J-1 summer / work travel - independent contractor?

I'm a university student and have been offered an internship with a stipend, and they want to treat me as a 'independent contractor' (which is their policy for US citizens obtaining that internship). They are quite clear that they don't want to 'hire' me as an 'employee'. Is this allowed under a J-1 summer work / travel visa? SWAP told me it's fine (i.e. they'll take my application), but I don't particularly trust their opinion, and the person who answered on the 1-900-451-2778 US consulate info line had no idea. Thanks for any information, Andy.