By Lindsay Coleman-Marsh, Associate Director of Greenheart’s Career Advancement Program for Intern/Trainees
As you plan for the upcoming season, we invite you, our partners, to take a fresh look at your current Work and Travel Hosts and identify which organizations may also be strong candidates for the Intern and Trainee programs. Many Hosts already have the structure and interest needed to provide more advanced, career-focused training.
Why consider expanding Hosts to Intern/Trainee programs?
Hotels and restaurants—when they meet Intern and Trainee program requirements —can offer far more than seasonal roles. Many have professional departments well-suited for structured training, such as:
- Human Resources (HR) – recruitment, employee relations, payroll processing
- Information Technology (IT) – systems management, software support, cybersecurity
- Finance & Payroll – accounting, budgeting, reporting
- Marketing & Sales – campaigns, promotions, social media, guest engagement
- Business Administration – project management, operations, logistics
- Engineering / Maintenance – facilities management, technical projects
- Food & Beverage Management – kitchen leadership, service operations
Encouraging Hosts to think beyond traditional seasonal positions can open high-value opportunities for international participants seeking meaningful professional development.
Key requirements for Intern and Trainee placements:
- Must offer structured, career-aligned training with clear supervision
- Must provide a formal Training/Internship Plan (T/IPP)
- Cannot have seasonal closures longer than 30 days
- Cannot offer casual, manual, or unskilled labor, or roles simply filling staffing needs
- Must maintain a stable environment that supports mentorship and professional growth
Both Work and Travel and Intern/Trainee Hosts contribute to cultural exchange, but Intern and Trainee Hosts commit to a professional, development-focused experience.
As you review your Host Network, consider:
- Which organizations already have departments or programs that match structured training opportunities
- Who may be ready to expand into these professional development roles
- How we can support you in engaging Hosts about these programs
Are you an international organization and have an interest in partnering with Greenheart to send interns/trainees? Visit Recruit Interns and Trainees with Greenheart for more information.
Are you a U.S. business and interested in hosting international professionals to enrich your company with a global perspective? Visit HostGreenheartProfessionals.org to learn more.