Launch Your Career in the USA – With a Paid Internship and Full Support

Spend your placement year gaining international experience, earning income, and building your future—while we handle your placement, visa, and support in the U.S.

Your USA Work Placement Starts Here

✓ Paid internships with U.S. companies (3-12+ months)

✓ J-1 visa sponsorship included

✓ Full support from application to arrival

Get Started

Trusted by Students and Graduates Worldwide

Join thousands of students and graduates gaining professional experience in the USA each year with CIEE.

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30,000
international participants travel to the U.S. each year with CIEE
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140+
countries represented
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55+
years connecting international participants with U.S. employers
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55+
years as a trusted J-1 Visa sponsor

Real Interns, Real Stories

  • Kelly D. (Peru), Food & Beverage Intern, Orlando, Florida

    “I want to share how grateful I am for having experienced one of the best years of my life in Orlando. Thanks to the opportunity to do an internship, I was able to grow both professionally and personally. I learned so much about my career in Hospitality and Management, made valuable friendships, and visited amazing places. This experience was truly unforgettable, and it was all possible thanks to my sponsor, CIEE.”

  • Juan S. (France), STEM internship, Mountain View, California

    “This journey gave me more than skills. It gave me stories, connections, and a renewed sense of gratitude. I came to the U.S. to grow as a professional, and I’m leaving with something even more valuable: memories I’ll carry with me forever.” 

  • Naomi M. (Kenya), Culinary Internship, Savannah, Georgia

    “CIEE’s support throughout the process made everything smooth and enjoyable. Because of CIEE, I was able to step out of my comfort zone and into a world of possibilities. I will forever be grateful for the experience, the growth, and the unforgettable memories.” 

  • Alizee G. (France), STEM internship, Morton Grove, Illinois

    “This internship hasn’t only helped me improve my English and discover American culture – it’s also brought amazing people into my life. Whether it’s my colleagues at work or my roommates at home, I’ve met so many different personalities, each of them teaching me something valuable and new. I’ll return home changed: more confident, more open-minded, incredibly grateful. Thank you, CIEE, for making this unforgettable experience possible.”

  • Martin, Logistics Intern, Washington, Pennsylvania

    “Without exaggerating – my time here was one of the best times I ever had in my whole life. I was really surprised how easy it was to make new friends. I met a lot of great people through my roommates, while playing badminton, floorball, pickleball, or joining the local bike club.” 

  • Zandile M. (South Africa), Hospitality Intern, Deer Valley, Utah

    “My CIEE BridgeUSA internship took me all the way from South Africa to the snowy mountains of Utah. I worked across several departments and gained hands-on experience in a five-star hospitality environment. Thanks to this internship, I’ve returned home with valuable skills, unforgettable memories, and a clear vision for my future. Thank you, CIEE, for giving me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!” 

  • Radina, Software Development Intern, Palo Alto, California

    “The skills and competencies acquired during my internship, as well as the invaluable experience gained abroad, will allow me to fulfill both my personal and professional goals to follow a career in my field of interest: innovative product development. I can definitely confirm that this is the most invaluable lifetime experience for me so far!” 

Why Choose CIEE

  • We secure your work placement (vs. you figuring it out alone)

  • Official J-1 visa sponsor (trusted, compliant, safe)

  • End-to-end support (before, during, after)

  • 55+ years of experience

How It Works

01
Check Your Eligibility

Tell us about yourself and speak with us to confirm your eligibility

02
Apply Online & Secure Your Spot

Submit your application and reserve your place with a £120 deposit.

03
Get Matched with Employers

We guide you through interviews and connect you with U.S. companies.

04
Prepare & Go

We help secure your J-1 visa and prepare you for your experience abroad.

Check Eligibility

Are You Eligible?

This program is for university students and recent graduates in the UK ready to gain professional experience in the USA.

You should:

  • Be 18-30 years old

  • Be currently enrolled in university or recently graduated

  • Be fluent in English

  • Be available for 3+ months to live and work in the U.S.

Program Fee & What’s Included

Option 1: With Internship Placement (most popular)

£1,779 – All-Inclusive Program Fee (for a 12-month internship)

Includes:

  • We secure your U.S. internship

  • J-1 visa sponsorship

  • Pre-departure guidance

  • 24/7 on-program support in the U.S.

Option 2: Already have an internship placement?

£1,298 – Self-placed option (save £300)

Includes:

  • You arrange your own U.S. internship

  • We handle visa sponsorship & program support

  • Same full CIEE experience

Start Your U.S. Placement Year Journey Today

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and internships fill quickly–apply early to secure your spot.

Get Started

FAQ’s

  • CIEE advises applicants to allow at least 4 to 6 weeks for the application process once they have accepted an internship or training position. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee.

  • Yes. Internships are paid positions. Before you commit, we talk through typical wages and living costs, so you understand the numbers.

  • Yes—the J-1 Intern visa. CIEE is a U.S. State Department–designated visa sponsor, which means we provide the documentation you need to book a U.S. Embassy appointment and apply.