What is a BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor Program?

The BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor Program is managed by the Department of State which
enables foreign nationals to come to the United States to teach, study, conduct
research, demonstrate special skills, or receive on-the-job training for periods ranging
from a few weeks to several years.

Internship or Traineeship Program? Which one is for me?

There are 15 categories of the J‐1 Visa, two of which are the intern & trainee categories.

A. Intern Category:
This non-immigrant visa is used to allow foreign students and recent graduates
to train with a U.S.‐based host organization for up to 12 months. You must be
either currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a degree or certificate
granting post‐secondary education from a recognized academic institution
outside the U.S. OR graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months
prior to your internship program start date.

B. Trainee Category:
This non-immigrant visa is used to allow foreign nationals to train with a U.S.‐
based host organization for up to 12 months. You must have either a degree or
professional certificate from a post‐secondary education from a recognized
academic institution outside the United States and at least one year of prior
related work experience in your occupational field outside the United States OR
have five years of work experience outside the United States in your
occupational field.

Our BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor Program

Our BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor Program was designed for university students and
recent graduates seeking international experience related to their field of study. It gives
you the opportunity to be trained in the USA while meeting people from all over the
world in an exciting city.

Program Benefits for Interns/Trainees:

- Create an international resume
- Get a global vision
- Develop an international network
- Experience new cultures
- Get professional work experience
- Broaden career opportunities

Overview:
- Train under an international 4-star or 5-star property
- Guaranteed compensation from the host company in all programs
- Full support with visa and during the student’s internship
- Affordable program fees
- Flexible dates year-round
- Internship length from 6 to 12 months
Program Eligibility:
- Degree in Hospitality, Tourism, Culinary or Nutrition and Dietetics;
- Internship: Currently enrolled in college/university or has graduated for no more
than
12 Months;
- Traineeship: Graduates with at least 1 year work experience related to the
field/position
applying for;
- Be between 18 to 27 years old;
- Be fluent in English;
- Be open-minded, willing to learn new things and meet new people.

APPLICATION PROCESS
PHASE 1 PHASE 4
PHASE 2 PHASE 3
ENROLLMENT VISA, ARRIVAL, &
HOST INTERVIEW VISA SPONSOR
SUPPORT
✔ Pre-screening ✔ Host Hotel ✔ J1 Visa Sponsor ✔ Training Plan
Interview Interview Interview Development
✔ Gathering of ✔ Host Company ✔ Third Payment ✔ Housing Search
Documents - Offer Letter ✔ 1-2 weeks Assistance
Resume, TOR, ✔ Second ✔ Visa Processing
Diploma and Payment and Pre-
copy of valid ✔ 4-12 weeks Departure
passport Orientation
✔ Payment of ✔ Insurance and
Enrollment Fee Flight Booking
✔ Practice ✔ Final Payment
Interviews ✔ 4-8 weeks
✔ 2-4 weeks

Some of our International Hotel Partners

Country Positions Eligible Course Eligibility Requirements
Culinary ▪ TESDA Programs: At least 6 ▪ Fluent in English
months Culinary Course ▪ Between 18-27 years old
*For current culinary students,
candidate must finish at least ▪ For Internship:
12 months of culinary course Current students or recent graduates
and may take 12 months (not more than 12 months of
internship as part of their graduation)
course requirement Candidates should have at least 4
USA months experience in the Kitchen of
(subject to an assessment of a hotel or restaurant. OJT experience
TOR and resume before can be considered.
enrollment)
▪ For Traineeship:
▪ CHED Programs: 2-4 years Candidates who graduated for more
Culinary, Hospitality than 12 months should have 1-year
Management (HRM/HRS/HRA) work experience in the Kitchen
or 4 years Nutrition and Department of a hotel or restaurant
Dietetics
F&B ▪ TESDA Programs: At least 6 ▪ Fluent in English
months Hospitality Course ▪ Between 18-27 years old
(subject to an assessment of
TOR and resume before ▪ For Internship:
enrollment) Current students or recent
graduates(not more than 12 months
▪ CHED Programs: 2-4 years of graduation)
HRM/HRS/HRA Candidates should have at least 4
months experience in the F&B of a
▪ Tourism Management may be hotel or restaurant. OJT experience
considered but will depend on can be considered.
the number of hospitality
related subjects taken during ▪ For Traineeship:
college. Candidates who graduated for more
than 12 months should have 1-year
work experience in the F&B
Department of a hotel or restaurant
FO/ROOMS ▪ TESDA Programs: At least 6 ▪ Fluent in English
months Hospitality Course ▪ Between 18-27 years old
(subject to an assessment of
TOR and resume before ▪ For Internship:
enrollment) Current students or recent
graduates(not more than 12 months
▪ CHED program: 2-4 years of graduation)
HRM/HRS/HRA and TM (with at Candidates should have at least 4
least 3 classes in hotel months experience in the FO of a
operations) hotel or restaurant. OJT experience
can be considered.

▪ For Traineeship:
▪ Candidates who graduated for more
than 12 months should have 1 year
work experience in the FO or Rooms
Division a hotel or restaurant
▪ 1 year work experience in a Call
Center with Hotel Account may also
be considered.
 INTERNSHIP / TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM FEE

12 Months
Country Program Fee Inclusions Program Fee Exclusions
(PhP)
▪ Professional internship/traineeship ▪ Airfare,
placement; ▪ Housing Rental ($350-
▪ Cash compensation of 1,500 USD/ 800/month);
month +-); ▪ Supplementary
▪ Meals during working hours; Insurance (required by
USA 290,000 CFO);
▪ Medical and emergency insurance;
▪ Visa sponsorship; ▪ CFO Fee.
▪ SEVIS and Visa Fees (1st appearance);
▪ Full support and housing search
assistance.

The program fee is subject to change without prior notice

NOTE: All candidates must submit required documents for
assessment prior to enrollment.