| Dublin, November 25, 2024 – The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) has announced its entry into the Irish student travel market with a new, affordable J1 visa product, also known as BridgeUSA, set to launch through its new Dublin office.
This initiative represents CIEE’s commitment to providing direct-to-market offerings in Ireland, with introductory fees significantly lower than existing options. In 2025, CIEE plans to expand its offerings to include additional working visa, internship and cultural exchange products for Irish students.
New Dublin Office Led by Industry Veteran
To support the new J1 Visa BridgeUSA program, CIEE has established an operations centre in Dublin with an experienced local team, led by Sheelagh Daly, who brings over 20 years of experience in student travel. Sheelagh and the Dublin team will play a key role in CIEE’s mission to make cultural exchange and work abroad experiences more accessible to Irish students. Sheelagh Daly is available for interviews and further comment.
A Natural Step for CIEE in Ireland
With a well-established presence in Ireland as an inbound program provider for U.S. college students since 2006, CIEE’s expansion into direct-to-market programs for Irish students traveling to the U.S. represents a natural progression. “CIEE has been a proud supporter of international exchange for over 50 years, and we are excited to extend these opportunities directly to Irish students,” said Daly.
Making International Experiences More Accessible
CIEE recognises that the financial barrier to J1 and cultural exchange programs can prevent some students from participating. By offering J1 visa programs directly to students in Ireland, CIEE aims to make international experiences more accessible.
Introductory J1 visa prices will start at €499 for the J1 program with camp exchange programs staring at €199, allowing more Irish students to gain valuable global experience without the financial strain typically associated with such programs.
Over 50 Years of Experience in Cultural Exchange
Having indirectly hosted Irish J1 participants in the U.S. for over 50 years, CIEE is dedicated to offering quality cultural exchange programs. Its strong partnerships, including one with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs through the Douglass – O’Connell Global Internship Program, reinforce CIEE’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding.
In alignment with its mission, CIEE is also strengthening its relationship with the African American Irish Diaspora Network (AAIDN) and exploring new opportunities through initiatives like InternHub, its internship portal, to expand access to professional placements.
For more information on CIEE and its programs, visit www.cieeireland.ie or follow @CIEE_J1USA on Instagram and/or TikTok.
Contacts:
– Sheelagh Daly, Director of Sales, Ireland, CIEE: sdaly@ciee.org, 087 660 9406
– Michael Collins, TravelMedia.ie: michael@travelmedia.ie, 086 8583585 |
