Employers Overview

Understanding the J-1 Visa

Exchange Visitors on IENA’s program work at camp through the J-1 Cultural Exchange Visitor Visa program. The maximum length of time this visa is valid for is 4 months plus a 30 day grace period to travel, before AND after the dates on their camp contract. Participants are not allowed to work during this 30- day grace period. All participants on the J-1 visa must depart the U.S. within 30 days of their visa expiration date.

IENA administers two different types of J-1 visas, depending on whether the participant has selected to apply as Support Staff or as a Camp Counselor. Please be advised that participants may only work in the position for which their visa was issued. It is a violation of J-1 visa regulations if this is not the case.

• Camp Counselors are part of the J-1 Camp Counselor program
• Support Staff are part of the J-1 Summer Work and Travel program

The major difference in these programs from an eligibility point of view is that you MUST be a full time student to be considered for the Summer Work and Travel program.  J-1 Visa regulations were updated in May 2012 and we expect several further updates in the coming years. We will keep you informed here of these updates.  When administering a J-1 Visa program, IENA are responsible for monitoring participants and their working environments.

We  work closely with the American Camp Association, and the Department of State. The regulations are intended to take the spirit of cultural diplomacy and put it into action. The intent of the J-1 visa is to make working at a camp this summer more than a job. It should embrace cultural exchange. The J1 participants must be working alongside Americans and people from diverse cultures as well as experiencing American culture during time off from work.

IENA is required to obtain these documents from every camp prior to finalizing placements:

• A copy of your business license. Depending on the type of camp this can take a variety of forms. Normally it is from the Secretary of State and authorizes the camp to function in their state. It can be called an operating permit or even be a long letter. A copy of your county or city license will also suffice.
• A copy of your Workers’ Compensation certificate showing current coverage
• A signed copy of the IENA agreement

In Addition, in order to comply with Department of State regulations, we require the following:

• That Cultural Component is part of the placement
• That Camp Contacts IENA regularly regarding Exchange Visitors and ensures Exchange Visitors are in compliance with regulations
• That Camp Pays in accordance with applicable state and federal laws

More information on the J-1 Visa can be found on the Department of States website

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Our Policy

IENA understands that the individuals that are participants on our program will work directly with children in a residential setting.  Child protection and Safeguarding of children is something IENA are strongly committed to.

We operate a safe recruitment policy and always require police checks, medical checks and other documents to support all applications.  Our screening policy includes:

• All applicants are required to complete a detailed application form.
• All applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references.
• All applicants are required to submit a police background check using the relevant authority in their home country.
• All applicants are interviewed in order to ascertain their suitability for our program and working with children.

American Camp Association

The American Camp Association (ACA) is an organization that exists to improve standards of summer camps in the USA. The association is made up of full time staff on volunteers who host many annual conferences as well as produce training materials.  In order to be accredited by the ACA, camps are visited and scored to ensure certain high standards are being met.  It is quite a vigorous process and is the gold standard for summer camps in the USA.  IENA have several ACA Standards Visitors on its staff.

IENA only work with camps that are accredited with the American Camp Association and are a proud business partner.

Begin your application today!

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Expert Online Training

IENA have made a commitment to excellence by partnering with Expert Online Training.  This provides a rigorous pre-camp training with the front runner in e-learning for youth leaders.

The syllabus for this internet classroom includes a variety of online video training modules, quizzes and handouts that teach new and experienced staff how to better lead, discipline and support the development of boys and girls at camp and also prepares them for camp culture in a way that we believe a few hours orientation cannot. The hosts of the videos include psychologists, physicians, attorneys and camp directors, such as Scott Arizala, Steve Maguire and “Dr Deb”, Deb Gilboa.

Videos will cover a variety of topics including Bully Prevention, Active Life-guarding, Alcohol Policies, Safe Touch & Safe Talk, Behavior Management, etc…
All fees associated with this are covered by IENA.

IENA will continue to go above and beyond when selecting staff and preparing them to have a positive impact at camps this summer.

2023 Summer Work and Travel program dates

The dates which participants are permitted to work during the summer follows the following guidelines:

1. It may not be for a period longer than 4 months
2. It must be within their University or College’s official summer break from school, and participants must show proof of these dates
3. The dates fall between the start and end date permitted by the department of state which varies from country to country

All three of these conditions must be met when offering or accepting a contract to work at camp

The dates permitted by the US Dept of State (point 3) for this season can be found in the PDF download HERE.

Partake in American Culture and History

As a sponsor IENA, we will always keep you up to date on all J-1 visa regulations.

The regulations regarding the cultural component are very clear that the applicants must not only receive work based cultural exposure, but also partake in activities that introduces American culture and history outside the work place (on time off).

Some examples and suggestions provided by the Department of State are visits to national parks, historic or government sites, scenic areas, museums, local sporting events, participating in meals with Americans, local community events and nature outings.

Here is what the regulations currently say:

1. Offer or make available to exchange visitors a variety or appropriate cross-cultural activities…Department of State encourages sponsors to give their exchange visitors the broadest exposure to American society, culture and institutions; and
2. Encourage exchange visitors to voluntarily participate in activities which are for the purpose of sharing the language, culture, or history of their home country with Americans,…”

What is American Culture?

Keep in mind that American Culture is a vast, diverse melting pot which differs from state to state. Many of our participants even comment that visiting some states are like visiting totally different countries!

A visit to Wal Mart is certainly an immersion into American culture and there is nothing more American than taking in a baseball game.

If you need any guidance or ideas for cultural exchange for your staff, contact us!

Employer Verification Process

As per visa regulations, IENA may only place Support Staff at camps that pass an employer verification process.

It’s a fairly simple process.  All we need is the following information:

• EIN (Federal Employer Identification) number
• Current Business License or State Equivalent (if exempt)
• Workers’ Compensation Cover Letter showing adequate coverage for the dates of the program or documentation showing exemption from needed coverage
• A signed copy of the IENA agreement

Camps must provide a safe working environment for all staff. All employers must pay wages and overtime in accordance with state and federal laws or be able to provide proof of exemption if requested. All labor laws apply to international staff.

We must verify that your business is legitimate and reputable through an online search of your physical address as the site of activity for the participant, website and by reviewing recent OSHA violations. The final step in the employer verification process is to have a personal phone conversation with you.

Thank you for your assistance in meeting the regulations and for your support of cultural exchange programs.

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