International Trainee Network (ITN) is a cultural exchange organisation based in Los Angeles, California, with over 23 years of experience with the BridgeUSA J-1 Visa Exchange Program. Thanks to our network of 8 international ITN offices, 40 international partner universities, and over 200 partner hotels and resorts, ITN is currently the largest provider of J-1 paid luxury hospitality internship and traineeship programmes in the United States of America. Our mission is to provide culturally immersive experiences and world-class hospitality programmes to students, graduates, and young professionals from around the world.

What makes ITN’s approach to cultural exchange unique compared to other J-1 Visa programme providers?

ITN’s approach combines professional development, cultural exchange, and world-renowned support that is accessible to both our partners and international candidates. ITN emphasises cross-cultural engagement through personalised J-1 Intern & Trainee Programs, mentorship, support at every stage in the programme journey, and community integration. ITN partners with some of the most prestigious hotels in the US, which guarantees participants the most immersive professional experience during their programmes. Participants gain hands-on experience in hospitality while building lasting international networks, deepening their understanding of American culture, and developing global communication skills that prepare them for careers in an increasingly interconnected world.

What role does hospitality play in fostering cross-cultural understanding?

Hospitality naturally bridges cultures by bringing people together through service, collaboration, and shared experiences. In a hotel, resort, or restaurant environment, participants interact with guests and colleagues from diverse backgrounds, developing valuable personal and professional skills. By learning more about the U.S. hospitality industry through hands-on experiences, our international participants gain insight into cultural preferences, values, and communication styles, enhancing mutual understanding and a lifelong appreciation for global diversity. In addition, our participants are proud to share their culture with their American colleagues, which is always very welcome in the hospitality industry.

What does it mean to ITN to be recognised as the largest J-1 luxury hospitality programme provider in the U.S.?

Despite being the largest J-1 intern & trainee provider, we still operate and treat every participant’s experience as unique and personalised to their development. Our vast network reflects ITN’s dedication to relationships, expertise, quality, trust, and global impact. It signifies our commitment to creating meaningful experiences for participants and partner organisations alike. This recognition inspires us to continually innovate our programmes, expand our global network, and ensure that every programme participant and partner benefits from exceptional service and fantastic cultural exchange opportunities.

How do you measure success – not just in numbers, but in the cultural and professional impact of your programmes?

Success is measured by the personal and professional growth of our participants. Beyond assisting more than 50,000 international candidates, we track success through the exceptional programme experiences, testimonials, and thousands of success stories we receive. Our large alumni network, along with the ability of programme participants to make a positive impact at their host companies and in local communities, reflects the true value of our programmes. Ultimately, seeing participants thrive is our greatest measure of success.