Last week, the Spirit Cultural Exchange office in Oak Park welcomed Clara, a BridgeUSA Architecture Trainee. After taking the El from Chicago - where her Host Company, STL Architects Inc,... read more →
J-1 Visa Programs in the United States
Do you dream about living and working in the United States while making new American friends? Experience American culture first-hand through Spirit’s J-1 visa exchange programs in the USA.
Intern or Train in the USA
International students and young professionals intern and train with US businesses. You can gain valuable professional development through hands-on training.
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Teach in the USA
International teachers teach in accredited primary or secondary U.S. schools for 1-3 years. Learn how you can teach American students STEM, Foreign Language, Special Education and more.
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Work & Travel in the USA
International university students participate in a J-1 Work & Travel Program in the USA for 2-4 months. Experience American culture while working in a seasonal hospitality position in the USA.
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Welcome the World to Your Workplace
Spirit offers American employers and accredited K-12 schools the opportunity to host international students, young professionals and teachers through a variety of program options.
Host an Intern or Trainee
Add an international perspective to your office with J-1 Interns and Trainees from around the world. Whether you are a large engineering firm or a small luxury resort, we have the right candidates for you.
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Host an Exchange Teacher
Spirit’s J-1 Visa Teacher Program matches qualified international teachers and K-12 schools in the USA for 1- 3 year programs teaching foreign language, STEM, Special Education and more.
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Host Work & Travel
Hire international university students for seasonal positions and provide them with a unique insight into U.S. culture.
Learn MoreAbout Spirit Cultural Exchange
Spirit Cultural Exchange is designated by the United States Department of State as a BridgeUSA Program Sponsor for the J-1 Work and Travel, Internship, Trainee and Teacher Programs. Spirit’s U.S. based exchange programs allow you to truly immerse yourself in American culture while gaining professional experience or training in your field of expertise. We aim to provide all participants with a life-changing exchange experience, each contributing toward a global “spirit” of international peace and understanding that lasts long after the program ends. Spirit also offers cultural exchange programs outside the USA for Americans curious about the world.
PAST PARTICIPANTS WHO RECOMMEND SPIRIT
PAST PARTICIPANTS WHO WERE SATISFIED WITH THEIR EXPERIENCE
PAST PARTICIPANTS WHO EXPERIENCED AMERICAN CULTURE
What people are saying…
Learn Spanish in Ecuador
Have a life changing experience and practice your Spanish while living with a Host Family abroad!
What’s happening at Spirit…
Do you have questions about finding a J-1 teaching position? For the 2025-2026 school year, Spirit encourages interested Teacher Program applicants to identify their own position before applying to Spirit.... read more →
At Spirit, we believe in the power of international cultural exchange to foster mutual understanding, build global partnerships, and enhance professional development. One way that your organization can share this... read more →