, a seminar or a short collaboration? The Short-Term Scholar option covers stays of up to 6 months.
Your DS-2019 is usually issued by the U.S. institution that invites you. We plan your process with you, from correspondence with the institution to document and visa prep. Your spouse and children under 21 can join you on J-2 visas.
Free consultation
Let's find the J-1 program that fits you
Leave your details and one of our advisors will call you. We'll check your eligibility and put together a personal application plan for 2027.
- We help you pick the right program
- We check your eligibility and plan your timeline
- We share every cost item in writing
Prefer to talk right now?
For U.S. sponsors, host employers and institutions
Are you a designated J-1 sponsor, a U.S. host employer or host company, a summer camp, a high school exchange organization or a university welcoming scholars? If you're looking for a reliable partner in Türkiye across one or more of these five programs, we'd love to hear from you. We focus on careful candidate preparation: eligibility and English pre-screening, complete applications, interview coaching and a thorough pre-departure orientation. Get in touch to explore how we could work together.
Still have questions?
We've gathered the most common questions about programs, visas and costs on one page.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What exchange programs in the USA can I join from Türkiye?
The main exchange programs in the USA open to participants from Türkiye run on the J-1 visa: Summer Work and Travel for university students, Intern / Trainee for students and graduates, Camp and Travel for anyone 18 or older, J-1 High School Exchange for high schoolers and Research Scholar for academics. All of them run through sponsor organizations designated by the U.S. Department of State.
What are the J-1 visa categories?
J-1 isn't a single program but a family of programs. Besides Summer Work Travel, Intern, Trainee, Camp Counselor, Secondary School Student, Research Scholar and Short-Term Scholar, it includes categories such as au pair, teacher, professor, college and university student, physician and specialist. Bridge USA Türkiye focuses on the five programs designed for students, young professionals and academics.
I'm a university student. Which J-1 programs can I join?
If you're a full-time student in a classroom-based program and have completed at least one semester, you can join Work and Travel during your summer break. If you love working with kids, Camp and Travel is open to you, and if you want experience in your field, so is the Intern program. Students in Türkiye's open-education system (açıköğretim) can consider Camp and Travel, which has no student requirement.
Which J-1 program can I do after I graduate?
If you graduated within the past 12 months, you can intern in America through the Intern program; if you have a degree plus at least 1 year of work experience in your field, the Trainee program is open to you. Camp and Travel, which has no student requirement, also welcomes graduates. Work and Travel, however, is only possible while you're still a student. Let's find your route together in a free consultation.
Which J-1 programs let you work and get paid?
On Work and Travel, you earn an hourly wage of at least the local minimum wage. On Camp and Travel, you're paid for the camp season, and room and board are usually covered by the camp. Most Intern / Trainee programs are paid, with the amount set by the host company. High school exchange students don't work, and on Research Scholar your income depends on your host institution or your grant.
Are exchange programs in the USA free?
These programs are funded by the participant. The main cost items are the program fee, SEVIS and visa fees, health insurance and your flight. As of September 2026, the visa application fee is $185 and the SEVIS fee is $35 or $220 depending on the program; amounts may change. On programs that include paid work, your earnings help cover your living costs in America.
Can I do more than one J-1 program?
Yes, under certain conditions. You can apply for Work and Travel again every summer you meet the requirements, and repeat participation is also possible on Camp and Travel. To switch to a different program, you usually return home and apply with a new DS-2019 and a new visa. For example, after a Work and Travel summer, you can apply for the Intern program once you graduate.
Is health insurance required on a J-1 program?
Yes. Every J-1 participant needs valid health insurance for the entire program, with medical coverage of at least $100,000 per accident or illness. In most programs, the insurance is provided or approved by the sponsor. Your quote from us clearly shows whether insurance is included and what it covers.
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