The Specialized Group | Specialized Corporate Personnel

Specialized Youth

Specialized Travel Personnel has been appointed the official agents for Camp America and the Au Pair Foundation. The diversification into youth exchange programs has come about due to opportunities presented to the Specialized Group as well as identifying that there are synergies between specialist recruitment for the travel industry and these programs.

Many travel companies favour employing candidates who have travelled overseas in this capacity, once they return to South Africa. These young people also become great ambassadors for South Africa whilst in the USA and on their return they promote travel and are likely to become ardent future travelers, which bodes well for the travel industry.

Camp America is one of many cultural exchange programs the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) offers. Founded in 1964, the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) is one of the oldest, largest and most respected cultural exchange organizations in the world. With global offices in 5 countries, they organize cultural exchange programs for more than 50,000 participants each year.

Since 1969 Camp America has been sending young people to the USA to work on summer camps. Camp America has provided tens of thousands of international youth with an affordable and legal way to experience American culture. It's a chance for them to do something different during winter and spend it in the U.S.A. living & working with children. The Camp America programme is designed to give the best of both worlds - work and play. Following the camp placement the successful applicants have up to 2 months to explore the USA and enjoy all the fun, excitement and adventure there is to discover in the USA. It is a wonderful opportunity to make friendships with other counselors from all over the world, travel together, and learn new job and personal skills.

Camp America provides a comprehensive package to participants that includes: job placement, assistance with international flights, orientation sessions, emergency services, medical insurance and J-1 visa arrangements.

The Au Pair Foundation is one of the many programs Face The World (FTW) offer. FTW is a non-profit cultural exchange organization based in the San Francisco area. Since 1980 FTW has promoted global learning and cultural exchange by offering opportunities to youth and students to experience life in the USA. The objective of a cultural exchange program is to provide students, host families, schools, and communities with a quality experience that will not only enhance personal growth, but also will establish lasting friendships.

Through the Au Pair program young people get the opportunity to learn more about American culture while being ambassadors to their home country. Au pairs are able to teach their host families about life in South Africa and share their culture. It is believed that the host families, au pairs and the communities surrounding these families benefit from this exchange as the au pair integrates into daily American life.

All au pairs put forward for the program undergo a rigorous screening process before embarking on a year long adventure in the USA. Screening includes: criminal background checks, childcare employment references, proof of childcare hours of experience, a character reference, a medical examination, psychometric screening, and proof of educational background. Au pairs are able to apply for an infant care, standard, or educare au pair positions.

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