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J-1 BridgeUSA Internship and Graduate Programs – from €659

Affordable internships with real career impact

If you’re looking to gain real-world experience, make international connections, and have a blast in the U.S., our J-1 BridgeUSA Internship and Graduate Programs are a no-brainer. Our paid internships will welcome you into a global network of game-changers, industry shakers, and help you to set yourself apart – plus, you’ll get an extra 30 days after your program to explore the U.S.A.’s unforgettable places and landscapes.

Irish students – why just study or travel, when you can intern in America? 

Jump-start Your Career

Develop professionally

Gain tangible, useful experience in your field while working with leading companies across various industries – a powerful boost to your CV.

A true cultural exchange

Immerse yourself in American culture, build an international network, and gain a truly global perspective alongside like-minded international students and colleagues. 

Abundant opportunities 

Transform your employability and open doors to international job prospects by showcasing your global experience.

Competitive and affordable

Our programs are designed to minimize costs and provide helpful, human support through the application process, making it easier for you to pursue your career ambitions in the United States.

The perfect partnership

Helping you to access the right opportunity

Our internship and graduate programs are for full-time students at university or a recent graduate, within 12 months of graduation. We’ll help hook you up with paid internships in your university field – like hospitality, business, marketing or tech, depending on your skills and goals.

Application Steps  

  • Register your application using the form below. 

  • We’ll review your application submission. If you meet the eligibility criteria, we’ll send you a payment link for your initial €99 deposit.  

  • Once you’ve paid your deposit, you’ll receive an email inviting you to start your application in our ‘Beacon’ system.  See our ‘how to’ guide for the steps you need to complete! 

  • We’ll set up a short phone interview – as required by the U.S. Department of State. The interview consists of a few questions to get a sense of what you hope to gain from your summer in the U.S.

Real Interns, Real Stories

  • Kelly D. (Peru), Food & Beverage Intern, Orlando, Florida

    “I want to share how grateful I am for having experienced one of the best years of my life in Orlando. Thanks to the opportunity to do an internship, I was able to grow both professionally and personally. I learned so much about my career in Hospitality and Management, made valuable friendships, and visited amazing places. This experience was truly unforgettable, and it was all possible thanks to my sponsor, CIEE.”

  • Juan S. (France), STEM internship, Mountain View, California

    “This journey gave me more than skills. It gave me stories, connections, and a renewed sense of gratitude. I came to the U.S. to grow as a professional, and I’m leaving with something even more valuable: memories I’ll carry with me forever.” 

  • Naomi M. (Kenya), Culinary Internship, Savannah, Georgia

    “CIEE’s support throughout the process made everything smooth and enjoyable. Because of CIEE, I was able to step out of my comfort zone and into a world of possibilities. I will forever be grateful for the experience, the growth, and the unforgettable memories.” 

  • Alizee G. (France), STEM internship, Morton Grove, Illinois

    “This internship hasn’t only helped me improve my English and discover American culture – it’s also brought amazing people into my life. Whether it’s my colleagues at work or my roommates at home, I’ve met so many different personalities, each of them teaching me something valuable and new. I’ll return home changed: more confident, more open-minded, incredibly grateful. Thank you, CIEE, for making this unforgettable experience possible.”

  • Martin, Logistics Intern, Washington, Pennsylvania

    “Without exaggerating – my time here was one of the best times I ever had in my whole life. I was really surprised how easy it was to make new friends. I met a lot of great people through my roommates, while playing badminton, floorball, pickleball, or joining the local bike club.” 

  • Zandile M. (South Africa), Hospitality Intern, Deer Valley, Utah

    “My CIEE BridgeUSA internship took me all the way from South Africa to the snowy mountains of Utah. I worked across several departments and gained hands-on experience in a five-star hospitality environment. Thanks to this internship, I’ve returned home with valuable skills, unforgettable memories, and a clear vision for my future. Thank you, CIEE, for giving me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!” 

  • Radina, Software Development Intern, Palo Alto, California

    “The skills and competencies acquired during my internship, as well as the invaluable experience gained abroad, will allow me to fulfill both my personal and professional goals to follow a career in my field of interest: innovative product development. I can definitely confirm that this is the most invaluable lifetime experience for me so far!” 

Internship and Graduate Program Eligibility

Check your eligibility then apply!

There are a few requirements you must meet if you want to access the J-1 Internship and Graduate programs for Irish students.

J-1 BridgeUSA Graduate Program

To qualify for the J-1 BridgeUSA Graduate Program, you must meet the following criteria:

• Hold an Irish passport 

• Be within 12 months of graduation (based on the date on your Grad cert) from a full-time academic program at a recognised Irish university or college.  

• Be aged 18-30 on the date you enter the U.S. 

• Passport must be in pristine condition. If your passport is torn or damaged in any way you will need to apply for a new one. 

• Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your program and ideally be valid for a further 6 months from when you return from the U.S. Irish passport holders are not subject to the 6-month rule, but we recommend it, just to be on the safe side. 

• Be able to show proof of required support funds, USD $1,500, when clearing U.S. Immigration. 

You’ll have 90 days from arrival in the U.S. to secure your internship placement.

J-1 BridgeUSA Internship Program

To qualify for the J-1 BridgeUSA Internship Program, you must meet the following criteria:

• Currently enrolled OR within 12 months of graduation from a full-time academic program of study at a recognised 3rd level university or college in Ireland or the UK 

• Be over 18 years of age on the date you enter the U.S. 

• Have sourced an offer of an internship placement with a U.S. employer which is directly linked to your degree program of study. If you need help sourcing an internship placement, no worries! For an extra €200, we can help source the right placement for you. Please email us at intern@cieeireland.ie for more information.

Please note. You must enter the U.S. within 12 months of the date of Graduation issued on your Graduation Certificate. 

Internship and Graduate Program Costs

Sourcing internships in America for Irish students is what we do. We know the ins and outs of the process – we’ve been doing it for 50+ years!  We’re also a non-profit, not a business, which means we’re not out to make money, we’re out to help you find the right opportunity in the U.S.A and an internship experience to shape your future

Duration Cost Program
0-3 months €659 Internship
4 months €699 Internship
5 months €759 Internship
6 months €799 Internship
7 months €899 Internship
8 months €959 Internship
Duration Cost Program
9 months €999 Internship
10 months €1,099 Internship
11 months €1,159 Internship
12 months €1,199 Grad & Internship
13 months €1,259 Grad & Internship
14 months €1,299 Grad & Internship

Please note, if you are applying for Hospitality & Tourism training, these programs cannot exceed 12 months. Business Management programs, like Sales & Marketing or Finance, at a hotel or restaurant, may be allowed for up to 18 months and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

What’s included?

J-1 Application processing

DS-2019 – your Legal Work Authorisation papers

Emergency Medical Insurance Cover for the duration of your stay in the US**

SEVIS fee

Pre-departure J-1 Orientation

Dedicated support from our expert J-1 team every step of the way – and our team on the ground for emergency support, once you’ve arrived stateside.

**The insurance covers your emergency medical expenses while in the U.S. We recommend you also take out a separate ‘Travel Insurance’ policy to cover you for things like cancellation and curtailment, personal belongings, legal costs, flight delays and more.

What’s not included?

Internship placement in the U.S. – but don’t worry, for an extra €200 we can help you source the right position for you!

Flights to the U.S. – we recommend you wait until your visa is approved by the U.S. Embassy before booking your flights… just in case.

U.S. Embassy Interview Fee – The fee is USD $185 and is paid directly to the U.S. Embassy when you book your appointment.

Your Support Funds – you must have a minimum of USD $1,500 when entering the U.S. You may be asked to show proof of this when going through U.S. Immigration, and we recommend you bring a copy of your bank statement to show you have access to these funds.

Why Book with CIEE?

  • We are experts! 50+ years’ experience hosting Irish J-1 participants  

  • Premium internship placement opportunities with world-leading companies through our Internship Search portal  

  • Full transparency with our pricing, no surprises, and clear value (we’re very competitive too).  

  • Sensitive, human support every step of the way. You’re going away for up to 12 months and that’s huge! So, we’re on hand to help.   

Apply Today

Get started on your application
CIEE exists to make applying for American internships as simple and accessible as possible. We understand and value the impact of cultural exchange – and firmly believe as many people as possible should have access to these opportunities.

Your internship awaits…

  • Register your application using the form.

  • We’ll review your application submission. If you meet the eligibility criteria, we’ll send you a payment link for your initial €99 deposit

  • Once you’ve paid your deposit, you’ll receive an email inviting you to start your application in our ‘Beacon’ system.  See our ‘how to’ guide for the steps you need to complete in your Beacon application! 

  • We’ll set up a short phone interview – as required by the U.S. Department of State. The interview consists of a few questions to get a sense of what you hope to gain from your summer in the U.S.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about J-1 BridgeUSA Internship and Graduate Programs?

You’re in the right place. We’ve answered the most common questions asked by applicants just like you. If you can’t find the answer to your questions below, drop us a message or book a call and our friendly team will get back to you as soon as they can.

  • The BridgeUSA Intern and Graduate program is a cultural exchange program that lets full-time university students or recent graduates from Ireland complete a US-based internship that matches their field of study. It’s a chance to gain real-world work experience, live in the US, and boost your global career potential

  • You can intern for up to 12 months under the J-1 Intern visa. You’ll also have a 30-day travel grace period after your internship ends to explore the US.

  • Yes, CIEE can help you source an internship through our Job Portal (Internship Search) for an additional placement fee of €200 . CIEE will guide you through the process, help ensure your internship meets J-1 visa requirements and provide full support from application to arrival.

  • Yes—the J-1 Intern visa. CIEE is a U.S. State Department–designated visa sponsor, which means we provide the documentation you need to book a U.S. Embassy appointment and apply.

  • It’s best to apply at least two to three months before your internship start date, especially to allow time for visa processing and travel plans.

  • CIEE’s BridgeUSA Trainee program gives Irish graduates (more than 12 months post-graduation) and young professionals the chance to live and train in the U.S. for up to 18 months in a structured, full-time role that builds real career skills. It’s a cultural exchange experience that boosts your CV and gives you global workplace exposure.

  • The maximum duration of the program is 18 months (12 months for hospitality/culinary roles). After your training ends, you get an extra 30-day grace period to travel and explore the US.

  • You will need a J-1 Trainee visa, which allows you to work on your traineeship and travel in the US afterward. CIEE is an authorised sponsor and will help you at each stage in the process.

  • The DS-2019 form is your official Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status. You need this document to apply for your visa. CIEE will provide it to you once you're hired and your program fees are paid.

  • SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the U.S. government’s system to track visa holders. A USD $35 SEVIS fee is included in your program cost and must be paid before your embassy interview.