Year Out? Summer Internship? Paid Job Training?

Boston Exchange Program for Overseas Students & Graduates

Boston is a city of history, culture, and innovation. With some of the world’s brightest minds and leaders of industry, you’ll have the opportunity to learn and train with the best. The experience you gain here will last a lifetime.

We are delighted to provide overseas students with the opportunity to work and learn in this competitive environment -- whether for a few months or an entire year. The Irish Immigration Center’s exchange program enables students to undertake paid training with a U.S. employer for up to 12 months. This exchange is for you if you are:

• In a degree program or have graduated within the last year
• Considering a year-out for international training and experience
• Seeking short-term, paid internship while you study
• Looking for an adventure and a chance to work and train in a world-class city

The J-1 visa allows you to live in Boston for up to 12 months. Unlike a traditional work visa, the J-1 program requires your employer to provide a structured training plan for the duration of your stay. We help you develop your plan and connect with one of the many employers we have relationships with here in Boston.

Click the links at top right for a full brochure, application guidelines and application form.

If you have any questions, please contact Peggy Comfrey, Director of International Programs, on (001)617-542-1900 ext. 14 or pcomfrey@iicenter.org

What is the J-1 Exchange Program?

You can spend up to 12 months in a paid training program with an American company in Boston, Massachusetts. The Irish Immigration Center will help you find a position relevant to your area of study or career interest and will process the required J-1 visa for your stay.

If you already have a Boston-based organization in mind, the Irish Immigration Center will ensure that organization’s eligibility to host J-1 exchange visitors before processing your visa paperwork. In such a vibrant city as Boston, you’ll find opportunities in any field, including:

• Arts and Culture;
• Education;
• Social Sciences;
• Information, Media and Communications;
• Management, Business, Commerce and Finance;
• Public Administration and Law;
• Science, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics and Industry

How Does It Work?

The Irish Immigration Center supports you from beginning to end, from helping with your paperwork to orienting you to Boston.

Before Departure, we provide you with:

• Assistance in finding a host organization from within and beyond our existing network of more than 100 local Boston companies. All employers will provide a structured training plan demonstrating what you will learn at measured time intervals. Alternatively, if you have an organization in mind, we ensure that that organization meets the criteria necessary to make you eligible for the J-1 visa.
• The signed paperwork needed to present at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate for obtaining a J-1 Visa.
• Orientation materials introducing them to life in Boston.

 After Arrival in Boston, we provide you with:

• An orientation to the city.
• Assistance with temporary accommodation.
• Free access to our downtown ‘cybercafe.’
• Regular social and cross-cultural events to help you get ‘plugged in’.
• A 24-hour emergency hotline.

What Is The Cost?

Applicants pay the Irish Immigration Center a fee of $700 if you have already secured an offer of employment with a Boston company. Or a fee of $1200 if you require us to secure a placement for you. The U.S. government’s J-1 Visa application fee is payable at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate at time of application.

Why IIC?

We believe that travel and international exchange and training play a huge role in the development of young people. As a locally based organization we are able to provide you with the necessary support to maximize the learning impact of your time in Boston and to tailor your experience individually. We look forward to welcoming you to Boston.

The IIC is a not-for-profit organization specializing in international exchange programs between Ireland/U.K. and Boston. We have 10 years experience providing British and Irish young people with employment and internship opportunities in their field of choice.