Ambassador Scholarship Fund

If you are chosen as a U.S. Department of State grantee, you will gain professional experience in the United States, improve your English language skills, and share their own culture with Americans on the Summer Work Travel BridgeUSA visa! The Ambassadors Fund for SWT is a unique public diplomacy program and distinct from the general BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel Program (SWT).

Program Highlights: 

Ambassadors Fund Scholarship recipients will travel to the United States for up to four months during their university summer break. You will be matched with host employers in seasonal communities throughout the United States, and will work in seasonal, entry-level jobs with a high-level of interaction with American colleagues and guests. Recipients will meet, work, live with and learn from both people of the United States and other international students while sharing daily experiences. 

• Experience the United States: You will be able to live like “a local” for up-to 4 months while on program. From there, you will learn local culture, improve your English, and then have an opportunity to travel up to 30 days after your program to see more of the U.S. 
• Build your CV: While working during your program, you will learn skills like American customer service, intercultural competencies, adaptability, and quick, critical thinking. 
• Meet new people: You will meet Americans from all levels of society and participants from all around the world, just like you! 
• Program fees included: Program fees, health insurance, visa interview fees, SEVIS fees and round-trip flights to and from the United States! 

For information on SWT, currently offered in more than 150 countries, please visit j1visa.state.gov. 

For questions about the scholarship, please email ambassadorscholarshipfund(at)greenheart.org

Note that the grant covers up to 123 participants over 3 years. Which translates to about 1-2 participants per country. Participants can apply directly to Greenheart or connect with their embassy for more information. To find applicable countries and their embassies, refer to this list: 

Greenheart connects host organizations (U.S. seasonal businesses) with participants, like you, to diversify the American workplace and fulfill a commitment to cultural understanding and public diplomacy. Types of seasonal businesses that you may be placed at are: 

• Restaurants 

• Amusement Parks 
• Waterparks 
• Retail Stores 
• Hotels 
• Campgrounds 

IMPORTANT! All jobs are entry-level and are seasonal in nature. You will not be hired as a manager nor will you likely be working in an office. You will likely be standing on your feet during your shift and moving around. It is also worth noting that your position may not relate to your school studies. However, you will learn valuable skills in these positions that will help in your future professional and leadership development.  

To hear more from a former Summer Work Travel host employer, read this testimonial. 

For more details on the requirements of a host, please refer to this page

In addition to all the requirements of a Summer Work Travel participant (found here), Ambassador Scholars will need to complete the following as part of their scholarship: 

Obligations before the program  

• Participate in pre-program survey.   
• Complete video or blog post explaining how you are preparing for the program and any emotions and thoughts you are experiencing.   
• Begin following U.S. Department of State’s social media handles.  
• Virtual meeting with Greenheart’s to prepare for the program.   

Obligations during the program  

• Complete orientation upon arrival.   
• Complete all requirements of the general SWT program.  
• Complete mid-point program survey.  
• Begin the timeline that you proposed in your application.   
• Volunteer in your community at minimum 8 hours  
• Complete 1 online course  

Obligations after the program   

• Complete final program survey.  
• Complete video or blog post reflecting your experience in the United States as an Ambassador Scholar.   
• Create and submit a portfolio of all the work you completed throughout your program as a BridgeUSA Ambassador Scholar recipient.   
• Join the International Alumni database for all exchange visitors.   

If you are chosen as a scholar, Greenheart will prepare you for all obligations so that there is no confusion on what you will need to accomplish.  

For details on the Summer Work Travel program and your requirements as a participant, please refer to the BridgeUSA website.

To learn about how Greenheart conducts our program, please refer to our website here. 

Under this scholarship, there are specific fees included and those that are not. Please look at this carefully so you understand before applying. Note that it is recommended to have money available upon arrival to the United States before you begin work.

What is covered?

• Sponsorship program fee
• Health insurance while on program
• Visa interview fee
• SEVIS (government database) fee
• Round-trip flights to and from the United States (including transfers domestically and internationally)

What is not covered?

• Miscellaneous travel fees (Examples: baggage fees if not already included in ticket, food while traveling, hotel/hostel if arriving late at night, etc.).
• Ground transportation to and from airports
• Travel to embassy for visa interview
• Personal travel during or after program
• Housing and Living Expenses (rent and groceries)

If after reading the details of this scholarship, you are interested in applying, please do so by clicking on the below link. Note that depending on your country, you may be referred to the local American embassy for more application details. 

Application process

• Complete application via link below.
  • Must be in English
  • Only complete and thorough applications will be reviewed
• After chosen as an Ambassador Scholar, will need to complete a virtual interview with Greenheart and/or the local U.S. embassy. If interview goes well, you will be confirmed as a winner!
• Begin program application process with Greenheart, which includes biographical and employment information, documents and job confirmation. Note this process can take several months.

APPLY HERE

Winter 2024 Application Deadline: Applications are closed and results are being shared. Keep a lookout for Winter 2025!

Summer 2025 Application Deadline: Applications open August 15 – October 15 (Greek applicants have different dates – please refer to that section)

The U.S. Mission to Greece is happy to provide a grant for the Ambassadors Fund for Summer Work Travel (SWT) Scholarship! Up to 20 participants will be chosen for this wonderful opportunity. All the same details apply for this grant, with a few additions:

Domestic travel in U.S.: An additional $200 per participant for airport transfers, etc. that would be required for your arrival to you host site.

Airfare for visa interviews: Airfare up to $400 per participant to fly to Athens (if applicable) for your visa appointment.

Summer 2025 application dates: Open September 15 – and close November 15