US Announces Entry Level Jobs for Kenyan High School and University Students

The US Embassy in Nairobi has announced entry level job opportunities for high school and University students in Kenya.

In a statement on Tuesday, October 3, the US embassy noted that the opportunity would 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.”

The opportunity is under a public diplomacy program known as the Ambassadors Fund Scholarship that runs for four months.

Additionally, recipients of the fund scholarship 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.

“You will be matched with host employers in seasonal communities throughout the United States, and will work in seasonal, entry-level jobs with a high-level of interaction with American colleagues and guests,” the statement read in part.

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Advantages of the Program

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.

Fully paid for additional services. The program caters for all costs including Program fees, health insurance, visa interview fees, SEVIS fees and round-trip flights to and from the United States.

Living the American dream. Successful applicants will live as a local in America for four months. After the program, they have an opportunity to travel for up to 30 days around the US as tourists.

Jobs that Await Successful Candidates in the US

According to the embassy, successful applicants will engage in seasonal jobs in the US including working at Restaurants, Amusement Parks, Waterparks, Retail Stores, Hotels and Campgrounds.

At the same time, the statement reiterated that the jobs are all entry level and 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 and leadership development,” noted the statement.

Requirements for Eligible Candidates

To be part of the program, eligible candidates were directed to complete the following obligations before the program.

Participate in a pre-program survey, complete a video or blog post explaining how they are preparing for the program, 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 fulfill the following obligations.

Complete orientation upon arrival, complete all requirements of the general SWT program, 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.

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At the same time, after the program, the candidates are expected to:

Complete final program survey, complete a video or blog post reflecting your experience in the United States as an Ambassador Scholar, create and submit a portfolio of all the work you completed throughout your program as a Bridge USA Ambassador Scholar recipient and join the International Alumni database for all exchange visitors.  

“If you are chosen as a scholar, Greenheart will prepare you for all obligations so that there is no confusion on what you will need to accomplish,” noted the statement.

How to Apply

To apply, interested candidates have been directed to fill in an application form from the US embassy website.

If chosen as an Ambassador Scholar, the candidate will need to complete a virtual interview with Greenheart and or the local U.S. embassy.

“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.

Application deadline has been set for November 15, 2023.