The United States (US) Embassy in Nairobi has announced entry-level job opportunities for high school and university students in Kenya.
The opportunity is under a public diplomacy program known as the Ambassadors Fund Scholarship 2025 under the Greenheart exchange program.
In a statement on Monday, September 9, the embassy indicated that applications for the fund are open until October 15.
The program which runs for four months, will enable applicants to “gain professional experience in the United States, improve their English language skills, and share their own culture with Americans on the Summer Work Travel BridgeUSA visa.”
How the US Program Works
Recipients of the fund scholarship will have the opportunity to meet, work, live with, and learn from both people of the United States and other international students while sharing daily experiences.
They will be matched with host employers in seasonal communities throughout the United States.
Additionally, they will work in seasonal, entry-level jobs with a high level of interaction with American colleagues and guests.
Further, the Ambassadors Fund Scholarship website details that it is an opportunity for recipients to build their Curriculum Vitae.
While working during the program, beneficiaries will learn several skills including American customer service, intercultural competencies, adaptability, and quick, critical thinking.
Additionally, scholars will enjoy fully paid for additional services. The program caters to all costs including program fees, health insurance, visa interview fees, SEVIS fees, and round-trip flights to and from the United States.
However, the program does not cover Miscellaneous travel fees, ground transportation to and from airports, travel to the embassy for visa interviews, personal travel during or after the program, and housing and Living Expenses (rent and groceries).
Living the American dream. Successful applicants will live as locals in America for four months. After the program, they have an opportunity to travel for up to 30 days around the US as tourists.
Details of the Promised Jobs
Successful applicants will engage in seasonal jobs in the US including working at restaurants, amusement parks, waterparks, retail stores, hotels, and campgrounds.
However, all the jobs are seasonal, and they will have to endure standing on their feet during work, even as they gain valuable skills.
“All jobs are entry-level and are seasonal in nature. You will not be hired as a manager nor will you likely be working in an office.”
“You will likely be standing on your feet during your shift and moving around. It is also worth noting that your position may not relate to your school studies. However, you will learn valuable skills in these positions that will help in your future professional.”
Requirements for Applicants
Interested applicants must complete the following obligations to become eligible for selection to the program.
They will participate in a pre-program survey, complete a video or blog post explaining how they are preparing for the program.
In addition, they are required to begin following the Department of State’s social media handles and engage in virtual meetings with Greenheart’s (the funding organization) to prepare for the program.
Subsequently, after joining the program, the successful candidates are required to complete orientation upon arrival, complete all requirements of the general SWT program.
They must also complete mid-point program survey, begin the timeline that you proposed in your application, volunteer in their community at minimum 8 hours and complete one online course.
How to Apply
To apply, interested candidates have been directed to fill in an application form from the Greenheart Exchange Program website.
If chosen as an Ambassador Scholar, the candidate will be required to complete a virtual interview with Greenheart and or the local U.S. embassy.
Applications must be in English and only complete and thorough applications will be reviewed. The process will take sevral months.
“If the interview goes well, you will be confirmed as a winner! Note that depending on your country, you may be referred to the local American embassy for more application details,” added the statement.
“The Ambassadors Fund for SWT is a unique public diplomacy program and distinct from the general BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel Program (SWT).”