Welcome Camp 2026 - Camp Counselor

EF High School Exchange Year
Thornwood, NY

EF High School Exchange Year is seeking positive, energetic, and responsible individuals to work with international high school exchange students at its Welcome Camp program held on the EF Academy campus in Thornwood, NY. EF Welcome Camp provides participating exchange students with a memorable New York City experience, valuable communication skills, and strong bonds with other exchange students before they embark on their high school exchange year.

The ideal candidate:

Has the desire and ability to work with teenagers

Is able to lead small group activities and is comfortable leading in a classroom setting

Has a passion for cultural exchange, travel, and education

Is enthusiastic, patient, creative, flexible and has a great sense of humor

Has a “nothing is impossible” attitude and is willing to go the extra mile to give students the best possible start to their exchange year

Has exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions quickly

Has stamina to work in a fast-paced program that includes some late night and early morning shifts

Is comfortable in an airport/ assisting students with check-in processes

If 21+, has driver's license and would be comfortable driving a minivan or 15-passenger van

Is familiar with the exchange student experience and community

Camp Counselors will guide approximately 20 students through hands-on orientation activities and classroom content, supervise students on a trip to Manhattan, assist with student arrivals and departures, and overall help students feel reassured and excited about their exchange year.

EF Welcome Camp is broken up into four (4) sessions and includes Senior Staff and all-staff trainings as detailed below. Preference will be given to candidates who can attend all sessions.

Camp Counselors arrive: July 16

All-Staff Training: July 17 - July 22

Week 1: July 23 - July 28

Week 2: July 30 - August 4

Week 3: August 6 - August 11

Week 4: August 13 - August 18

Staff departures: August 19

Camp Counselors are estimated to work around 45-60 hours per week at $16/hour, with any overtime hours being paid at time and a half. Camp Counselors are responsible for their transportation to and from the Welcome Camp location. All summer roles are provided room and board for the duration of the program. Camp Counselors are required to complete two online training modules to familiarize themselves with the EF High School Exchange Year program and attend a training prior to students’ arrival.

At EF Education First, we believe that the world is better when people try to understand one another. Since 1965, EF has helped millions of people see new places, experience new cultures, and learn new things about the world and about themselves.