To view last year’s webchat, click here. To see this year’s webchat click here (Part 1), here (Part 2) and here (Part 3).

Since 1992, the U.S. Embassy has facilitated the travel of 60,000 Ukrainian students to participate in this unique program. The below chart indicates the number of Ukrainian students who applied to participate in the program since 2007:

The SWT program is a unique exchange visitor program. While on the program, SWT students have the opportunity to work, travel and participate in an enriching cultural exchange program.

To participate in the program, every interested Ukrainian student must have a U.S. based sponsor, who will vet their jobs and facilitate their journey. Most Ukrainians work through local agencies that help match them with jobs and help them with their visa interview.

  • For more information about the J1 visa category that SWT students travel on, click here.
  • For general information about the program and regulations click here.
  • For a list of current approved American sponsors, click here.
  • For the 2012 list of Ukrainian agencies approved to make visa interview appointments through our block appointment system click here.

Students usually travel to the United States to work seasonal jobs in resort areas, restaurants or amusement parks.

For a list of jobs that SWT students are not eligible to perform, see below:

We’re really excited to be in the midst of the 2012 Summer Work and Travel season and are hoping to facilitate the safe travel of more Ukrainian students than ever!

Check out our new Facebook Page for up-to-the-minute information about the program. Also, watch our newly updated 2012 SWT video. Be sure to read the Wilberforce Pamphlet in Ukrainian and English before you come for an interview, as it explains all of the rights and responsibilities that exchange students have in the United States.

The last day we will be interviewing students for the 2012 SWT season is on Friday, June 8, 2012.

So please sign up soon!

Posted by Summer Work and Travel Coordinators, consular section, U.S. Embassy Kyiv. Blogs of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv can be found at http://usembassykyiv.wordpress.com/