International exchange programmes: an honest reality check

The allure of traveling and working abroad through international exchange programs often masks a difficult reality. While brochures promise idyllic experiences, participants frequently encounter challenging living conditions, financial strain, and health concerns.

One of the most heavily promoted student programs, "Work and Travel" in the U.S., is a prime example. Despite advertisements showcasing happy students, participant reviews reveal shocking conditions. A major issue is accommodation, with students often ending up in dilapidated trailers, cheap motels, or even restaurant basements, far from the promised "comfortable housing."

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We were tired of being exploitable labour for the Hershey’s Company. Every one of us paid $3,000 – $6,000 to come to America for what was supposed to be a cultural exchange. Instead we became captive workers at the Hershey’s plant.

Working conditions can be equally harsh. Many international students participating in the Summer Work and Travel program have reported being subjected to night shifts and earning minimal wages after deductions for rent. Some students, like Godwin from Nigeria, described feeling exploited, having paid thousands of dollars for a cultural exchange that devolved into being "captive workers" at facilities like the Hershey's plant. He noted that students were forced into company housing, charged double the market rate compared to local tenants.

These programs often see employers cutting corners, leading to underpayment, workers having to supply their own essentials, and inadequate or non-existent housing. The lack of legal protection leaves participants vulnerable, with program coordinators offering little support and employers able to cut shifts or terminate employment without explanation. Instead of the "American Dream," many students experience stress, debt, and deteriorating health.

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What’s more, as Godwin pointed out, the students were forced to live in company housing, for which they were charged twice the market rates paid by American tenants living in the same complexes.