BUNAC - London

Jennifer S.

BUNAC helped me have the best six summers of my life. The company was amazing at making what could have been a daunting experience incredibly exciting. The visa process was made easy as a BUNAC representative met me at the embassy each time I had to apply in person for a visa. I was given all the information I needed and was able to meet with others that were heading for the summer of their lives in the US. I got a lovely travel guide the first year for free which was then replaced with a free t-shirt which came in handy for the camp shaving cream fight nights. I had one summer in which I had to use another company and it wasn’t as organized or friendly so I would strongly recommend BUNAC for a summer in the states!

Rosa K.

I had a great experience with BUNAC from start to finish! Following my application I was quickly placed in my dream camp where I ended up spending 7 wonderful summers. The staff at BUNAC were particularly great with supporting me through the visa application and interview process, something that I expect would of been a lot more daunting if it wasn’t for the reassuring and knowledgable staff who were on hand to answer my nervous emails and phone calls in the run up! Thanks again BUNAC for being the driving force behind 7 wonderful summers, can’t recommend you guys enough!

Emma M.

I attended summer camp with the support of BUNAC four times and each one was a dream. They helped me with all the scary visa forms, popped me on a group flight one year so I met some other travellers before I got to the USA and most importantly (in my opinion) came to visit me once at camp. This was to make sure all was well and there had been no problems such as the role differing from the description (which certainly was not the case but super glad they checked!).

BUNAC even helped me out with the prospect of applying for camp from a country that was not my home country. I didn’t follow through with that one as it was too tricky for me but grateful they took the time to answer my questions. Great company and if I wasn’t so old now I’d be booking my Summer Camp adventures with them still!

//D A.

This company, or "travel, work and tourism" agency is not worth your time or money.

At the least, they don't significantly TAKE money or time from the hands or people that signed up with them, but they offer nothing either.

The London BUNAC staff have: a room with some computers, a desk and a phone number.

If you have English language skills and a work option to get to in the UK, their agency is of no use. If you are just a backpacker looking to (survive) on hospitality work or something similar, BUNAC claim to "help you open a bank account", but they actually offer no services that aren't on a basic mobile phone account.

BUNAC previously had a linked backpacker apartment for cheap accommodation run by Bill Pannifer, a peevish and rather unpleasant man that arbitrarily throws people out of the building. If Englishness has an unpleasant side to it, it's people like him that create that impression.

Also: beware of scams, as highly populated London has fake work offers aimed at tourists, and fake "Language Tuition" courses, complete with misleading prospectus and inept organizers.

In general, BUNAC are - at least at the desk level - helpful, and will provide honest information about the city. So does your phone, however.

Rachel D.

As a generational summer camper in the States, BUNAC has had an impact on my life and my family in ways that it has shaped our culture and values. At five years old, my family went to visit one of my mom’s summer camp friends who came to camp via BUNAC. When I started at that same summer camp as camper at age 11, my understanding of the world grew because so many of my counselors came from all over the world. Years later, as a counselor, I made some lifelong friends who came to camp through BUNAC. These friends have visited my family and I have visited theirs which has been such a gift for each of us. As I was traveling with some friends after university they asked how I had a friend to visit all over the world, and I responded—it’s because of summer camp and BUNAC.

Trish M.

I was part of the program in 1996. I had met many camp counselors at Camp Sloane in CT who were from Great Britain. One of my friends received a survey from BUNAC about her own experience, asking if she would recommend others. She out my name down and I received some information in the mail. I had just graduated college and was eligible within the next 6 mos. I was able to live in England, BUNAC helped me with resources for job and housing listings and I had an amazing experience travelling and making lifelong friends.

Charlotte S.

My experience with BUNAC was always brilliant and I wouldn't want to use another company for my camp experience. I was placed in a fantastic camp, and returned for 5 summers total. From the first year induction meeting to the final year of reissuing my J1, I felt supported and knew there was a helping hand just at the end of the phone or the email if I ever needed help with any of my application process. I have been recommending BUNAC to people for years and will continue to do so - I would not be the person I am had I not been to camp and I would have not got to camp if it wasn't for BUNAC!!

Hollie B.

BUNAC placed me at a summer camp in New York State, which was a perfect match for my skills & background in working with underprivileged children. There were a number of steps to follow, especially with getting my visa, but BUNAC made it really straightforward to follow. I travelled around the East Coast of America afterwards & loved it all so much I ended up going back for 4 summers!