EAS: Work Exchange Programmes in the US

Work Exchange Programmes for the US

WHAT IS A WORK EXCHANGE PROGRAMME?
A number of programmes between the US and the UK encourage international understanding through practical work experience (called "internships" in the US) for up to a maximum of 18 months. The programmes are known as work exchange programmes, and vary widely in nature. Some programmes allow participants to do any job available, others are restricted to specific fields. Check to see which programme best suits your situation and needs.

Work exchange programmes can only be administered by organisations authorised to issue the US Government form DS 2019. This allows work exchange programme participants to apply for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa at a US Embassy, letting participants work legally in the US for a certain period.

Plan your participation in a work exchange programme as early as possible. Some programmes require that you obtain an offer of employment in the US before you apply to them. Programmes may have application deadlines or require you to apply a certain number of months before you intend to leave for the US. Check as to how long the whole process will take. Allow time for the visa application, and if possible do not purchase a flight before you know your visa application has been successful.

Temporary Work Visas
The J-1 visa is often the most straightforward and cost effective route to obtaining permission to work in the US for a short period of time. Other temporary work visas include the H-1B, H-2B and H-3 visa categories, each of which has very specific eligibility requirements. For more information on temporary work visa categories plFTC Londone consult the US Embassy website or visit www.exchanges.state.gov/education/jexchanges/about.htm. FTC London cannot answer visa enquiries.

Further Information
For more information, contact the organisations on the list below. You are welcome to consult these reference publications at FTC London's, Mondays 1.30pm - 7.00pm, Tuesdays -Fridays 1.30pm - 5.00pm.

Internships 2005 (Peterson's, Princeton NJ)
The Internship Bible 2002(The Princeton Review)
America's Top Internships 1998 The Princeton Review)
National Directory of Arts Internships 1995-1996 (NNAP)

PLFTC LondonE NOTE: Inclusion on this list does not imply approval or recognition. All programme descriptions have been provided by the organisations concerned, or obtained from their materials.

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION
Section of International Law and Practice; 1620 L Street, NW, Suite 825 Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 466-2600; Fax: (202) 466-4575; Website:http://www.abanet.org/intlaw/ilex/home.html

Programme Name: International Legal Exchange Program (ILEX).

Programme Fees: $500 non-refundable application fee.

Eligibility Requirements: Qualified lawyer/attorney, English language proficiency.

Age Limit: Information not available.

Time Permitted in the USA: Initial placement minimum 3 months, maximum 12 months. Extension to 18 months solely at discretion of host office.

Application Deadline: Complete application must be submitted at lFTC Londont six months before desired starting date for placement.

Additional Programme Description: “Individual Placements of Foreign Attorneys in US Law Firms of Law Offices: ILEX…places individual foreign attorneys who wish to receive comparative training with U.S. law firms or in other legal offices. Additionally ILEX tracks the progress of these placements by maintaining contact with participants and the host firms.”

AMERICAN YOUTH WORK CENTER
AYWC Practical Training Program, CVYS, Castle Community Rooms, 2 Tower Street, Leicester LE1 6WR
Website: http://www.youthtoday.org/aywc

Programme Name: American Youth Work Center Practical Training Program

Programme Fees: Return airfare; $150 on acceptance - $50 covers initial insurance, and $50 is returnable on completion; Practical Trainees should take around $3,000 to cover initial living costs.

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must have experience and/or training in: social work; psychology; counselling; work with people with a learning disability; substance abuse problems or mental illness; youth work; or other related fields. Most Trainees have a degree or relevant professional qualification, and at lFTC Londont two years paid or voluntary youth or social work experience.

Age Limit: None set, but most Trainees are aged 22 to 30 years.

Time Permitted in the USA: 18 months, after which Trainees must leave US.

Application Deadline: Normally three rounds of interviews per year, in May, October and February. Deadlines for applications in March, August and December respectively.

Additional Programme Description: "The AYWC Practical Training Program enables people with training and/or experience in youth and social work to enter the US to receive practical, hands-on training and work experience in one of a range of American social service agencies, whilst earning the prevailing wage rate plus benefits. The Program has been operating since 1986, and currently places around 150 UK Practical Trainees in the US each year."

AUPAIRCARE
1565 Stratford Road, Hall Green, Birmingham B28 9JA.
Phone: 0121 733 6444, Fax: 0121 733 6555
Website:www.100s-aupairs.co.uk Email: lorraine@au-pairs4u.com

Programme Name: AuPairCare Cultural Exchange Programme.

Programme Fees: $500 refundable training fee, $150 insurance contribution (non-refundable)

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must have a good level of English, males or females eligible, good child care experience required and full, clean driving licence. Ability to commit for one year.

Age Limit: 18-26 years.

Time Permitted in the USA: 1 year plus 13th month independent travel opportunity.

Application Deadline: Applicants placed all year round.

Additional Programme Description: “AuPairCare have been placing Au Pairs since 1986. All families are interviewed and screened before an au pair is placed with them and year-long support is provided… (An) educational allowance offers Au Pair an excellent opportunity to further their studies during their year. Local Co-ordinator support and 24 hour help-line. 4 day / 5 night training orientation in New York City upon arrival in America, where applicants are trained in child care, safety, first aid and cultural differences etc. Excellent opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.”

AU PAIR IN AMERICA
37 Queens Gate, London SW7 5HR.Tel: 020 7581 7322,
Fax: 020 7581 7345, Website: www.aupairamerica.co.uk

Programme Name: Au Pair in America; Au Pair Extraordinaire.

Programme Fees: $60 nonrefundable placement fee, $100 nonrefundable insurance contribution, $400 Good Faith Deposit (refundable on completion of the programme); Au Pair Extraordinaire applicants make the same payments, but applicants receive $1000 upon programme completion.

Eligibility Requirements: Good level of spoken English, recent childcare experience, able to commit for 12 months, full clean driving licence, completed secondary education. Au Pair Extraordinaire applicants must have one of Au Pair in America’s recognised childcare qualifications from their country, or 2 years of full-time childcare experience.

Age Limit: 18-26 years (up until 27th birthday).

Time Permitted in the USA: 1 year plus 13th month independent travel opportunity.

Application Deadline: Vacancies all year – apply 2-3 months before you would like to depart.

Additional Programme Description: “Au Pair in America was the first organisation to be designated by the US Department of State and is still the largest. In return for 45 hours per week of excellent childcare you will receive: medical and personal insurance, 4-day orientation in New York, food and board in your host families’ home, weekly payment, 24-hour support system from a fully trained community counsellor, a carefully screened host family, study allowance, a 13th month to travel and the chance to make friends throughout the world!”

THE BRITISH-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
8 Staple Inn, Holborn, London WC1V 7QH
Tel: 020 7404 6400 (UK) 00 1 212 661 4060 (US) Fax: 020 7404 6828 (UK) Fax: 001 212 661 4074 (US)
Website:www.bacc.org Email: bacc@baccgl.org

Programme Name: BACC Exchange Visitor Program

Programme Fee: US $1200

Eligibility Requirements: A member company in either the British-American Chamber of Commerce, London or New York or a member in one of the US-based organisations within the British-American Business Council must put forward the individual they are sponsoring.

Age Limits: None

Time Permitted in US: 18 months

Application Deadline: No deadline for applications; 3-4 weeks processing time is required.

Additional Programme Description: "A program of the British-American Chamber of Commerce to provide training opportunities, conducted by the British-American Chamber of Commerce and its affiliated Chambers in the US, for qualified foreign trainees in business-related fields to promote the general interest of international educational and cultural change."

BUNAC
Enquiries Department, 16 Bowling Green Lane, London EC1R OQH
Tel: 020 7251 3472 Fax: 020 7251 0215
Website: www.bunac.org Email: enquiries@bunac.org.uk

Programme Names: Work America; KAMP; BUNACAMP Counsellors; OPT USA..

Programme Fees: Work America £89 application fee, £119 approx. insurance, $449 approx. flight; KAMP £62 application fee, £119 approx. insurance, no flight cost; SUMMERCAMP COUNSELLORS £62 application fee, £119 approx. insurance, no flight cost; OPT USA fees start at £275 non-student/£210 student + insurance.

Eligibility Requirements:Work America - full-time tertiary level student, or Gap Year student; KAMP - as Work America; Summer Camp USA - experience working with children. OPT USA - both students and non-students with a responsible organisation to offer training placement.

Age Limits: Work America - 18+; KAMP - 18+; Summer Camp USA - 19-35 years; OPT USA - 19+

Time Permitted in US: Work America, KAMP and Summer Camp USA - Up to 4 months during the summer months; OPT USA - 3-18 months

Application Deadlines: Work America, KAMP and Summer Camp USA - May or June each year; OPT USA - year-round application possible.

Additional Programme Description: "BUNAC's programmes to the USA give students and non-students the opportunity to work and travel around the USA. They provide young people with an insight into 'real life' America whilst giving them the opportunity to earn money to finance their travels. Advice and support is provided in the UK before departure and in the USA on arrival. Young people can choose between summer camp work on the Summer Camp USA and KAMP programmes, either as a counsellor or in the ancillary sections of the camp respectively, or on Work America where they can take any job, anywhere in the USA. OPT USA is an internship programme that provides the documentation required to apply for a J-1 visa for students and non-students who have arranged a course-related or career-related placement with an American host organisation. The programme is operated in conjunction with International Program Services, YMCA of the USA (IPS). Applicants must arrange their own placement."

CAMP AMERICA
Dept PC1, 37a Queens Gate, London SW7 5HR, Tel: 020 7581 7373 Website:www.campamerica.co.uk/Page.asp

Programme Names: Camp Counsellors; Campower; Family Companions.

Programme Fees: 1st deposit £30/40, 2nd deposit £35, Airport tax £6, Visa Processing £13, Insurance £130.

Eligibility Requirements: Camp Counsellors - available to leave for 9-10 weeks in June, sporting skills or arts and crafts, and childcare experience; Campower - as for Camp Counsellors and must be full-time student; Family Companion - full-time student, child care experience.

Age Limits: Camp Counsellors - 18 by 1st June; Campower - 18 by 1st June; Family Companion - 18 by 1st June and not over 24.

Time Permitted in US: Maximum 17 weeks.

Application Deadlines: variable - normally mid-May, but can be later depending upon demand.

CHALLENGE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
101 Lorna Road, Hove, FTC Londont Sussex BN3 3EL. Tel: 01273 220261, Fax: 01273 220376, Website: www.challengeuk.com

Programme Name: Work Placement Programme in the USA

Programme Fees: £3,495 for a year, £ 2,995 for a semester

Eligibility Requirements: must be a graduate or undergraduate willing to work on a voluntary basis for a ‘blue chip’ company in San Francisco.

Age Limits: 18-26

Time Permitted in US: up to 3 months

Application Deadlines: 2 months before departure

Additional Programme Description: “Gain hands-on experience working for a ‘blue chip’ company related to your field of study. Individual searches are carried out for each student. Previous ‘interns’ have been in law, journalism, finance and the media.”

COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGE (CIEE)
52 Poland Street, London W1F 7AB, Tel: 020 7478 2020, Fax: 020 7734 7322, Website: www.councilexchanges.org.uk

Programme Names: Work and Travel USA; Internship USA Programme; Professional Career Training USA, Professional Career Training USA PLUS.

Programme Fees: Work and Travel USA - start at £335 (Including CIEE support services, medical & baggage insurance, pre-departure orientation, job listings and legal paperwork to obtain the J-1 visa); Internship USA- start at £270 (Including legal sponsorship to obtain the J-1 visa, insurance and support services); Professional Career Training USA– start at £320, (including legal sponsorship to obtain the J-1 visa insurance and support services). Professional Career Training USA PLUS-£650, (fully inclusive service-advice, insurance, administration and support, with week-long turn around of applications).

Eligibility Requirements: Work and Travel USA - full-time higher education students in UK (including final year students), and gap year students with an unconditional offer at college/university; Internship USA Programme - must be enrolled in the UK on a full-time course at the HND level or above with a course related placement arranged in the USA; Professional Career Training USA and Professional Career Training USA PLUS-Resident in UK, aged 20-40 years with A-levels and either a degree or 2 years work experience with a course/career-related placement arranged in the USA. Professional Career Training PLUS-Resident in the UK, aged 20-40 years with A-levels and either a degree or 2 years work experience. Must be employed by a company with operations in the US and undertaking a period of ‘on-the-job’ training to develop their career.

Age Limits: 18+ for all programmes.

Time Permitted in US: Work and Travel USA - 4 month summer programme; Internship USA, Professional Career Training Programme USA and Professional Career Training Programme PLUS - up to 18 months.

Application Deadlines: Work and Travel USA - Spring (contact CIEE for details on freephone 0800 7319076); Internship USA Programme, Professional Career Training USA and Professional Career Training USA PLUS - applications accepted all year round.

Additional Programme Description: All programmes allow work anywhere in the USA and 30 travel time after the programme. Work & Travel USA are mainly sFTC Londononal work positions and actual job listings are provided to participants. InternshipCoach advisory service is available to help with finding suitable placements for Internship USA and Professional Career Training USA. All programmes include legal sponsorship for appropriate J1 visa, insurance and support services in the UK before and US during programme. Taxback service is also available to process Tax returns for UK participants.

ftc London UK/US TEACHER EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2BN
Tel: 020 7389 4595, fax: 020 7389 4426 (England)
28 Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3QE
Tel: 029 2039 7346 (Wales)
3 Bruntsfield Crescent, Edinburgh EH10 4HD
Tel: 0131 447 8024, fax: 0131 452 8569 (Scotland)
Norwich Union House, 7 Fountain Street, Belfast BT1 5EG
Tel: 028 9024 8220, fax: 028 9023 7592 (N. Ireland)
E mail: ftc London@britishcouncil.org
W ebsite: www.britishcouncil.org/learning-ftc London.htm

Programme Offered: ftc London Teacher Exchange Program
Award Amount: Teachers on exchange continue to receive their salary from their UK institution or authority and American teachers are paid by the US institution. If you receive a responsibility allowance you should check whether this would still be paid during the exchange. Travel to and from the place of exchange will be paid for exchange teachers – but not for accompanying dependants.
Programme Duration: Teachers can opt to spend six weeks, one term or a full academic year teaching in the United States. Academic year and the majority of one term UK participants travel out to the US at the end of July.
Eligibility: The programme covers all levels from nursery to further education and applicants must be qualified teachers or equivalent and have had 3 years’ full-time teaching experience in the UK (4 years in Scotland). By the time of the exchange they must also have worked for at lFTC Londont two years in the institution from which they propose to exchange, which must be in the UK or a SCEA school. US citizens are not eligible. Citizens of countries other than the UK or Ireland must contact the British Council before applying, in order to establish their eligibility.
Application Deadline: 2 December for exchanges commencing in autumn of the same year.
Description: The programme is an effective form of professional – and personal – development for both the UK and US participants. The first exchanges under this programme took place in 1924 and currently some 60 UK teachers exchange annually with US partners. It is administered in the UK by the British Council and in the United States by the US State Department.

Programme Offered: ftc London UK-US Workshadow Exchange
Program Finances: British Council will award a grant of £650 to each UK participant to help defray the cost of travel to and from the US.
Programme Duration: Between three and six weeks
Eligibility: Headteachers/Principals, Assistant/Deputy Headteachers/Principals, members of the senior management team in schools from nursery to further education, senior managers and policy makers in education in local authorities/education and library boards who are UK/Irish citizens and currently employed in UK schools/local authorities/ELBs are eligible to apply to the programme.
Application Deadline: Completed applications must be received by 15 November for exchange visits taking place during the following academic year
Description: The programme is an effective form of professional – and personal – development for both the UK and US participants. Participants spend between 3 and 6 weeks living and working with their US partner for whom they in turn provide a varied UK based programme. Within these broad guidelines, there is much flexibility to enable the exchange partners to generate work shadow schemes which bring together the diversity and strengths of the local educational scene with the skills and interests of the visitor

INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL EXCHANGE ASSOCIATION (AGRIVENTURE)
Servicing Officer, IAEA/Agriventure, Speedwell Farm Bungalow, Nettle Bank, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE14 05A Tel: 01945 450999, Fax: 02476 696684
Website: www.agriventure.com Email: uk@agriventure.com

Programme Name: International Agricultural Exchange Association.

Application Fees: From £2000 (includes return flights, visa, work/travel insurance, transfers and other items).

Eligibility Requirements: UK/Eire National, agriculture/horticulture experience, full driving licence.

Age Limits: 18-30 years old

Time Permitted in the US: 5½ to 9 months

Application Deadline: Not applicable, but application should be made at lFTC Londont 2 months before departure for all programmes.

Additional Programme Description: “IAEA has 30 years of experience arranging for young agriculturalists to live and work with approved host families. Programmes to the USA leave February to March. Many types of agricultural/horticultural placements are available including a ‘custom harvest crew’ on the March programme.”

INTERNATIONAL EMPLOYMENT TRAINING (IET)
45 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1XL
Website: www.jobsamerica.co.uk Email: info@jobsamerica.co.uk

Programme Name: IET

Application Fees: £250 - £375 Depending on the length of stay in the US (+ additional £32 Visa fee).

Eligibility Requirements: Anyone with a degree from recognised UK university and have work experience in your chosen field, or you must be a specialist worker with work related certificates.

Age Limits: 18+

Time Permitted in the US: Three months up to 18 months

Application Deadline: There is none

Additional Programme Description: IET works with US companies to place international applicants in field related work experience for up to 18 months. Placements are usually in metropolitan cities, however, arrangements can be made for other locations if you specify the area. You will be equally paid as your US co-workers. 30 day travel break to see the US at the end of the programme.

INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE EXCHANGE OF STUDENTS FOR TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE (IAESTE)
Central Bureau, British Council, 10 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2BN.
Tel: 020 7389 4771, Fax: 020 7389 4426
Website: www.iaeste.org.uk Email: united_kingdom@iaeste.org

Programme Name: IAESTE (Student Exchange Programme)

Application Fees: £75 (reserved offer scheme), £48 (once accepted for open offer scheme - see below).

Eligibility Requirements: Degree level students in science, engineering, technology, applied arts and related fields.

Age Limits: up to 30 years old

Time Permitted in the US: 6 weeks to 6 months (typical placement 3 months)

Application Deadline:Initial application by first week in December a year before you would like to take up placement in the US.

Additional Programme Description: "In 1998 IAESTE will have had 50 years experience of recruiting UK and foreign students with a view to giving the opportunity to live and work in a foreign country. Founded at Imperial College, London in 1948, IAESTE is an independent, non-political organisation that now has offices in 64 countries worldwide. IAESTE operates both an open offer (we nominate trainee) and reserved offer (employer finds trainee) scheme."

THE INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME (UK) LTD
The Old Rectory, Belton-in-Rutland, Oakham, Rutland LE15 9LE. Tel: 01572 717 381, Fax: 01572 717 343
Website: www.iepuk.com/ Email: ws@iepuk.com

Name of Programme: International Exchange Program (UK).

Programme Fee: Budget figure £1500-£2000 to cover all programme fees, health and accident insurance, flights.

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be aged between 18-34, be single and in good health, have at lFTC Londont one year's practical experience in the chosen industry, have a current driving licence, working knowledge of the English language and approved health and accident insurance.

Age Limits: 18-34

Time Permitted in the US: Initially six months to one year with a possible extension for a further six months.

Application Deadline: None, placements available year round.

Additional Programme Description: "One of the largest programmes into the USA offering placements to around 1000 inbound trainees in equine, agriculture, horticulture and enology. Our partner, Communicating for Agriculture (CA) will pre-place every accepted applicant into an approved training position and appoint a co-ordinator to support each trainee during their stay in the USA. Seminars and visits are arranged. "

MOUNTBATTEN INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME
Abbey House, 74 - 76 St John Street, 5th Floor, London EC1M 4DZ
Tel: 020 7253 7759, Fax: 020 7831 7018
Email: info-uk@mountbatten.org, Website: www.mountbatten.org

Name of Programme: Mountbatten Internship Programme leading to a Certificate in International Business Practice

Programme Fee: Application fee £45, participation fee £1700 plus flight (Interns are paid $960/mth and provided with free accommodation and medical insurance).

Eligibility Requirements: Office skills (e.g. good typing, MS Office), strong desire to live and work in New York for one year, and commitment.

Age Limits: 21-28 years

Time Permitted in US: 12mths work experience/Certificate work, 1mth to travel.

Application Deadline: 5 months before, main entry months are January, May and September.

Additional Programme Description: ""A 12-month training and work experience programme providing an opportunity to learn about American and international business techniques and to experience the rich cultural diversity of New York City. Its mission since 1984 has been to foster international and cross-cultural understanding, while providing opportunities for personal growth and professional development. Sponsor companies range from large multinationals to small businesses in a wide variety of fields. Jobs are normally entry level. The Programme is about personal rather than career development. Interns need patience and an open-minded approach to foreign cultures and new challenges. They must be willing to cope with difficult situations in an unfamiliar environment. Help and guidance are always available from permanent professional staff in New York. A very rewarding programme for those who do it for the right rFTC Londonons and with the right attitude (positive, committed and determined)."

THE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR WORK EXPERIENCE
344-354 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8BP. Tel: 020 7833 5520, Fax: 020 7833 9710, Email: wcva@dircon.co.uk Website: www.wcva.dircon.co.uk

Programme Name: US/UK Career Development Programme.

Programme Fee: £65 payable to NCWE plus fee to NCWE's US partner, which is paid either by US employer or applicant and ranges from $600 to $1000.

Eligibility: Must be a British national with an arranged full-time training placement and a relevant first degree, minimum one year relevant work experience or current student status in Hospitality & Tourism. You must earn a minimum $250/week at your US placement.

Age Limits: 18+

Time Permitted in US:: up to 18 months.

Application Deadline:: Year-round applications possible.

Additional Programme Description: "This programme is arranged in conjunction with the US-based Association of International Practical Training (AIPT). Non-UK nationals should contact AIPT for information specific to their nationality."

TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT AGENCY (N.IRELAND)
39-49 Adelaide Street, Belfast BT2 8FD. Tel: 028 9025 7481, Fax: 028 9025 7817, Email: walshvisa@ngc.com Website: http://www.walshvisa.net

Name of Programme: The Walsh Visa Program.

Programme Fee: N/A

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must have been residents of Northern Ireland or Border counties of Republic of Ireland for at lFTC Londont three months and must meet the US immigration/visa requirements. Priority is given to applicants who: have been unemployed for at lFTC Londont three months; have been made redundant or are in receipt of a notice of redundancy; have completed or are currently participating in a Training and Employment Agency (N.Ireland) or FAS - Training and Employment Authority (Ireland) or other publicly funded employment/training programme. Applications from individuals who do not meet these criteria are currently given low priority.

Age Limits: 18-35 years

Time Permitted in US: Up to 36 months

Application Deadline: N/A

Additional Programme Description: "The Walsh Visa Program is a new visa programme enacted by the US Congress which creates 12,000 temporary non-immigrant work visas and is set up to promote the economic regeneration of Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland in support of the Irish Peace Process. Employment is possible with participating US employers in nine occupational sectors: hospitality and tourism; customer services; information and communication technology; pharmaceuticals; engineering; sales, marketing and promotion; agriculture/horticulture diversification; food processing; and furniture. Successful applicants will enter a home-country based 4-6 week training program on numeracy, literacy, basic computer skills, and work socialisation that will afford them minimum employment skills. A US Program Administrator will provide, among other things, assistance with housing, obtaining a social security number and a site-specific orientation on local transportation, educational opportunities and so on."

WINANT CLAYTON VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION
St Margaret’s House, 21 Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PL. Tel: 020 8983 3834
Website: www.winantclayton.com Email: wcva@dircon.co.uk

Name of Programme: Volunteer Exchange Programme.

Programme Fee: Application £5, airfare, insurance and visa costs £460 in 2005.

Eligibility Requirements: Essential - commitment to the principle of voluntary work, understanding of what it is to be part of a team, understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities, initiative, motivation and self-sufficiency, an enthusiastic, positive 'people' person, ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with a wide range of people from a variety of backgrounds, cultures and lifestyles.

Age Limits: 18+

Time Permitted in US: 10 weeks.

Application Deadline: January 31st

Additional Programme Description: "Winant Clayton Volunteers operates a volunteer exchange programme between the USA and Britain. Each year in June approximately 20 British volunteers travel to New York. Volunteers work for 8 weeks on community/social work placements that can include: psychiatric rehabilitation; urban playschemes; HIV/AIDS nutrition programme; support services for older people; training programme for out of work adults; outreach for homeless adults. This is followed by 2 weeks travel time (which is not funded or organised by the organisation, but a hospitality list and advice are provided). On their return many volunteers remain involved with the organisation and can help organise and run recruitment, publicity, support American volunteers etc."