Summer Work Travel Data Released in Department of State Report

The U.S. Department of State released its 2016 Summer Work Travel Monitoring Report, a study conducted by the Office of Private Sector Exchange (ECA/EC). The report analyzes the program through 446 field site visits across 25 states, and interviews with 1,582 exchange visitors and 362 host placements. Overall, the findings show that 97% of all SWT exchange visitors interviewed reported being happy or somewhat happy with their program experience, and nearly 90% were happy with their sponsors. Over 90% reported having the chance to practice English in their workplaces, and 87% were happy with their housing.Specific season findings are also detailed in the report. For instance, during Winter, more participants said they engaged in cultural activities, but a common issue was low work hours resulting from snowfall. During Spring, less countries participated in the program and fewer cultural activities were available, but more participants reported having opportunities to practice English. Lastly, the Summer season is much more organized in terms of arranging housing and transportation for participants. Data also indicated high levels of sponsor-employer communication.The report also includes findings from the Camp Counselor category review, most notably that nearly all Camp Counselors (95%) said they participated in cultural activities. Yet despite the positive findings, challenges in the program remain. 20% of respondents reported having problems with transportation, and 15% indicated not being happy with their housing. As noted in the report, OPA noted a lack of interaction with Americans among exchange visitors working as housekeepers, and staffing agency placements that may not meet the regulatory requirements.