Summer Work & Travel Program

History of the Program

In 1995, Project Children was expanded beyond our long‑standing children's initiative by launching what is now known as our Summer Work & Travel Program for university students from both Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. After many years of building a strong and trusted network of coordinators and host families across the United States, we were able to use these relationships to create meaningful, high‑quality internship opportunities for young adults.

Just as with our children's program, students were welcomed to spend their summer living with American host families and gaining hands‑on experience in U.S. workplaces. This allowed them not only to build practical, real‑world skills but also to become part of everyday American life and culture.

Over the years, we have arranged internships across a variety of fields, including hospitality, law, IT, nonprofit, and engineering. We take great care in selecting each placement to ensure that you have a rich, rewarding, and impactful experience. The work is immersive, supportive, and designed to help you grow personally and professionally. By the end of the program, participants leave with a meaningful reference that will set their CV apart from others and broaden their future opportunities.

Now in its third decade, the Summer Work & Travel Program has supported more than 750 students. This success has been made possible through philanthropic contributions and the support and generosity of our host families and volunteers.

The Program

The Project Children Summer Work & Travel Program provides a once in a lifetime opportunity for students from Northern Ireland and Ireland. Our seven week 'cultural exchange' program runs each summer, and gives students the chance to immerse themselves in US culture by living and working in the US. The program is heavily subsidized by Project Children to minimize costs to students.

  1. Experience the US working environment by interning with a US company for 7 weeks.
  2. Experience the US way of life by living with an American host family.

Eligibility:

In order to be eligible for the program, applicants should meet the following criteria. These criteria are formed from our own policies, and the regulations relating to the issuance of a J1 visa.

  • You must be enrolled as a full time student in third level education for the current academic year.
  • You must be a resident of Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland.
  • You must hold a valid UK or Republic of Ireland passport. This must be valid until September of the current program year.
  • You must be available to attend an in-person interview in Belfast in mid April.
  • You must be available to attend an in-person orientation in Belfast in early May.
  • You must be available to travel to the US for the full and uninterrupted length of the program from mid June to mid August. No participant will be released early from the program for resits, graduations, etc.
  • You must be between the ages of 18 and 24.
  • You must have no criminal record.
  • You must be willing to have all of your social media profiles set to public view as part of the checks for obtaining a US J1 visa.

Costs:

Covered by Project Children:

  • Return flights from Ireland to the US.
  • All internal flights within the US.
  • Full medical insurance for the duration of your stay in the US.
  • Accommodation and food while in the US.
  • Travel expenses to and from your internship.
  • $200 weekly stipend.
  • SEVIS fee and J1 US administration costs.

 

Covered by Participant:

  • Non-refundable program fee of £150 to secure your place if selected.
  • $160 J1 processing fee paid directly to the US consulate (subject to change).
  • Travel insurance to cover your belongings (optional).
  • Spending money.

How to Apply:

Complete and submit your online application which will be available below while the application window is open. You will be required to upload the following during the application:

  • A recent photograph.
  • A scan of your passport photo page.
  • A copy of your CV.
  • Proof of your student status.

After the deadline, applications will be shortlisted. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a short informal interview. Following this, successful candidates will then be selected and matched to the most suitable placement available based on their course of study and their indicated preferances from their application form.

Launch Online Application

Contacts / More Information: