Find answers to the questions we hear most.

Exchange Path looks for applicants aged 20 and above. We may make exceptions for suitably qualified candidates — please get in touch to discuss your application before applying if you are under 20. The minimum age set by the J-1 cultural exchange programme itself is 18.

We place skilled and qualified candidates across a wide range of sports, outdoor and creative activities. The skills page lists the specialisms camps usually ask for, but if your skill isn’t listed, get in touch — there is a good chance we can still match you with a camp.

Most camps start in the first two weeks of June, and many start earlier — the earlier your availability, the more camps we can show your application to. The minimum placement is nine weeks. We cannot accept applications with a start date later than 24 June 2026 unless you are applying for the city programme.

We accept applications from skilled candidates as long as we still have placements available and you can still obtain a J-1 visa. In practice this is usually around mid-April — but the earlier you apply, the more camps we can show your application to.

It depends on when you apply and how quickly camps interview you. We aim to have you interviewing with camps within two weeks of your file reaching our US team, and placed within 2–8 weeks overall, though this can vary at busy times.

We accept references from employers, teachers, coaches, activity leaders and religious leaders. Each referee must have known you for at least six months and must be contactable. We can’t accept references from friends or family.

You can — but we cannot guarantee a placement at the same camp. We are happy to submit both files to the same camp for review, although the final decision rests with the camp director, and your skill sets may suit different camps. The 30-day grace period after camp gives you time to meet up and travel together.

The full policy is on our Refunds page. In short: the $300 Placement Fee is refunded in full if Exchange Path cannot match you with a summer camp, the $150 Acceptance Fee is refundable until we begin sponsor paperwork, and the $25 Application Fee is non-refundable once we have reviewed your file. If you are in the UK or EU you also keep your statutory 14-day cooling-off rights.

One universal price for every applicant: $400 if you pay in full, or $475 if you split across three stages. Everyone pays the same, regardless of country.

Only the $25 application fee is due when you submit your file — we kept this low on purpose. We coordinate each instalment on our official WhatsApp (+1 845-665-1477) — email works too — you message us, we send bank transfer details and a payment reference. The $150 acceptance fee is due once you’re accepted; the $300 placement fee only once a camp has confirmed your offer. You never pay a placement fee for a placement that doesn’t happen.

Right now programme fees are paid by bank transfer. Start a chat on our official WhatsApp (+1 845-665-1477) or email info@exchangepath.org (see Pricing and your dashboard); we reply with the payee name, bank details, and the reference line to use. We never ask you to send money to a personal account. Card checkout may be added later and will be clearly labelled when it goes live.

Yes — the $475 staged option splits into three predictable milestones that follow your application progress ($25 at submission, $150 on acceptance, $300 once a camp confirms your offer). The $400 pay-in-full option saves you $75 if you’d rather handle it in one payment. The full breakdown is on the pricing page.

Apply anyway. Pay the $25 application fee first (that part is not waivable — it covers intake and review). After that payment is complete, you can submit the short financial-aid form from your dashboard. Aid can only reduce the acceptance and placement portions of the fee (or the remaining balance under pay-in-full), not the application fee. We prioritise applicants who are genuinely in need and show a competent, honest file; awards are limited each season.

Your minimum guaranteed salary, comprehensive medical insurance for the duration of the contract, all meals and accommodation while you’re at camp, the pre-departure orientation, our 24-hour US emergency helpline, and full guidance support throughout your application.

You travel on a J-1 cultural exchange visa, sponsored through one of our US partner sponsors. You attend a short embassy interview once you have a confirmed camp offer — we walk you through every form before you go.

Yes — every applicant gets a written interview brief and a video walkthrough of what to expect, plus a checklist of documents to bring. Our team is on email if you have any last-minute questions before the appointment.

You book your own flights, but we share preferred travel partners and seasonal price guidance so you don’t overpay. Many camps reimburse part of your travel — see the pricing page for the full picture.

Yes — the J-1 includes a 30-day grace period after your camp contract ends, which most participants use to travel around the USA. You cannot work during the grace period.

Most camps give one full day off per week and a few hours off most other days. Exact patterns vary by camp — your camp will share their schedule before you arrive.

Accommodation is provided on-site for the entire camp contract. Most counsellors share a cabin or staff bunkhouse with the campers or with other staff, depending on your role.

Our 24-hour US emergency helpline is staffed throughout the season — you can call any time, day or night. For non-urgent questions you can email us directly and we’ll respond within one business day.