Compass Abroad is a leading international internship placement agency based in London, specialising in the J1 programme in the USA. We provide high-quality paid internship programmes in various fields such as hospitality, business, engineering, and more. Our mission is to connect students and recent graduates with global internship opportunities that enhance their career prospects.

We offer 12 to 18-month paid internships in the USA, placing candidates in both hospitality and non-hospitality sectors, including architecture, engineering, and business. Additionally, we offer internships in exciting locations worldwide, including Spain, the Maldives, England, Ireland, Malta, Dubai, Japan, and Australia. We collaborate with top companies and universities globally to ensure our participants gain valuable work experience and cultural exposure. Our comprehensive services include visa support, orientation, accommodation arrangements, and continuous support throughout the internship duration.

Can you elaborate a little more on who you are and how Compass Abroad started?

Compass Abroad, a London-based company, is an internship placement provider for the J1 programme in the USA, specialising in both hospitality and non-hospitality fields. With 22 years of experience in the J1 visa sector, our founder Mustafa Gençoğlu, who himself participated in an 18-month J1 programme 20 years ago, brings unparalleled expertise to our operations.

We place candidates from around the world in chain hotels in the USA, as well as in non-hospitality sectors like architecture, engineering, business, and various other fields for up to 18 months. We offer both placement-only and full placement services, ensuring a tailored fit for each participant’s career goals.

Our reach extends beyond the USA to include paid and unpaid internships in diverse locations such as Australia, Asia, Europe, the UK, the Canary Islands, Spain, Japan, Ireland, and Malta. By partnering with esteemed universities and top-tier organisations, we ensure that our interns receive not only professional development but also invaluable cultural insights. Our team is dedicated to supporting interns through every step of their journey, from the initial application process to their successful completion of the programme.

You offer internships in various countries. How have you adapted to changing travel trends and maintained relevance in offering internships in these locations?

Compass Abroad adapts to changing travel trends by offering both physical and remote internship options, allowing candidates to develop globally from home or on-site. We place students in various fields across multiple destinations, contributing to their development. Additionally, we enable participants to intern in different countries each year or summer, fostering global growth in a short time. Our flexibility ensures that interns can continue to gain valuable experience and cultural exposure, regardless of travel restrictions.

To further support the economic feasibility for our candidates, we offer both remote and on-site internships, 90% of which are paid. This encourages participants to manage their living expenses and gain the most from their internship.

How do you feel the recent development of AI has affected your organisation and the industry you work in?

The recent development of AI has positively impacted Compass Abroad and our industry. AI has enabled us to streamline processes, allowing candidates in sectors like architecture, engineering, and business to find remote internships more quickly. In the hospitality sector, where physical internships are essential, AI has enhanced customer satisfaction and quality management through better data analysis.

Overall, AI technology has allowed Compass Abroad to improve our CRM systems, offer more paid internships, and efficiently match candidates with suitable opportunities, ultimately enhancing both our technological and operational capabilities.

How do you ensure the safety and well-being of participants while they are working and travelling abroad?

Compass Abroad ensures the safety and well-being of participants through comprehensive support services. Before departure, we complete all legal visa processes and provide detailed orientation sessions. Upon arrival, we arrange secure accommodations and provide full health and travel insurance. For remote internships, we ensure timely payment of salaries to maintain participants’ motivation and economic stability.

We also offer 24/7 assistance, covering health and safety issues. Our holistic approach guarantees that participants feel supported and secure throughout their internship, both physically and financially.

What sets Compass Abroad apart from its competitors?

Compass Abroad stands out by working with top-tier hospitality and non-hospitality employers in the USA, offering participants the highest salaries and comprehensive 12-18 month internship plans. We collaborate with  J1 sponsors, providing high-quality, self-improvement programs. Our unique advantage lies in offering paid and unpaid internships across multiple regions, including Asia, Australia, and Europe, allowing students to gain diverse experiences.

Additionally, we provide paid remote internships for those unable to travel, ensuring they still gain valuable international work experience. This multifaceted approach enables candidates to build robust global careers.