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FAQ

Why the YMCA? 

The International YMCA is a non-profit (501 c 3 - incorporated as a branch of the YMCA of Greater New York), service oriented organization with a goal of promoting peace and tolerance through global education and international exchange. Join us in positively impacting the lives of the next generation of global leaders!

How can international students legally work in the US?

The International YMCA is authorized by the US State Department to sponsor the J-1 visa required of full time university students from other countries to work for up to 4 months in the US. University students are eligible to work during their official university break.
When are the students available to work?
Students are eligible to work during their official university break:
·         Summer W/T program participants generally arrive in May/June and can work until September/October.
·         Winter W/T program participants arrive in December/January and remain until March.
·         Spring W/T program participants arrive in February/March and remain until April/May.
Please submit all requests for participants/staff at least 60 days prior to the desired start date to enable our team to identify the best possible fit for the opportunities you are looking to fill.
What are the costs?
Great news!! There is no service fee to the employer
How are student workers identified?
v      Students are thoroughly screened, including an interview conducted in English.
v      We work with our overseas partners to identify eligible, mature candidates who understand and accept the program commitments.
How old are the students?
v      All students are over 18 years old. Most are between 19 to 22 years old.
Will the students have health insurance?
v      All Work & Travel participants have sickness/accident insurance for the duration of their stay in the United States.
v      Employers are required to provide Workers Compensation coverage.
How can I secure seasonal workers?
v      Please submit the YMCA ERP (Employer Request for Participation) Form with a brief description of your type of business/company.
v      Our staff will contact you promptly to discuss your request in detail. You will then be required to complete an Employment Offer Form (EOF). This document expresses your intent to employ the worker(s) and outlines the details.
v      Once you decide to hire a student, the EOF is sent to the W/T participant for their signature and a signed copy returned to you.
How much should I pay international staff?
v      We recommend paying the prevailing wages. You must always comply with state and federal minimum wage laws.
v      Ideally wages should be comparable to what a U.S. citizen in the same job would be making.
What if I am not happy with my International employee?
v      You should treat an international student employee as any other seasonal staff. If for any reason, you are not satisfied with his/her performance, please try to resolve the matter first by discussing it with the employee or by contacting us. If you can not achieve satisfactory results, you may terminate their employment at any time. The YMCA is here to help and support you throughout the process.

If you have additional questions or inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Your IYMCA Account Representatives are here to help you!!
West Coast & Mid-West: John Hedbavny, jhedbavny@ymcanyc.org  +1-212-875-4322
New England & South: Maja Gustin, mgustin@ymcanyc.org  +1-212-875-4331
Mid-Atlantic: Teresa Tirado, ttirado@ymcanyc.org  +1-212-875-4304
U.S. Business Development: Chad Nico Hiu, chiu@ymcanyc.org +1-212-875-4328
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