Host Employers have a talented pool of enthusiastic and educated English-speaking students. Become an international student mentor and act as an American citizen ambassador. Protect the diplomatic interests of the U.S. and its foreign visitors.
Becoming a Host Employer
Being a host to an international student is both a privilege and a responsibility. The U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Programs were created to provide cultural and educational opportunities for global youths.
The work component being a benefit to employers and students alike. The jobs that students fill help seasonal businesses meet staffing needs during their peak periods.
International students work to defray living costs and experience total immersion, allowing them to live in American communities and to learn about American business practices.
Benefits of Hosting International Students
- Provide a life-changing experience for young people from all over the world
- Be a citizen ambassador and contribute to U.S. diplomacy
- Bring cultural exchange and diversity to your workplace and your community
- Meet peak seasonal staffing needs
- Recruit ambitious candidates
- Simplify your hiring
Host Employer Responsibilities
International exchange programs are highly regulated to ensure that the cultural exchange experience is beneficial to everyone involved.
Both program participants and host employers must commit to the principles of cultural exchange and comply with program regulations.
Summer Work Travel Program Regulations
All host employers must follow certain guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of State. Regulations cover matters, such as participant pay and working hours. GeoVisions will help you understand the rules so that you are compliant at all times. By following the guidelines and rules, you can be sure your business and program participants have a successful experience.
Exchange Visitor Program regulations are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of students while they are living and working in the United States. As a host employer, you have a unique opportunity to serve as both a business mentor and an American citizen ambassador. The positive impressions you leave with visiting students contribute to greater relations with people around the world.
Testimonials
Joanie Fraser
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Jennifer Lambert
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Pay, Wages, and Taxes:
Students must be paid the same as the wage paid to U.S. workers in comparable positions. All of our Work Travel Program participants employed must be paid the equivalent of their American counterparts.
J-1 Summer Work Travel participants will receive the federal minimum wage set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
- At a minimum, it must also be the higher of the State and Federal minimum wages.
J-1 Summer Work Travel Program participants pay all relevant federal, state and local taxes. J-1 Summer Work Travel Program participants are “EXEMPT” from Social Security (FICA), Medicare, and Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA).
Student Housing, Meals, and Transportation
The safety and welfare of our students is our priority.
It is everyone’s best interest to ensure affordable, safe housing and reasonable transportation is available for all participants.
Employers who are able to assist by providing benefits, such housing assistance, free or subsidized meals, and company-sponsored transportation are deemed more desirable employers.
Program Rules about Work and Job Positions
In order to ensure the best experiences for visiting students, these types of work and positions are strictly forbidden:
- Nanny, babysitter or any domestic job in someone else’s house
- Use of personal funds to purchase inventory to sell items door-to-door
- Positions that are substantially commission-based and thus do not guarantee federal prevailing minimum wage
- Work as pedicab or rolling chair drivers or operators
- Work as operators of vehicles or vessels that carry passengers for hire and/or for which commercial drivers’ licenses are required
- Work in any position related to clinical care that involves patient contact
- Employment in the adult entertainment industry
Work in any position that could bring notoriety or disrepute to the Summer Work Travel program, GeoVisions, or the U.S. Department of State
GeoVision’s Commitment to Student Safety, Well-Being, and Compliance
As a program sponsor, GeoVisions is committed to the health, safety, and well-being of our student visitors.
All jobs must provide adequate pay and allow time for students to gain from the other aspects of their program such as cultural activities, outings, and exploring.
It is also recommended that host employers make sure that students register with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and comply by completing required monthly SEVIS check-ins.