Go places with your degree!

Find a paid placement or internship, stateside.

CIEE help’s UK students and recent graduates find paid work experience in the USA. You focus on your degree while we help you find a paid work placement.

We offer placement support across multiple industries:

  • Hospitality and tourism

  • Culinary arts

  • Business and management

  • Finance

  • Marketing

  • Human Resources

  • And more...just ask!

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Key Benefits

Living and working abroad is an enriching experience; one that lets you discover yourself, develop new skills, and experience new cultures.

Paid roles

All roles are paid. You may also find a role that includes accommodation.

Develop Professionally

You come back with valuable work experience, references and experience to support your future career.

Personal growth

You live and work in a new country, gain confidence, build an international network, and develop important life skills.

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.

The perfect partnership

Helping you to access the right opportunity

You’ve made the decision to intern in the USA – the hard part is done! If you meet the eligibility criteria and understand what this opportunity could mean for your future, it’s time to apply.

Our Intern USA Programme is designed for students studying full time at universities in the UK. 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   

  • Step 1: Talk to us

    • Share your goals and what you are looking for. We’ll be honest about what’s realistic.

  • Step 2: Secure a role

    • Apply for roles in the US within your industry.

  • Step 3: Sort your visa and go

    • We support the J‑1 sponsorship process and help you prepare so you can board the plane confident.

You’re raring to go…

Check your eligibility then apply!

Our USA Internships for UK students aren’t just another job abroad – it’s a game-changing opportunity that will set your CV apart for years to come. You never know, it might be the deciding factor in getting ‘that job’ in the future, and you’ll have a blast too! It’s the gift of a competitive edge; a beacon that says you’re brave, curious, and have an international perspective.

CIEE’s Intern Programme is your ticket success. But 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 graduated within 12 months

  • 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 perfect condition, and valid for the full duration of your programme.

  • Be able to show proof of at least $1,500 in your personal bank account, when clearing US Immigration.

Apply

How much does it cost?

Managing your application for only £1479 | 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 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 participants

  • Premium internship placement opportunities with world-leading companies through our InternHub 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?  

  • Application processing

  • Your Legal Work Authorisation papers

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

  • SEVIS fee

  • Pre-departure orientation

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

  • 30 Days Travel around the US

**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.

Your internship awaits…

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 – it’s fun, it changes you, and we firmly believe as many people as possible should have access to these opportunities.

Application Steps

  • 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.  

Not ready to apply but still have questions? Contact 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.

  • Our programmes are for UK undergraduates, students on placement years and some recent graduates, depending on the route. You must meet J‑1 visa rules. We explain those clearly at the start.

  • 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.

  • Yes. Both internships and summer work involve paid positions. Before you commit, we talk through typical wages and living costs so you understand the numbers.

  • Yes, if you use the experience well. You can show international experience, examples of responsibility and proof that you adapt to new environments. That combination stands out to employers.

  • We never promise a specific job. In our focus industries we have strong host networks and a clear process that works for most suitable candidates. In other areas you usually secure your own role and we support the visa side.

  • For placement years and longer internships, aim to start the process four to nine months before you want to begin.

  • Many participants are going overseas for the first time. We talk through money, housing, cultural differences and workplace expectations so you know what you are walking into and feel prepared.

Apply