IAESTE (pronounced “eye-ess-tay”), or the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experiences, is a global organization promoting intercultural exchange between students in STEM fields across the globe.
The Association was first established in 1948 and now has more than eighty official member countries that collaborate to host and send students abroad for technical internships each year. IAESTE students travel to host countries within the IAESTE network where they complete paid internships at companies, universities, and research organizations. Cultural Vistas has administered the program in the United States since 1950.
United States Internship Details
Whether you are interning on the coast or in the plains, your experience in the United States is sure to be eye-opening, informative, and will certainly help you improve your professional skills and English abilities. Keep reading to learn more about finding an internship in the U.S.
Students and young professionals looking to participate as an intern on the BridgeUSA program are required to work with a sponsoring organization in the United States. Cultural Vistas, the non-profit organization that administers the IAESTE U.S. program, is a U.S. Department of State designated J-1 visa sponsoring organization for the intern and trainee categories. The BridgeUSA Program allows students and recent graduates to complete internships and traineeships in the United States with the goal of promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the United States and other countries under the J-1 Visa.
To apply for your visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy, you must bring a DS-2019 form (Certificate of Eligibility) and a Training and Internship Placement Plan (DS-7002). These documents will be issued and sent to you after the intern and U.S. host company have completed the online J-1 visa sponsorship application. Please remember to return all necessary forms as quickly as possible.
Once your DS-2019 form has been issued, contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country to schedule a visa appointment. Please keep in mind that every U.S. embassy or consulate has its own procedures, but all will require an in-person interview. The interview can only take place after you have received your DS-2019 form. Carefully follow the directions provided by the U.S. consulate or embassy. Visa processing time depends on your home country, so contact your nearest embassy or consulate as soon as you have received your DS-2019 form.
Non-US citizen
At least 18 years old
The applicant must intend to enter the United States solely for the purpose of internship or training and not to abandon non-immigrant status. Applicants must not intend to change status while in the United States.
Applicants must be interviewed by the U.S. host or Cultural Vistas to assess their eligibility and qualification.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate recent experience in the field for which they are requesting an internship experience. Applicants must have related work or education within the six months prior to the program start date.
If the applicant’s most recent work or educational experience has been in the United States, Cultural Vistas may require that the applicant return to his or her home country to gain additional experience for one year or more, and then apply to the program.
Applicants in the United States for other work or study programs must leave the United States for at least 90 days before beginning a J-1 Intern program with Cultural Vistas in most cases. Please call to discuss your case. Working remotely for a U.S. company will not count towards qualification for sponsorship.
Applicants must know English well enough to function in an English-speaking environment, both during the normal work period and non-working hours. This must be verifiable via documentation from an educational institution, English language test, or interview with Cultural Vistas.
Applicants are expected to apply in their home country in most cases. Cultural Vistas does not allow applicants to change status to the J-1 visa.
Participants are required to be covered under the health and accident insurance policies provided by Cultural Vistas. Any other insurance held by the participant will be primary, and Cultural Vistas insurance will be secondary.
Participants must notify Cultural Vistas of arrival in the U.S., and provide notice of all address changes.
Mid-term evaluations are required for programs 6 months or longer and final evaluations are required for all programs.
Participants are responsible for reading and complying with all information provided by Cultural Vistas including orientation materials detailing program requirements.
Participants cannot have a break of more than 30 days during their program.
International students looking for internships in the U.S. and other countries should start by registering for IAESTE in your country. You will then have access to all the internships offered through the IAESTE network in many countries. The application for international internships is possible throughout the entire year with a peak of internships posted from January to April! Applicants will be asked to submit an initial online application as well as supporting documents (transcripts, proof of enrollment, letter(s) of recommendation, etc.). If you secure an internship offer in the U.S., you will then apply with us for J-1 Visa sponsorship. For more details on how the visa works, see our page on J-1 Internships.
In addition to professional experience within your field of study, you will have an opportunity to gain unique insights into another country’s culture and professional dynamic. IAESTE interns receive a salary that covers at least the cost of living in their host city (housing, transportation, and meals). IAESTE provides assistance with the work authorization and visa process through the Cultural Vistas J-1 Visa sponsorship. Upon returning home, you are invited to join the global IAESTE Alumni community that is active in various locations and pursue your next global internship in another country.
Check out our Testimonials page for more information from our participants on the IAESTE experience.
The following documents must be uploaded to your online application. Your application will not be evaluated until all documents are uploaded.
Photocopy of a valid passport photo page and name/issuance page (name and birth date must be clear and legible). The passport must be valid for at least six months after your program’s end date.
Provide proof of English language ability, dated within the past three years (certificate, standardized test score, or school course verification). If you do not possess such documentation, an interview will be scheduled with Cultural Vistas.
Copies of any previous DS-2019/DS-7002 forms if you have already participated in a J-1 visa program.
Copies of any other previous US non-tourist visas to the United States.
If you are a student, provide (in English):
An official letter from your university confirming your current full-time university enrollment. It may be issued by a professor or university official.
An official copy of your most recent transcript.
If you are a recent graduate, provide (in English):
An official copy of your certificate or diploma.
Employment verification letters (in English) confirming your related full-time work experience outside of the United States (if applicable)
Additional application requirements.
Essay section on your goals for the program.
Personal funding: Demonstrate you have the funds to support yourself through compensation from the internship and personal savings. We recommend that you have access to $2,000 for the first month and access to $1,000 – $2,000 for the following months, depending on your training location and whether you have a paid or unpaid training position.
A Social Security Number is a unique identification number issued by the U.S. government. It is required for tax purposes and is valid for life. Your host company will need your Social Security Number in order to add you to their payroll system; you may also need it to open a bank account, rent an apartment, or apply for a driver’s license. It is important that you apply for a Social Security Number as soon as possible. If you already have one from a previous stay in the United States, you should not apply for another one.
To ensure your application for a Social Security Number is processed correctly, you must wait a few days after arrival before applying. This is to allow all U.S. government databases time to communicate with each other and to recognize that you have arrived in the United States. You should wait at least two business days after you have confirmed your arrival with your Cultural Vistas representative.
Social Security Number Application: Your Cultural Vistas representative will send you an email acknowledging your arrival confirmation and SEVIS validation.
Apply for your Social Security Number by visiting the Social Security Administration Office nearest to you. You will need to present the following original documents (not photocopies) during the application:
A completed Form SS-5
A letter of employment from your U.S. host company
Passport including your J-1 visa and Form I-94
Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility)
Training/Internship Placement Plan (Form DS-7002)
Your Social Security Number card will be mailed to you, so it is very important that you include an up-to-date address on Form SS-5 when applying. If you are staying in temporary housing during the application process, you may want to enter your host company’s address.
Be sure to get a receipt or confirmation of your application while you are at the Social Security Administration Office. It usually takes three to six weeks for you to receive your Social Security Number; however, this receipt can be used immediately by your host company to enter you in payroll.
Once you receive your number, be sure that the Social Security Card reads “Valid for Work with DHS (or INS) Authorization”. If this phrase does not appear on your card, return to the Social Security Office immediately and request a new card.
You should memorize your Social Security Number and keep your card at home in a safe place (not in your wallet). Never give your Social Security Number to an unreliable source and never email it, not even to Cultural Vistas. If you are asked to provide the number online, make sure that the connection is secure.
If you have difficulty obtaining a Social Security Number, notify your Cultural Vistas representative immediately.
Per the U.S. Department of State J-1 visa regulations, all exchange visitors are required to have health insurance for the duration of their training program. In order to ensure compliance with these regulations, Cultural Vistas includes health insurance coverage in our program package.
Participants should always carry the Cultural Vistas-issued health insurance card with them. If participants are in an accident or need medical attention unexpectedly, they will need to show proof of coverage under a health insurance policy. Except in the event of potentially life threatening medical emergencies, clinics, doctors, and hospitals will ask to see the health insurance card before treatment is administered. Procedures for payment of medical treatment vary, but participants should expect to have at least some out-of-pocket costs for each medical treatment they receive.
Participants are required to have insurance through Cultural Vistas as part of the J-1 Visa. We offer three options for individual and family member health insurance ($60 – $120/month) . For further information and to compare plans see: Participant Health Insurance
State income tax rates vary (and some states do not have an income tax), but the federal income tax is indexed by the level of the wage. Participants should expect to pay about 25% of their gross salary in federal income taxes. The host organization will automatically deduct federal and state income taxes from the paycheck. Participants do not pay Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) or Federal Unemployment tax (FUTA), as they are not eligible for these benefits.
Generally, many J-1 visa holders are considered non-residents but this depends on your personal immigration history. Participants must file both a federal, state, and local income tax return and a state income tax return (if there is a state income tax). These returns must be filed by April 15 for each year they earn income in the United States.
Participants will use either the form 1040NR-EZ or form 1040NR to file their federal tax return. These forms and the 8843 (required of J-1 exchange visitors) are available after January 1 at Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offices, at local public libraries, or from the IRS website. Information about forms used to file tax returns for state income taxes can be found after January 1 at local public libraries or from the state’s tax website.
Please note that Cultural Vistas’ staff members are not tax experts and that tax advice will not be given to exchange visitors or host employers. However, we will provide each participant with access to software that will aid in preparing tax documents.
As a J-1 visa holder, you should pay the following taxes:
Federal Income Tax
State Income Tax (if applicable)
Local Income Tax (if applicable)
You should not pay the following taxes if you are a Non-Resident:
Social Security and Medicare Tax (FICA)
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
It is your responsibility to inform your host company of the taxes you do not have to pay. When you receive your first paycheck, review it and discuss anything you do not understand with your supervisor or human resources representative
Global Internships for U.S. Students
Imagine spending your summer or co-op semester gaining valuable professional experience within your STEM field of study, while also immersing yourself in a new culture. With a local support committee arranging your accommodations and organizing group outings, your time abroad is guaranteed to spur professional and personal growth. Does this sound like the experience for you? If so, keep reading to learn more about the IAESTE International Exchange Program.
IAESTE provides international professional opportunities for students in the technical fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Architecture). Participants complete internships at host institutions ranging from large multinational corporations to university research centers to startups. All IAESTE participants receive a stipend that covers at least the cost of living –housing, transportation and food – in their host city. Housing accommodations and other administrative services, such as assistance with the visa process, are provided by the local IAESTE organization in the respective host country. Additional in-country support is provided by a network of local student-volunteers, who organize cultural activities and assist with logistics.
Students in the technical fields looking for a way to combine the cultural immersion of a study abroad program with the professional development of an internship are encouraged to submit an application for the IAESTE United States internship program. Applicants should be enrolled full-time (or a recent graduate) in a technical field (STEM + Applied Arts including Architecture). International students at U.S. colleges and universities are encouraged to apply, as U.S. citizenship is not required. While the majority of IAESTE applicants are rising juniors or above by the time the internship begins, sophomores are also encouraged to apply. Fluency in English is required.
Enrollment:Applicants have to be enrolled at an accredited four-year U.S. university in a full-time Bachelor’s, Master’s or Ph.D. program during the application process OR you are a recent graduate (<1 year after graduation) of such a program. International Students (non U.S. nationals) are welcome to apply as well under the same conditions.
Academic Standing: Applicants should have attained junior-level standing or above by the time the internship begins. Sophomores may also apply, but should include some relevant internship or lab experience as part of their application. Graduating seniors and recent graduates (start date of internship must be within one-year of graduation) are only eligible for work authorization in certain countries, and are encouraged to speak with the program team before submitting an application.
Major: IAESTE is mainly focused on internships in technical fields of studies, including, but not limited to, all engineering fields, computer science, architecture, natural and physical sciences, or agricultural sciences, but we also provide internships in other areas on an occasional basis.
Age: Applicants are typically between the ages of 19 and 30, but non-traditional students are encouraged to contact united_states_outbound@iaeste.org about eligibility.
Language: Applicants must be fluent in English, as all IAESTE internships are conducted in English.
The application for international internships is possible throughout the entire year with a peak of internships coming in from February to April! Applicants will be asked to submit an initial online application as well as supporting documents (transcripts, proof of enrollment, letter(s) of recommendation, etc.). The USD 100 registration fee gives access to all available internships for an entire year after payment.
Each January, the global IAESTE network meets for the Annual Conference, where member countries meet to exchange internship offers. So from February to April a larger number of internships is available in the Online Platform to which you can apply. The IAESTE U.S. outbound exchange team reviews each student’s application and internship preferences, and may conduct interviews with the top candidates for each position. One student is selected as the nominee for each international internship placement. An alternate may also be selected for each position, in case the initial selection declines the nomination or is unable to participate. Once a student accepts the nomination, their application is sent to IAESTE in the host country who conducts a final review of the nomination alongside the host company to ensure that the candidate is a good fit.
In addition to professional experience within your field of study, you will have an opportunity to gain unique insights into another country’s culture and professional dynamic. IAESTE interns receive a salary that covers at least the cost of living in their host city (housing, transportation, and meals). IAESTE provides assistance with the work authorization and visa process. Local Committees, volunteer groups of local university students in each host city, typically arrange the housing accommodations, coordinate your arrival and reception, and organize social gatherings that provide you with a chance to meet other international trainees and local students. Upon return to the United States, you are invited to join the global IAESTE Alumni community that is active in various groups. Check out our Testimonials page for more information from our participants on the IAESTE experience.
Fees:
USD $100 registration fee (non-refundable) due when the student submits their profile for online verification.
USD $250 application fee per offer (non-refundable) due when the student submits their application for a particular internship position. (up to 2 applications possible)
USD $900 acceptance (partly refundable) once the student is accepted for the internship. Students are eligible for a refund of USD 650 in case you don’t get a visa or unforeseen circumstances (pandemic, etc.)
Health Insurance:
To ensure coverage throughout the internship duration, outbound IAESTE participants must have health insurance which is valid in the receiving country. The costs of the health insurance should be covered by the intern. Interns will receive more information on options from the receiving country during the visa process.
Travel Costs:
Participants are responsible for purchasing their own airfare and any fees associated with the visa application.
Online application (Tip: You may log into, edit and log out of your application at any time until you have clicked on the “Submit” button. Once an application has been submitted, it is considered final. Please make sure to click “Save” in each section you edit before exiting your application to ensure that all data is saved.)
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
University transcript
Proof of enrollment including expected graduation date (the Office of the Registrar should be able to provide this letter)
List of relevant courses (this can be a Word document listing each course title and description from the syllabus)
Letter(s) of recommendation
Portfolio (Architecture students only)
Copy of the picture page of your passport
Registration fee of USD 100
Please note: Official documents (letter of enrollment, transcripts, and letter(s) of recommendation) can be scanned and uploaded to your online application. Letters of recommendation must be on letterhead and hand‐signed by the recommender. Letters of recommendation should come from a professor or supervisor with knowledge of your work in your field of study.
Nomination occurs in five stages.
1. Application: Interested students must apply to the program through the online portal.
2. Internship List: All available internships can be accessed in our online portal. Internships are updated daily, with a peak of new internships available in the period February – April each year.
3. Selection: IAESTE United States reviews each applicant’s internship choices alongside their application. One student is nominated (selected) for each position. As IAESTE is a competitive program, not all students will be guaranteed a nomination. Flexibility regarding internship location and dates, advanced coursework within your major, and previous internship/research experience will increase your chances of being nominated for an international internship position.
4. Nomination: Students who want to be nominated for an international internship will be required to submit the USD 1150 program fee upon deciding to accept the nomination.
5. Final Review: Once the student has accepted the nomination, their application is sent to IAESTE in the host country so that the company can conduct the final review of the application to confirm that the student is a good fit for the position.
Important Dates:
Students can apply to international positions year round. In order to be considered for positions limited to U.S. applicants, students must submit applications by January 1st.
Participant Testimonial
Kathy Zhang – Araraquara, Brazil
“I learned so much–from new techniques in the lab, to conducting my first human clinical trial, to traveling and truly experiencing Brazilian culture. This has been an unforgettable experience and I am grateful for what you have done to make it possible, and for all of your help during the process.”
Inside The Experience
From a small village in Slovakia to the bright lights of New York City, see how IAESTE provided Gorazd with a life-changing opportunity.
Host Company Program Details
IAESTE is a reciprocal exchange program for engineering, technology, science, and architecture students from across the globe. IAESTE host employers provide training experiences to top STEM students from around the world. Host employers have the opportunity to diversify their workforce and develop new international business opportunities by hosting highly-skilled university students through the IAESTE program. Keep reading for more information about hosting an intern through IAESTE.
These students are talented! IAESTE interns come from top universities around the world, are highly motivated to provide value and improve their skills, and possess excellent English skills. IAESTE students come from all STEM and Applied Arts disciplines, including:
Applied Arts (Product Design, Graphic Design, etc.)
We find the best candidate based on your needs! IAESTE interns range from undergraduate through Master’s and PhD-level. Whether it is knowledge of specific programming languages, laboratory techniques, or software packages, IAESTE’s access to a large pool of talented students ensures that your candidate will possess the skillset required to succeed.
Our hosts love it! IAESTE host companies provide over 3,000 traineeships to STEM students across the world each year. Host companies range from university research groups and multinational corporations, to startups and small private firms. IAESTE interns can help your company:
Develop cross-cultural communication skills
Learn about a potential new market
Recruit talent for an international office
Connect with international universities, companies, and students
Bolster your team
Gain the competitive edge: train future engineering, technology, science, and architecture leaders who can advance your company’s goals on a global scale.
International hosting without the hassle! Once you have found the perfect candidate, IAESTE will walk you through the J-1 Visa process your intern requires in order to work with you, enroll your intern in health insurance coverage, and provide the intern with orientation and support.
Send U.S. students abroad: Since IAESTE is a reciprocal exchange program, each placement in the U.S. allows one U.S. student to obtain an international internship.
Cultural Vistas is recognized by the U.S. State Department as a designated sponsor for the BridgeUSA Program in the intern and trainee categories. Cultural Vistas administers exchanges programs for over 5,000 students and professionals from more than 100 different countries each year. Cultural Vistas will assist IAESTE participants in completing all paperwork and procedures associated with coming to the United States.
If you are a U.S. company interested in sourcing STEM candidates through the IAESTE network, contact us at iaeste@culturalvistas.org
Submit Intern Request: As a host company, you will submit a description of the internship position and what type of student you are searching for.
Review: IAESTE United States will send you student candidates received from our international counterparts for your review.
Selection: You proceed with your interview process as usual and tell us which candidate(s) you’d like to hire.
Internship: IAESTE United States provides support throughout the visa application process and during the intern’s time in the United States. Most internships take place during the summer, but please contact us if you have internships available at other times as well.
In general, host employers are required to pay the program fee and a stipend for the intern, which should cover the cost of living in the host city (housing, transportation, and food). The program fee covers the administrative costs of J-1 visa sponsorship, including issuing the DS-2019 form (Certificate of Eligibility).
The intern must be insured under Cultural Vistas’ health insurance policy. Some employers offer to cover this fee on behalf of their intern.
Placement Fee: $1,500 per hired candidate. We can find a candidate based on your needs.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the administrator of IAESTE United States, Cultural Vistas depends on program fees to offset the costs of administering programs. All interns must be paid by the employer.
IAESTE can recruit interns for many types of U.S. companies and in many STEM related fields.
Michael Candelori – Creative Director at Purplegator
Our team has benefitted in a number of key ways (from hosting an IAESTE intern). Velina has truly become an important member of the team who we depend on everyday …Additionally, the IAESTE program truly matched us with a talented and proactive intern, who we learn from as much as she learns from us! She also brings important experience to the table, both in terms of her skill set and her professional demeanor…The experience has been rewarding not only for the business but also for each employee that interacts with Velina on a daily basis. We all learn from each other and I think our collaboration has had a strong benefit to everyone involved.”
Discover how an exchange program can connect you with others, increase global skills, and drive positive change in the world.
