USA placements with CIEE – The parents’ guide

When your child decides to take part in a USA placement, it’s completely natural to worry. For many it’s their first experience of true independence and as a parent you want reassurance and a sense of what to expect. This experience will be a meaningful step in their growth (not only professionally, but personally) and while we’re here to support them throughout, we’re also here to support you.

Think of this as a shared journey: before they leave, while they’re away, and when they return home.

Before they go

Your child is about to do something that goes beyond simply travelling or working abroad. USA placements are a cultural exchange; learning how another country operates, and how people from across the world work and think. It’s a chance to gain independence, confidence and a broader view of the world.

There are a few practical things to have in place, and discussions to have before they leave.

Your pre-placement checklist:

󠀿󠀿󠀢󠀢󠀢󠀢󠀢󠀢󠀢󠀢󠀢󠀢󠀢✅ As with al󠀢l international travel, make sure their passport is valid well past their return date. Keep photocopies or digital backups of important documents, including their visa and travel itinerary.

✅ They’ll be given access to CIEE’s 24/7 in-country support number, so ensure they have that detailed and readily accessible, as well as running through points of contact on site, whether it’s a supervisor, camp leader, or placement coordinator.

✅ Before they leave, talk through practicalities like budgeting and spending. Decide together what they’ll be responsible for financially and make sure they’re clear on how pay works (if their programme includes earnings).

✅ Agree how you’ll stay in touch. When they first arrive, we always suggest they send a quick message home to say they’ve landed. After that, communication may be less frequent than you’re used to, particularly in camp environments where phones are used only during downtime. It’s not that they don’t want to talk; it’s simply that they’ll be busy, adjusting and living, which is exactly what we want them to be doing.

While they’re there

Once your child settles into their USA placement, you’ll probably find a new rhythm together. Agreeing a gentle check-in routine can help - enough to stay connected, but not so frequent that it interrupts their independence.

They’ll meet people from the U.S. and from around the world, forming friendships and networks that can become genuinely influential later in life. Encourage them to embrace the opportunity.

Of course, there may also be challenges: adjusting to new routines, navigating cultural differences, or missing home. This is normal, and the staff at each USA placement are trained to support them. There will be safeguarding, wellbeing and supervision procedures in place, all of which will be explained during orientation. If your child ever feels unsure, they should speak up - to staff on site or to CIEE’s support team. That’s what we’re here for.

This is a real job, with real responsibility, and that’s what makes the experience so valuable.

When they come home

Returning to familiar surroundings after an intense, immersive experience can take a little time. They may have changed in small or meaningful ways; more confidence, a stronger sense of themselves, new interests, new friends. Sometimes the hardest part is explaining this to others who weren’t there.

Give them space to talk about it (or not talk, depending on their style). Ask what they’ve learned, what surprised them, what they’re most proud of. Help them think about how this experience could shape their next steps, whether academically, personally, or professionally.

There may also be a few practical tasks to finish, such as closing out insurance documents or organising return paperwork. And they may want to maintain contact with people they met abroad – the bonds that are built during USA placements can be quite considerable. If they’re missing the exchange, encourage them to document the experience with photo albums or by writing about it. Above all else – listen with patience and be proud that you let them relish this experience.

Final thoughts

Your role in this journey matters. Your encouragement, trust and support will help your child make the most of their time in the USA and return with new skills, a new perspective, and a sense of achievement that will stay with them.

This isn’t just a summer away. It’s part of who they will become. Thank you for trusting CIEE with that.

FAQs for parents

  • CIEE placements include structured supervision on site and access to a dedicated, 24/7 support line. Your child will have named contacts at their placement, and all host organisations meet safeguarding and accommodation standards.

  • CIEE provides medical insurance for the duration of their programme. If something happens, they can contact their supervisor or the CIEE support team, who will guide them through the next steps.

  • This varies by programme. Many USA placements include clear arrival instructions, orientation and transport guidance. These details will be clear and fully briefed to your child before travel.

  • Communication varies depending on schedule and phone access (many USA placements, if camp based, will enforce no phone use throughout the working day). It’s helpful to agree expectations in advance, but we recommend occasional check-ins rather than frequent messaging.

  • This is common and not a sign that things are going wrong. Supervisors on site and CIEE staff are trained to support the adjustment. Encourage your child to talk to someone locally as well as to you.

  • In many cases yes, but it depends on programme structure and visa conditions. It’s best to check with CIEE before planning a visit.

  • Absolutely. Employers consistently value independence, problem-solving, teamwork and global perspectives - all of which your child will gain through this experience.

  • Accommodation is programme-specific but always vetted for safety and suitability. Your child will receive full details before departure.

  • Some placements include pay; others don’t. We’ll outline costs clearly in advance, and you can work with your child to set a budget for personal expenses and travel.

  • You can always reach CIEE’s participant support team. Your child will also have in-country contacts, so they’re never without help.