Would you like to experience the United States in a unique and exciting way? Apply for the Summer Work and Travel (SWT) program, which offers an opportunity for university students to immerse themselves in American culture by living and working in a U.S. community during the summer university break November – February of their degree programs in their home country. The primary objective of the SWT program is to provide a cultural exchange opportunity, rather than a purely academic one.

For the SWT season, The U.S. Embassy in Namibia is delighted to offer for the first time the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) Access Scholarship program for students who would not otherwise be able to participate in this important Cultural Exchange Program. If selected for the Program, you are able to work for up to four months and then, if you like, take some time (up to 30 days) to travel to the places you’ve always dreamed of.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES:

Students can expect to undertake non-skilled work in a seasonal environment. Typical job types include front desk clerk, sales associate, server, host, ride attendant, and resort worker. Students may work at a U.S. National Park, a mountain or beach resort area, or a popular amusement/theme park in a variety of U.S. States. Students with stronger English skills will be eligible for a wider variety of positions. Students should expect to work an average of 30 hours per week.

Students receive a thorough CIEE job profile outlining host employer job duties and pay rate, transportation options, housing details, and local area information. Students should familiarize themselves with this information, feel confident that they are prepared to succeed and participate in all duties required of their position, and commit to an entire season at that location. Students will then interview for jobs with host employers. Access Scholarship students will also have specific support contacts at CIEE during their program and housing support through their host employer.

APPLICATION TIMELINE:

• August: The deadline for applicants to complete application form.
• August: Selections will be confirmed
• September: Students will be contacted for screening and matching with eligible positions; U.S. host employer interviews will take place.
• October: Students apply for visas
• November: Student travel arrangements and students prepared for arrival in the U.S.

ELIGIBILITY

To take part in the Work & Travel USA program, you must meet the below eligibility requirements:
• You must be between 18 and 30 years old
• You must be registered as a full-time student at a university or other institution of post-secondary education
• The degree/diploma course in which you are registered must be at least two years in duration.
• Students in post-graduate courses that are less than two years (i.e. masters courses), are also eligible
• You will need to have strong English language skills to be safe and comfortable traveling alone in the United States and so that you can actively engage with your local U.S. community and function in an English-speaking work environment
• You must have an interest in engaging with U.S. culture and communities
• In addition to program fees, you must have a minimum of US $800 to support yourself when you first arrive in the United States

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

Application Dates: July – August 15
To apply, complete the online application by going to: https://cieewat.wufoo.com/forms/m12jgh517m35k2/

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• About the SWT program: https://www.ciee.org/in-the-usa/work
• This video shares program feedback from a few of our CIEE Access Scholarship alumni:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwDNAoSH4Xo
• Additional Work & Travel USA informational videos on the CIEE Work & Travel YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/cieeworkandtravel