Intern or Train in the US

Learn more about how to gain valuable professional experience and train in the US on a J-1 intern or trainee visa.

J-1 Visa Internship Programs in the United States

Take your career to the next level on an internship or professional training in the US! Learn entry level skills through hands on training as an intern or receive advanced professional training as a trainee at a prestigious US based company while meeting new American friends.

Consider an advanced hospitality training or intern placement at one of Spirit Cultural Exchange’s many cooperating luxury hotels or resorts across the United States. Or, identify your own training placement in one of a variety of professional categories including general business, hospitality, engineering, architecture and more. The choice is yours.

Professional Field Choices

Choose the Training Field that is Best for You

Spirit Cultural Exchange is designated by the US Department of State as a J-1 Visa Program Sponsor for the Intern and Trainee BridgeUSA Programs. We sponsor training programs in a wide variety of professional fields, including:

Hospitality and Tourism
Management, Business, Commerce and Finance
Information Media and Communications
The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industrial Occupations
Arts and Culture
Education, Social Sciences, Library Science, Counseling & Social Services
Public Administration and Law

How to Find An Internship in the US

Independent Placement Option

Do you already have an American company in mind for your internship in the US? Or, are you already in the process of looking for an internship on your own? Spirit Cultural Exchange’s Independent Placement option is right for you!

Spirit Cultural Exchange’s Independent Placement option is designed for international students and young professionals who want to identify their own internship in the US but need J-1 visa program sponsorship. We sponsor Independent Placement J-1 Visa internships in a variety of fields including:

Hospitality and Tourism
Management, Business, Commerce and Finance
Information Media and Communications
The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industrial Occupations
Arts and Culture
Education, Social Sciences, Library Science, Counseling & Social Services
Public Administration and Law

Learn more about how you can find your own J-1 Visa internship in the USA.

Request a Host Company Match - Hospitality Only

Premium Placement Option

Are you looking for a premiere luxury resort or fine dining restaurant to host your hospitality internship or professional training in the US?

Spirit Cultural Exchange’s “Premium Placement” program option is designed for international hospitality students and professionals seeking a four or five star training program abroad. Spirit Cultural Exchange works with a network of prominent luxury hotels and resorts across the US to offer culinary training programs, as well as general hotel and food and beverage management internships. Spirit Cultural Exchange can assist with training placement and the development of the required Training and Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP).

Cultural Activities on the Program

Cultural activities include the things you do outside of your internship that introduce you to the diverse life and culture of the United States. It is important that you participate in at least two cultural activities per month, so you are sure to get a real taste of life in the US.

Examples of cultural activities include:

Attending an “after-work” event with American colleagues
Volunteering in the local community
Visiting a museum or historic site
Gathering with American friends for meals, games, or movies etc.
Touring a US city or visiting a tourist site in your host community
Visiting a national park
Attending an American sporting event

The opportunities are endless!

Don’t forget that your J-1 Visa also provides up to 30 days of grace period travel time after your program end date on your DS-2019 form. You must return to your home country before the end of this grace period in order to comply with the terms of your J-1 visa.

Program Costs

Complete an inquiry form for more information on Spirit Cultural Exchange’s Internship Program fees.

There is no initial fee to start an application. Fees are only due to Spirit Cultural Exchange after we review your full application and you accept an internship offer approved by Spirit Cultural Exchange.

Helpful Terms

DS-2019: Official US government form, provided by Spirit Cultural Exchange and required at visa interview. This official document must be kept with participant passport throughout the program, as it confirms authorized program dates.

Training/Internship Placement Plan: Also called a T/IPP or DS-7002. This document describes the content of the Internship or Training program. This form must be signed by Spirit Cultural Exchange, the Host Company and participant, and must state specific goals and objectives of the training, as well as detail the knowledge, skills or techniques to be learned by the participant during the course of the program.

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS): US Department of Homeland Security database used to manage the status of Exchange Visitors to the United States. Spirit Cultural Exchange uses this database to provide the US government with important information on each participant’s status.

Validation: Within seven days of arrival in the US, all Spirit Cultural Exchange J-1 participants must submit their SEVIS “Validation” through Spirit’s online Support Center. Only once this has been completed and processed by Spirit is a program considered “Active” – allowing the participant to begin the program and apply for a Social Security number.

J-1 visa: The Exchange Visitor (J) non-immigrant visa category is for individuals approved to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs, such as Spirit Spirit Cultural Exchange’s Work & Travel, Intern, Trainee and Teacher Programs.

J-1 Intern: Current student at or recent graduate (within in the last 12-months) from a primarily academic (must issue degrees, such as Bachelors or Masters) institution outside the USA, which is recognized by that country’s Department of Education (or equivalent). Students or recent graduates from technical or vocational institutions do not qualify for the program. Degree must be in the same industry as requested Intern program.

J-1 Trainee: Graduate from primarily academic (must issue degrees, such as Bachelors or Masters) institution outside the USA, which is recognized by that country’s Department of Education (or equivalent) with at least one year of professional experience OR Professional with 5+ years of professional experience. Degree and experience must be in the same industry as requested Trainee program.

Support Center: Spirit Cultural Exchange’s online resource for participants and Host Companies to access important information about their program 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Intern and Trainee categories does Spirit Cultural Exchange sponsor?

Hospitality and Tourism
Management, Business, Commerce and Finance
Information Media and Communications
The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industrial Occupations
Arts and Culture
Education, Social Sciences, Library Science, Counseling & Social Services
Public Administration and Law

Does my previous professional and educational experience need to match my training focus in the US?

Yes. You must have professional or educational experience in the industry you are hoping to intern or train in.

Are there any prohibited positions?

Spirit Cultural Exchange does not sponsor training in the following areas: housekeeping, bartending, driving a vehicle (valet), receptionist, counter-service dining outlets, machinery operations, retail establishments, amusement parks, or water parks.

I previously participated in a J-1 visa program. Can I still apply for the Intern or Trainee program?

Your eligibility will depend on which program you participated in previously and when. Please complete our Get Information Form to provide more information to Spirit so we can answer your specific case.

Do I need to provide my own insurance?

Spirit Cultural Exchange’s program fees typically cover the cost of BridgeUSA regulatory required medical insurance throughout your time in the US. See the Program Costs tab for more information.

Does an online or distance learning degree qualify for the program?

No, educational experience must have been completed in classroom settings.

How long can I train in the US?

The maximum length of a BridgeUSA Intern program is 12 months. The maximum length of a BridgeUSA Trainee program is 18 months. Hospitality Trainees are limited to 12-month programs. The minimum program length for all programs is 3 weeks. Once your program has ended, you are permitted to remain in the US for up to 30 days of travel (grace period) – not additional training time.

Can I bring my spouse or children with me on the Internship Program?

No. Spirit Cultural Exchange does not accept J-2 dependent applications on its Internship Program in the USA.

Should I apply directly to Spirit Cultural Exchange or can I use a local office in my home country to help me with my application?

Spirit Cultural Exchange accepts applications directly from interested applicants. Spirit Cultural Exchange also works with a network of vetted international partner “third party” offices that assist applicants who would prefer local support with their applications and internship search process. Any third parties used to assist you with your Spirit Cultural Exchange program must be approved by Spirit Cultural Exchange before you submit an application. This is important to ensure that the third party you are working with is an approved Spirit Cultural Exchange partner office and meets program rules. Failure to disclose the use of a third party to Spirit Cultural Exchange will result in cancellation of your application or program termination. For a list of approved Spirit Cultural Exchange international partner offices where you are located, email intern@spiritexchange.com.

What Our Participants Are Saying

"In my one year the most knowledge that I learned is when comes in handling and dealing with people who have different attitudes and personalities. From this I taught myself how to adjust and manage my patience. And it has very huge impact to me as a person, it helps me to improve and grow as an individual. "

Lary Fe T.

Philippines, Hospitality Intern, Massachusetts

"Spirit Cultural Exchange supported us a lot! They always motivated us in a good way, saying take care of your health, and that their first priority is our safety. And they always send emails to make sure you are safe. That was a great help for us."

Kavya G.

India, Culinary Intern, West Virginia

"Great training environment. Nice mix of American & other international professionals. Exciting projects. Small host company (non-corporate) gives you better chances to learn and develop your skills."