About the Work & Travel Program
The Summer Work & Travel program provides foreign students with an opportunity to live and work in the United States during their summer vacation from college or university to experience and to be exposed to the people and way of life in the United States.
Paid summer job
We only offer paid job opportunities during your university summer break. As an exchange visitor, you will receive compensation from your Host Employer during your Work & Travel program. Placement hours and compensation will vary depending on the Host Employer and the seasonality of the business but will be at a minimum of 32 hours a week. The average compensation is $8.00-20.00 USD/hour. The duration of the program is 4 months during your university summer break.
Host Employers
Host Employers are organizations that have been approved to host exchange visitors and have agreed to provide job opportunity for the exchange visitor.
We offer summer positions throughout the United States. The most popular states are California, Colorado, Utah, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia.
The Host Employers; hotels, resorts and restaurants are highly rated (usually 4*-5*) organizations, therefore you will be gaining valuable experience while training in a professional team. Your international experience and knowledge will be a rewarding addition to your resume and future career.
We are looking for motivated, open minded, hospitality driven professionals for the following positions:
• Assistant server
• Server
• Housekeeper
• Prep cook
• Dishwasher
• Recreation attendant
• Receptionist
Our partner – The J1 visa sponsor
Our partner agency is designated by the United States Department of State as a J1 Visa sponsor. J1 visa sponsors are authorized to issue the documents that you will need for your J1 visa interview. You will receive these required forms from us after your placement is secured.
The J1 visa sponsor and our team will be monitoring your Work & Travel program and we will be in contact with you to ensure that you are having a great time and rewarding experience. We are here to support you, please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns during your program.
You will be asked to submit essays and evaluations throughout your program; however, we will provide you further detailed information before your departure to the United States.
Visa
Our team will be assisting and support you with your visa application and interview. After securing a placement for you, you will receive all the necessary documents from us and we will help you get prepared for your J1 visa interview at the U.S. Embassy.
Program Fee
The program fee is based on the program length and type. Please contact us for a detailed program fee list. The program fee is due only after your placement/Host Employer is secured and you received and signed your offer letter as well.
In the case of a visa denial, you must return the unused original DS-2019 form and the 50% of the program fees will be returned.
How to apply
Application requirements
If you would like to participate in a structured and guided work program, build relationships, improve your English skills, explore the American culture and receive compensation for it, apply now! To qualify for the Work & Travel program you have to currently be enrolled on a full-time basis in a college or university between the ages of 18 and 30.
If you have any questions regarding your eligibility to participate in the program, please feel free to contact us!
Step by step
1. Submit your application and send us your resume. We will contact you for a suitable time when we can conduct a skype interview. We would like to get to know you, evaluate your English skills and answer all your questions during the first skype interview.
2. If you qualify for the program and successfully pass the first interview, we submit your application to Host Employers. Your second interview will be with a representative from the Host Employer.
3. If you successfully pass the interview with the Host Employer, you will receive your job offer and we can start completing your paperwork for the visa application:
• University diploma or letter of attendance in English – any translations must
be by an official translator
• Copy of passport (your passport must be valid 6 months beyond your
program end date)
• Copy of previous visas
• 2 reference letters
• Color photo
• Application forms-the forms will be provided by our team
4. Visa interview at the American Embassy. Our American visa sponsor partner will be registering you in the SEVIS system and you will receive all the documents from us that you need for the visa interview:
• DS-2019 form
Additional documents needed:
• DS-160 form
• Proof of SEVIS fee payment
• Proof of visa processing fee payment
Our team will be assisting you in filling out the necessary forms and scheduling the interview at the Embassy.
While in the United States as a Work & Travel participant
Entry and length of stay
The maximum length of the Work & Travel program is 4 months during your university summer break.
As a Work & Travel program participant, you may enter the United States up to 30 days before the start date on the DS-2019.
You may remain in the United States for up to 30 days after the completion date on the DS-2019. You can use this 30-day grace period for vacation or traveling.
Housing
Most of our Host Employers provide housing for the duration of your program. If housing is not available, your Host Employer will be assisting you in finding one. Most likely you will have to share a room with one or more room mates. You will either be asked to pay for your housing in advance or it will be deducted from your pay checks.
Insurance
Our team will secure health and accident insurance that meets the Department of State rules and regulations for J-1 visitors prior to your travel to the United States. The insurance fee is included in your program fee.
Taxes
The State and Federal tax will be deduced from your pay checks, however as a J1 participant, you are eligible to apply for your tax return after your program. We will be assisting you with your tax return.
Social Security Card
Prior to beginning your program, you will need to apply for your social security number. This number is unique and will be assigned to you for the US government to receive information regarding your earnings. You will need to give this number to your Host Employer so they can report your income and tax withholding to the government. You will also need this number to file for your tax returns at the end of the year. If you have never received a social security card in the past, you will need to apply in person. Your Host Employer will assist you in getting to the social security office to apply. You may find other helpful information on the social security website.
Second job
You are allowed to take a second job with the J1 Work & Travel visa as long as your second job does not affect the quality of your work and you schedule with your original Host Employer in any way. If you have any issues or questions regarding your Host Employer or second job during your program, please contact us – we are here to help!
Ongoing support
Our team will be in contact with you throughout your program and provide ongoing support. We are committed to making this program one of your most memorable and rewarding experiences in your career. We are here to support you and ensure your program experience is beneficial. There may be times during your program that you may feel overwhelmed by the experience. Please feel free to contact us any time you may have a concern. You will be also given a phone number that you can call 24 hours in case of emergency while in the United States.
FAQ
At what level of English do I need to speak to apply for the program?
You should be able to easily communicate in English. During the skype interview, we will evaluate your level of English and answer all your questions.
What happens if I don’t get along with the Host Employer?
Our team will be in contact with you throughout your program and provide ongoing support. We are committed to making this program one of your most memorable and rewarding experiences in your career. You will also be given a phone number that you can call 24 hours in case of emergency while in the United States.
When can I apply?
You can submit your application any time of the year. The interviews for the summer openings are conducted during fall and winter.
Can I apply with my boyfriend/girlfriend?
Yes, of course. We will try to place you near each other, however, since the most important thing is to find you the most suitable program, we cannot guarantee to place you together.
Why do I need a visa when there is a visa-free program to enter the United States?
The visa-free or visa waiver program is only for tourists traveling in the United States for no more than 90 days. You are required to obtain a J1 visa to participate in the Work & Travel program. Our team will assist you in the paperwork and applying for your J1 visa.
Can I take a second job?
Yes, you may take a pre-approved second job as long as it does not affect your schedule with your original Host Employer.
For how long can I stay in the United States with the J1 Work & Travel visa?
The Work & Travel program length is 2-4 months during your university summer break. You are allowed to remain in the United States for a 30-day grace period after your program end date and before the start of your next semester.