Hi Spirit Team,

I would like to thank you for all your help during my stay in Chicago. I have had a great time and enjoyed it very much. I learned a lot during my internship and the city is awesome!

Janine (Germany)
Internship Participant
Summer 2005

Internship Program - Employers

Spirit’s Internship Program provides international university students, recent graduates, and professionals with five or more years of experience with short & long-term internship opportunities in a variety of fields across the United States.

How Does the Internship Program Work?

Short Term (1-4 months)
Spirit’s short-term Internship Program is a full-service program designed with the first time internship participant in mind. This short-term opportunity offers international students and employers a “stepping-stone” into an international internship program.

The program includes pre-arranged professional internship and housing placement, as well as an orientation upon arrival in the USA and 24-hour support services available from Spirit's experienced staff members.

Long Term (5-18 months)
Long-term term program participants often have more significant training and experience than their short-term counterparts. In most cases, applicants are recent graduates or professionals with approximately five years of experience in their chosen field.

Prior to arrival, employers complete a detailed Internship/Training Plan that is agreed upon by both the applicant and the employer. Long-term programs require more formal training opportunities including elements such as several department rotations, seminar attendance, formal one-on-one and group training, and periodic evaluations.

What Are the Employer’s Responsibilities?

To participate in the Internship Program, employers must provide the following:

• A professional internship lasting 1 – 18 months (12 months max for hospitality)
• At least 32 hours of work per week
• Assign a “supervisor and mentor” to the participant to make sure both participant and employer goals are met
• Provide compensation consistent with that offered to American interns in the same position
• Long-term programs (over 4 months) require the completion of a pre-approved Internship/Training Plan before the applicant can apply for a visa

What Kind of Internships Are Requested?

Internship applicants are looking for internship/training positions in the following areas:

• Hospitality and Tourism (up to 12 months only)
• Business, Management, Finance and Commerce

The participant’s skills and English level, the length of the internship/training and the needs of your company will all play a part in ultimately determining what tasks are assigned.

May Participants Identify Their Own Employer?

Participants may choose to find their own employer and housing in the United States through our "Independent" program option. Employers who have candidates already in mind may also contact Spirit for visa assistance. Participants who identify their own employer will receive a discount off of Spirit's normal program fee.

Where Do Internship America Participants Live?

Housing arrangements and costs vary by placement. Some companies in the hospitality industry may have their own housing on-site. If the employer cannot provide housing, it is required that the employer provides detailed contact information on affordable housing sources in the area (e.g. newspapers, rental agencies, etc). It is also recommended that information on a temporary housing facility (e.g. local motel, hostel, etc) be provided to guide participants to temporary housing upon arrival.

What Distinguishes Spirit’s Internship Program from other programs?

Spirit’s Internship Program provides the highest level of service and support to its employers and participants. The following are just a few of the reasons to participate:

• Spirit is a reputable organization. Spirit Cultural Exchange is designated by the United States Department of State as an Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor for the J-1 Work/Travel Program. Spirit is also a member of the World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation (WYSE).
• Spirit provides “one stop shopping” for employers. Spirit screens all participants to find those that meet with the employer’s defined needs.
• Spirit screens all non-native English-speaking applicants via standardized tests and personal interviews to obtain an objective measure of their English skills.
• Spirit participants receive pre-departure orientations in their home country about what to expect upon arrival in the United States.
• Spirit provides all participants with comprehensive medical and accident insurance.
• Spirit offers 24-hour emergency support throughout the program.

Who are Internship Participants?

Short Term (1-4 months)
Short-term applicants generally tend to be university students on summer break or recent university graduates looking for their first professional experience in their field of study. These applicants generally participate in the program utilizing the J-1 Work/Travel visa sponsored by Spirit Cultural Exchange.

Long Term (5-18 months)
Long-term term program participants often have more significant training and experience than their short-term counterparts. In most cases, applicants are recent graduates or professionals with approximately five years of experience in their chosen field. These applicants generally participate utilizing the J-1 Internship or Trainee visa coordinated by Spirit in cooperation with another US visa sponsor.

What is the Application Process?

If you are an employer that wants to apply or receive more information about Spirit's Internship Program, please complete the Employer Pre-Application and we will contact you immediately.