American Journey does not facilitate the placement process for changing hosts.  To initiate a change of employers, approval from American Journey (AJ1) is mandatory before commencing a program with a new employer. The step-by-step process for changing employers is outlined below: 

​

1. Find a Host Property:

•  AJ1 does not facilitate the placement process for changing hosts*, it is the sole responsibility of the participant.

• Participants are encouraged to independently seek new opportunities that align with their goals, such as enhancing skills or exploring different locations.

• Additional requirements apply for hospitality programs, include but not limited to (a) Employs at minimum 25 full-time year-round employees and minimum three million annual revenue, (b)placements should be at full-service hotels rated 3-Diamond or higher by AAA or rated 4-Star and above, and (c) training plans must include 3 rotations for programs six months or longer.

 

2. Invite Host to Complete Host Employer Application:

• Once a prospective host is identified, invite the manager to complete the Host Employer Application.

• Upon AJ1's receipt of the application, you will be informed of the host employer's eligibility status. If eligible, AJ1 will schedule the host orientation.

• After AJ1 approves the change of host, you will receive notification of the program commencement date, typically 3-4 weeks post-approval.

 

3. Submit the non-refundable Change of Host Employer Fee.

• As noted in your AJ1 agreement, the transfer fee ranges from $300 to $500.

​​

4. Resignation, Documentation, and Travel

• Once your new start date is confirmed, submit a professional written resignation notice to your current host property, following AJ1’s recommended two-week notice period. Please copy AJ1 on the resignation email.

• Sign the Transfer Agreement

• A new DS-7002 Training Plan will be sent to you, the host property, and American Journey for digital signatures.

• Book your travel to the new location according to host property guidelines, and copy AJ1 on your travel details.

​

5. Begin Your New Program

• Once you arrive to your new host property, provide AJ1 with your updated address.  Once we receive your new address we will issue your updated DS 2019.  

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:  If you choose to resign from your current host before securing a new one, you are effectively resigning from the BridgeUSA program, jeopardizing your J-1 visa sponsorship.  Participants may not remain in the USA on a J-1 visa without active engagement in J-1 activities.  AJ1 permits only 14 days for actively seeking a new host in this scenario.  Failure to secure and have a new host approved within 14 days will result in the termination of visa sponsorship.

​

*  Unforeseen situations in which AJ1 might (without assurance) offer support in finding an alternative host:

•  The host employer facing financial challenges, like bankruptcy or sudden closure, and notifying AJ1 that they are unable to continue hosting the internship program.

• The host employer's incapacity to deliver training as specified in the training plan.

• The participant encountering harassment, physical, or emotional abuse from colleagues or management.

​

​

​