THE ARCHWAY
The ARCO Standard.
J-1 Work & Travel positions in the U.S.
The ARCO Process
The standard we wish we had found.
The ARCO Method
The first chapter begins with a decision.
The new standard for J-1 cultural exchange in Mexico.
A J-1 Work & Travel cultural exchange firm in Mexico founded by former participants. Documented processes, evaluated opportunities, and ongoing support.
We're the next generation of cultural exchange:
We know what you need. We've been there.
Cultural exchange doesn't need more intermediaries.
It needs a standard.
ARCO exists to get a life-changing process right.
The Designated Sponsor authorizes the program. ARCO builds and runs the participant experience: selecting and preparing participants, developing opportunities, coordinating approvals, and staying involved throughout the season.
Evaluated opportunities · Visa guidance · Medical insurance · Community
Student. I want to spend a summer in the United States.
Family. I want to understand the experience before they leave.
U.S. employer. I want to know whether this program fits my operation.
Sponsor or exchange organization. I want to understand how ARCO works from Mexico.
From your first assessment to your season in the United States, we make every step clear.
A clear process. Carefully evaluated opportunities. Working conditions reviewed. Support before and during the season. The essentials, in writing.
The ARCO Method didn't come from a manual. It came from living the program ourselves, then learning how to run it from the other side.
We select with judgment. We develop and cross-check opportunities. We prepare interviews, documentation, the consular process and departure. We keep the process organized and communication active before and during the season.
When something changes, we do more than refer the problem elsewhere. We document what happened, engage the sponsor, employer or appropriate party and follow the case until there is a clear path forward.
The Designated Sponsor authorizes the program. ARCO builds and operates the participant experience within that system.
If the program is a good fit for you, we'll tell you clearly. If it isn't, we'll tell you that too. Our standard starts with being honest from the beginning.
ARCO builds and manages the experience of Mexican university students participating in J-1 Work & Travel programs authorized by Designated Sponsors.
The process is organized into Selection, Preparation, and Deployment so that every decision has context.
We will tell you clearly whether your profile is a good fit for the program.
BEFORE YOU APPLY
Difficult questions deserve clear answers.
Eligibility, employers, housing, support and costs. The essentials are explained before you sign.
Who can apply?
The program requires full-time enrollment at a higher education institution, completion of at least one semester and the ability to communicate in English. ARCO currently works with Mexican students aged 18 to 26.
The minimum requirements open the door. Your individual profile determines the next step.
When should I start?
For the following summer, ARCO recommends having your first meeting between September and November of the previous year.
Starting early gives you time to prepare your profile and explore opportunities, subject to availability. It does not reserve a position or speed up third-party decisions. If that window has passed, we use the meeting to assess whether there is still time and a viable option for you.
What does ARCO support include?
ARCO builds and operates the participant journey: selection, profile development, professional preparation, opportunity development and evaluation, documentation, coordination with the Designated Sponsor and departure preparation.
During the season, we maintain direct communication, manage changes and bring in the responsible party when needed.
Is ARCO a sponsor?
No. The Designated Sponsor retains regulatory authority and issues the DS-2019.
ARCO builds and operates the participant journey within that system: preparing the profile, developing and evaluating opportunities, coordinating formal approval and staying active throughout the season.
How does employer placement work?
ARCO develops opportunities with employers and reviews the relevant conditions of each option with you before moving forward. A conversation is not a placement: placement exists when there is a written offer, you accept it and the sponsor approves it.
If your contract includes the Verified Placement Guarantee, its published conditions and remedies apply.
Read the guarantee conditions (Spanish)
What happens if I have a problem during the program?
For an immediate emergency, call 911 or the appropriate local service first. The Designated Sponsor also provides a 24/7 emergency contact.
ARCO responds and manages the case: documenting the facts, contacting the responsible party, coordinating next steps and staying in touch with you until there is a clear path forward.
How does housing work?
Housing varies by destination and employer. It may be provided, coordinated or assisted, with costs and conditions made clear before departure.
ARCO makes sure the housing arrangement is understood before treating it as settled. You arrive with a plan, instead of having to figure it out on arrival.
How much does the program cost?
The exact amount is provided in writing before you sign. The program price includes ARCO operations and the Designated Sponsor fee for the contracted route.
It excludes SEVIS, visa and other government fees, flights, housing, food, personal transportation and living expenses. The milestone payment schedule and what each payment activates are also provided in writing.
Read the payment policy (Spanish)