SYTO Outbound Programmes
Student Work Abroad Programme (SWAP)
Spend your summer working and travelling abroad. SWAP lets Ghanaian university students earn an income, meet students from around the world, and share cultures in the UK, Canada, or the USA. SYTO finds your summer job and accommodation and helps arrange your travel.
Jun-Sep
4-Month Season
18-27
Age Range
3
Countries
About the Programme
A summer of work, travel, and culture
The Student Work Abroad Programme (SWAP) gives full-time Ghanaian university students the chance to live, work, and explore abroad over the summer holidays. Participants gain international work experience, earn while they travel, and connect with young people from around the world before returning to continue their studies.
Summer Work and Travel runs under the United States J-1 visa. It lets full-time college and university students from outside the US spend their summer there on temporary work and travel, sharing their culture and ideas with Americans. SYTO partners with an organisation in the States to make this possible.
4 months, June to September· Run by SYTO Ghana with international partners.
Who Can Apply
- Aged 18 to 27
- At level 200 or 300
- A full-time university student
- A Ghanaian citizen
Common Summer Jobs
- Amusement parks
- Restaurants (waiter or waitress)
- Hotels (room service attendants)
Why Go
What you gain
- International exposure
- Networking
- A boost to your CV
- Travel experience
- Cultural exchange with Americans
- A more open mind
What You Need
Application Requirements
Every applicant must provide the following. Prepare these before the cycle opens.
- 01Completely filled Work and Travel application form
- 02English proficiency letter
- 03Original letter of introduction from your university
- 04Copies of your academic transcript for years spent in school
- 05Copy of your curriculum vitae (CV)
- 06Two passport-size photographs
- 07Valid passport
- 08Photocopy of the front and back of your school ID card
- 09International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
- 10Original WASSCE certificate
- 11Recent bank statement from your sponsor (3–4 months) with a sponsorship letter
Note: If the bank statement is from a business entity, it must be accompanied by a photocopy of Form A, the tax clearance certificate, and the business certificate.
Key Terms
Terms worth knowing
A quick guide to the forms and visa category behind the US programme.
DS-2019
A form from the US Department of State, given to the programme sponsor to prove your eligibility for the programme.
SEVIS ID
Your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System number. The Department of State issues it to the sponsor to monitor your activities during the programme.
J-1 visa
The US visa category that Summer Work and Travel falls under. You apply for it at the American embassy.
How to Apply
Four steps to your summer abroad
Check your eligibility
Confirm you are a full-time level 200 or 300 Ghanaian student within the age range for the cycle.
Gather your documents
Prepare every item on the requirements checklist, including your passport, transcripts, and sponsorship documents.
Submit your application
Complete the Work and Travel application form and submit it with your documents to the SYTO team before the deadline.
Interview and placement
Shortlisted applicants are interviewed and matched with a placement, then guided through visa and travel preparations.
More Ways to Go Abroad
Other outbound programmes
Internships Abroad
Gain professional experience with organisations abroad, matched to your field of study and career goals.
Student & Youth Exchanges
Short exchanges that connect Ghanaian youth with peers overseas to share skills, culture, and leadership.
Ready to spend your summer abroad?
Reach out to the SYTO team to start your application or ask about the next cycle.
Contact the Team