Camp America

It's a well known fact that the USA is a notoriously difficult country for which to get a work permit. Indeed, many young people wanting to visit the States for an extended period are often under the mistaken impression that the only way they can legally work there is by taking a position with Camp America.

Camp America run summer camps for American children throughout the States, and have a policy of recruiting young people from outside the USA to work for them for the duration of the summer. Camp America offers a basic wage and living accommodation in return for the overseas recruits working the summer in one of their camps in a number of jobs - which can be anything from cleaning to sports coaching. After you've finished your work with Camp America there is then some time left over to do some travelling in the States prior to returning home. Camp America has been extremely successful over the years at running recruitment stands to attract recruits at British colleges and universities - which may be the reason why many people don't realise that there are other alternatives for finding temporary work in the USA.

What alternatives are there to Camp America?

While Camp America is undoubtedly popular and many people who work with them have a good time, there are most definitely other alternatives out there if you want to work and travel in the States. It's always a good idea to keep your options open. If you are currently a student, and will be returning to full-time study at a college or university after the summer holidays, aside from Camp America it's also possible to work in the USA as part of the ‘Student Summer Programme.' There's a diverse range of jobs available within this scheme to suit all interests. For example, how about trying your hand as a family nanny? As with Camp America accommodation is usually provided, and you generally also have plenty of choice with regards to choosing exactly where in the States you'll be working. After you finish, again as with Camp America, there's ample opportunity to travel around the USA before flying home. The Student Summer programme is a great way to work in the USA, have some fun, meet new people, earn some money and travel the States.

What if I'm past the ‘Camp America' age but want to experience work in the USA?

If you've left university and are past the traditional ‘Camp America' age, it may still be possible to experience working in the States. As long as long as you're 35 or under and have gained certain qualifications you may be able to work in America under the ‘Career Training' initiative. The basic idea behind this scheme is to allow non-American candidates to work in the States as part of a work placement. Participants receive on-the-job training in their particular profession, with the emphasis placed on learning American ways of conducting business. The Career Training initiative operates a strict policy that you'll be paid the same rate as an American would earn doing the same job, meaning you should have plenty of dollars spare when you finish for doing some sightseeing. After you finish your posting you have 30 days in which to travel and see some of the USA before you depart.


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