UNIVERSITY BREAK INTERNSHIP (UBI)
Turn Your University Break Into a Global Internship Experience
A structured J-1 internship aligned with university academic breaks
Hospitality • Culinary • Tourism • Related Fields
Gain meaningful U.S. internship experience while you’re still enrolled in university without waiting until graduation.
Why Wait Until Graduation?
Internship Experience That Fits Your Academic Break
As a designated sponsor of the BridgeUSA programs, American Journey Cultural Exchange is always looking ahead exploring new ways to innovate, expand access, and create meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange.
Over the past few years, we identified an opportunity to develop a new option for students: the ability to gain real internship experience during their university education, not only after graduation a pathway that has rarely been available.
The University Break Internship “UBI” was created to open that door by offering a flexible, academically aligned internship that fits within official university break periods.
Program Details
Internship Includes
• Confirmed host training placement prior to visa processing
• A formal DS-7002 Training Plan with defined learning objectives
• Paid internship training (minimum 32 hours per week)
• On-site supervision and mentorship
• Pre-arrival orientation and compliance review
• Ongoing sponsor oversight and participant support
What You Will Learn
• Introduction to U.S. workplace culture and expectations
• Overview of U.S. business practices in hospitality and culinary
• Professional communication and teamwork
• Customer service standards and workplace etiquette
• Entry-level skills aligned with the student’s field of study
• Cross-cultural awareness and adaptability
Aligned with University Calendar
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Short-term program, typically 8–14 weeks
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Rolling enrollment
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Program dates aligned with official university academic breaks
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Winter, summer, and other academic break intakes available
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Students complete the program and return to university after the internship.
Optional English + Culinary Experience
Add Semi-Immersive English Classes to Your Internship AND Improve Your English While Training in the U.S.
Available as an additional option for culinary students
In partnership with OHLA Schools, an internationally recognized English language school, students may combine semi-immersive English classes with a culinary internship during their academic break.
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Classes are held at OHLA’s Miami campus, allowing students to strengthen English skills in the classroom and immediately apply them in real U.S. workplace environments.
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This option is ideal for culinary students who want to improve their English while gaining valuable U.S. internship experience, all within one academic break.
Eligibility
To participate, students must:
• Be actively enrolled in a university outside the United States
• Study hospitality, culinary, tourism, or a related field
• Be available during an official academic break
• Meet English requirements based on program format
English guidelines:
• Functional English for direct host-employer internships
• Minimum A2-level English for the English + culinary option
UBI PROGRAM: STEP-BY-STEP
1
APPLY
The first step is to apply with American Journey. Review the J1 Visa to ensure the program aligns with your education, experience, and long-term career goals.
2
DOCUMENTS
Submit application materials and eligibility documents for review and American Journey approval.
3
INTERVIEW
Eligible candidates interview with American Journey. This is a great opportunity to discuss your goals as well as learn more about the program. Full placement candidates will interview with host employers.
4
OFFER & EMBASSY
Once your host employer has been identified, training plan is created, and signed. American Journey will issue Form DS-2019 a Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. Interview at your local U.S. embassy.
5
Begin USA J1 Experience
After your J1 Visa is approved, you can arrange your travel and officially begin your new training in the United States and role as Cultural Ambassador!