Intern in the USA – Stand Out at Home
Starting at £1,299

Affordable internships with real career impact

If you’re looking to gain real-world experience, make international connections, and have a blast in the U.S - Our J-1 BridgeUSA Internship program is a no-brainer. Our paid internships will welcome you into a global network of game-changers, industry shakers, and help you to set yourself apart – all whilst exploring the USA’s unforgettable places and landscapes.

UK students - why just study or travel, when you can intern in America? 

Transform your future

Develop professionally

Gain tangible, useful experience in your field while working with leading companies across various industries – a powerful boost to your CV. 

A true cultural exchange

Immerse yourself in American culture, build an international network, and gain a truly global perspective alongside like-minded international students and colleagues. 

Abundant opportunities

Transform your employability and open doors to international job prospects by showcasing your global experience.  

Competitive and affordable

Our programme is designed to minimise costs and provide helpful, human support through the application process, making it easier for you to pursue your career ambitions in the United States. 

The perfect partnership

Helping you to access the right opportunity

Our intern program is for full time students at university or a recent graduate, within 12 months of graduation. We’ll help hook you up with paid internships in your university field - like hospitality, retail, marketing or tech, depending on your skills and goals.  

Application Steps  

  • Register your application using the form below. 

  • We’ll review your application submission. If you meet the eligibility criteria, we’ll send you a payment link for your initial £120 deposit.  

  • Once you’ve paid your deposit, you’ll receive an email inviting you to start your application in our ‘Beacon’ system.  See our ‘how to’ guide for the steps you need to complete! 

  • We’ll set up a short phone interview – as required by the US Department of State. The interview consists of a few questions to get a sense of what you hope to gain from your summer in the US.  

Intern Eligibility

Check your eligibility then apply!

There are a few requirements you must meet if you want to access USA Internship for UK students. Internships are for students studying full time at universities in the UK or a recent graduate, within 12 months of graduation.

Before you get started, we need to check that you meet a few key criteria.    

  • Be a full-time student studying at a UK University or a recent graduate, within 12 months of graduation

  • Be at least in your first year of university studies

  • Be aged 18-30 on the date you enter America

  • Your passport must be in pristine condition. If your passport is torn or damaged in any way you will need to apply for a new one. 

  • Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your programme and ideally be valid for a further six months from when you return from the US

  • Be able to show proof of required support funds, USD $1,500, when clearing US Immigration

Intern Cost

Manage your application for only £1,299 for 9 months plus £300 placement fee | deposit £120

Sourcing internships in America for UK students is what we do. We know the ins and outs of the process – we’ve been doing it for long enough! We’re also a non-profit, not a business, which means we’re not out to make money, we’re out to help you find the right opportunity in the USA and an internship experience to shape your future.

Duration Cost
9 months £ 1,299
10 months £ 1,359
11 months £ 1,419
12 months £ 1,479
13 months £ 1,539
14 months £ 1,599
Duration Cost
0-3 months £ 939
4 months £ 999
5 months £ 1,059
6 months £ 1,179
7 months £ 1,199
8 months £ 1,239

Why Book with CIEE?  

  • We’re the experts! 50+ years’ experience hosting UK-based, J-1 participants  

  • Premium internship placement opportunities with world-leading companies through our Internship Search portal  

  • Full transparency with our pricing, no surprises, and clear value (we’re very competitive too).  

  • Sensitive, human support every step of the way. You’re going away for up to 12 months and that’s huge! So, we’re on hand to help. 

What’s included?  

  • J-1 Application processing

  • DS-2019 – your Legal Work Authorisation papers

  • Emergency Medical Insurance Cover for the duration of your stay in the US**

  • SEVIS fee

  • Pre-departure J-1 Orientation

  • Support from our expert team every step of the way – and our team on the ground for emergency support, once you’ve arrived stateside.

**The insurance covers your emergency medical expenses while in the US. We recommend you also take out a separate ‘Travel Insurance’ policy to cover you for things like cancellation and curtailment, personal belongings, legal costs, flight delays and more.   

What’s Not Included? 

  • Internship placement in the US – but don’t worry, for an extra £300 we can help you source the right position for you!

  • Flights to the US – we recommend you wait until your visa is approved by the US Embassy before booking your flights… just in case.

  • US Embassy Interview Fee – The fee is USD $185 and is paid directly to the US Embassy when you book your appointment.

  • Your support Funds – you must have a minimum of USD $1,500 when entering the US. You may be asked to show proof of this when going through US Immigration, and we recommend you bring a copy of your bank statement to show you have access to these funds.

Apply Today

Get started on your application

CIEE exists to make applying for American internships as simple and accessible as possible. We understand and value the impact of cultural exchange – and firmly believe as many people as possible should have access to these opportunities.  

Your internship awaits…

  • Register your application using the form. 

  • We will review your application submission. If you meet the eligibility criteria, we’ll send you a payment link for your initial £120 deposit.  

  • Once you’ve paid your deposit, you’ll receive an email inviting you to start your application in our ‘Beacon’ system. Please see our ‘how to’ guide for the steps you need to complete in your Beacon Application.  

  • We will set up a short phone interview as required by the US Department of State, and the US Embassy. The interview consists of a few questions to get a sense of what you hope to gain from your summer in the US.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about Intern USA?

You're in the right place. We’ve answered the most common questions asked by applicants just like you. If you can’t find the answer to your questions below, drop us a message or book a call and our friendly team will get back to you as soon as they can.

  • BridgeUSA Intern programme is a cultural exchange programme that lets full-time university students or recent graduates from the UK complete a US-based internship that matches their field of study. It’s a chance to gain real-world work experience, live in the US, and boost your global career potential.

  • You can intern for up to 12 months under the J-1 Intern visa. You’ll also have a 30-day travel grace period after your internship ends to explore the US.

  • Yes, CIEE can help you source an internship through our Job Portal for an additional placement fee of £400. CIEE will guide you through the process, help ensure your internship meets J-1 visa requirements, and provide full support from application to arrival.

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

  • It’s best to apply at least two to three months before your internship start date, especially to allow time for visa processing and travel plans.

  • It’s best to apply at least two to three months before your internship start date, especially to allow time for visa processing and travel plans.

  • CIEE’s BridgeUSA Trainee program gives UK graduates and young professionals the chance to live and train in the US for up to 18 months in a structured, full-time role that builds real career skills. It’s a cultural exchange experience that boosts your CV and gives you global workplace exposure.

  • The maximum duration of the programme is 18 months (12 months for hospitality/culinary roles). After your training ends, you get an extra 30-day grace period to travel and explore the US.

  • You will need a J-1 Trainee visa, which allows you to work on your internship and travel in the US afterward. CIEE is an authorised sponsor and will help you at each stage in the process.

  • The DS-2019 form is your official Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status. You need this document to apply for your visa. CIEE will provide it to you, once you're hired and your programme fees are paid.

  • SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the US government’s system to track visa holders. A $35 SEVIS fee is included in your programme cost and must be paid before your embassy interview.