New to the US? Start hereJoin BACoS
Why the SouthThe case for the SouthGrowth, access and talentBelgians already herePlenty chose the South beforeSetting up hereHow we help you land wellDid you know?Belgium & US by the numbers
EventsUpcoming eventsTalks, after-works and celebrationsYoung professionals eventsAfter-works for the next generationPast eventsHighlights from earlier events
NewsLatest newsChamber and member newsBACoS Launchpad launchMeet your Launchpad MentorNewsletterEvents and member news
ProgramsBACoS LaunchpadA local Mentor when you arriveYoung ProfessionalsNetwork for the next generationJ-1 VisaInternships and traineeships in the US
MembershipPlans and pricesA plan for every professionalCompare plansWhat each plan includesMember directoryWho you will meetJoin BACoSRequest your membership
AboutWho we areMission and historyBoardThe people behind BACoSPartnersChambers, government and mediaContactCome say hello
J-1 Visa · Internships and traineeships

Your first job in the South.

The J-1 Exchange Visitor program lets students and young professionals train at a U.S. company for up to 18 months. We guide the candidate, support the host company and take care of the paperwork, so both can focus on the work.

I am a student or young professionalI am a company
2program categories: internship and traineeship
18months maximum, from a few weeks up
3fields: business, science and engineering, arts and culture
7Southern states where we place and support participants
Why it matters

Talent travels both ways.

Belgian companies in the South need people who know both worlds. Young Belgians and Europeans want real experience in the US. The J-1 program connects the two, and BACoS adds what a visa cannot: a network, a mentor and a community from day one.

For participants

Real work, real network

Structured training at a U.S. company, a Social Security number, and a place in our Young Professionals community while you are here.

For host companies

Motivated talent, made easy

Fresh skills and a European perspective in your team. We handle the visa process and compliance; you provide the training.

For the community

The next generation

Many participants stay connected long after their program ends. They become the next BACoS members, guides and board members.

For students and young professionals

Two ways to come.

Which category fits depends on where you are in your studies or career.

Internship · up to 12 months

For students and recent graduates

  • You are currently enrolled at a university or college outside the US, or graduated less than 12 months before your start date
  • The internship is related to your field of study
  • You are at least 18 and speak English well enough for a professional setting
Traineeship · up to 18 months

For young professionals

  • You hold a degree from outside the US plus at least one year of relevant work experience abroad, or
  • You have at least five years of work experience in your field
  • The training builds on your experience through a structured plan
Fields we support

Where you can train

Management, Business, Commerce & FinanceSciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics & Industrial OccupationsArts & Culture

Do you not have a host company yet? Tell us your field and preferred city. We share your profile with member companies across the South.

For host companies

Host a J-1 intern or trainee.

Bring in motivated people who already speak the language of your Belgian or European head office. The J-1 is a training and exchange program, built around a structured training plan.

  • You are a registered company operating in the United States
  • You can offer a structured training plan with a supervisor
  • You have enough staff on site to supervise and train the participant
  • The participant does not replace a full-time or part-time employee
What we do

Paperwork, compliance and community

  • Post your opening to our network, or work with the candidate you already selected
  • Help you write the training plan
  • Prepare the application and visa documents with our sponsor partner
  • Check in with the participant during the program and welcome them into BACoS
What you do

Training and supervision

  • Share basic company information
  • Agree the training plan with the candidate
  • Supervise, train and evaluate during the program
How it works

From first call to first day.

Plan on about three months from a confirmed placement to your arrival, depending on visa appointment availability at the US embassy.

01Intro call: check eligibility and goals
02Find or confirm the host company
03Write the training plan together
04Application and DS-2019 form issued
05Visa interview at the US embassy
06Arrive, check in and meet the BACoS network
Get started

Talk to us first.

Every situation is different. Send us a few details and we will set up a short call.

Do I need a host company before I apply?

Yes, the visa is always tied to a host company and a training plan. If you do not have one yet, we can share your profile with companies in our network.

Can I get paid?

Most participants are paid by their host company. Pay is agreed between the company and the participant.

Do I need to be Belgian?

No. Participants of all nationalities can apply. Many of our host companies are Belgian or European, which makes the program a natural fit for Belgian candidates.

What does it cost?

There is a program fee that depends on the length of the program, plus the US government visa fees and mandatory health insurance. The company, the participant or both can pay. Ask us for the current fee schedule.

Is the host company required to be a BACoS member?

Membership makes hosting easier and gives the participant access to all our events. Contact us for the conditions.

Everything Belgian in the South.

Events, member news and introductions worth making.