Work and Travel USA

The Work & Travel program is designed to give college or vocational students the opportunity to gain work experience in major tourist destinations across the United States. Participants can be placed in a variety of positions such as: receptionists, waitstaff, lift attendants, ski instructors, customer service representatives, etc.

It offers the chance to work for 3 to 4 months in the U.S., providing a unique exchange opportunity for those interested in learning through interaction with other people and cultures in a professional setting, particularly in customer service roles.

Requirements to participate in the program

To join the Work and Travel program in the United States, you must:

Be between 18 and 29 years old
Be a full-time university or college student. Have passed courses and demonstrate progress in your degree program.
Have an intermediate level of English to pass the interview with the employer and the interview at the consulate to obtain the visa. In reality, you can pass the interview even if your English level is low, but you should also keep in mind that the type of job you get will depend on your level. If you speak English well, you’ll be placed in a customer-facing role, which is much more interesting than a position where you don’t interact with anyone.
Be available to travel during the period from December to March/April. You’ll need to return before classes start at your university.
Have sufficient health insurance coverage in case of illness or accident during your stay—the agency will handle this for you, so you don’t have to worry.
A valid passport that expires at least 6 months after the end of your stay

You must have a job offer at the time of travel. You can arrange this on your own if you have contacts there, by applying online, or through a specialized Work and Travel agency that acts as an intermediary between the participant and the sponsor.

Program Cost

If you want the agency to find you a job offer in the United States through interviews with employers, the cost ranges from USD 1,700 to USD 2,000

If you go independently, the cost is cut in half.

In addition, you should keep the following in mind:

SEVIS: USD 35 This is a database that keeps information on students and exchange visitors in the United States up to date, and it is mandatory.
J-1 Visa: $160
Airfare: Some companies include this in their program quote.

You must attend an in-person interview at the U.S. consulate in your country to obtain the visa.

The sponsor

This is the company responsible for selecting program participants.

Your sponsor will be like your parent during the trip. You must notify them once you arrive, if you have any problems with your employer, if you want to change jobs (with justification), etc. Once in the United States, the agency you booked the trip with in your home country ceases to act as an intermediary, and you communicate directly with the sponsor.

Upon Arrival in the United States

Some of the things you’ll need to take care of on your own upon arrival are:

Find housing: Many employers provide housing at a lower price, so in that case, you won’t have to worry. Another option is to book a hostel for the first week so you have time to look for a place to live and also meet other travelers who may be in the same situation as you. In the U.S., craigslist.com is widely used to search for a room.
Apply for a Social Security Number: This is your Social Security card and is essential for getting paid. I recommend that once you get it, you take a photo of it and email it to yourself, because if you lose it, it’s very difficult to replace, especially if you’re not in the U.S.
You should open a bank account: It’s a good idea to find out which bank doesn’t charge a monthly fee and which option works best for you.
Buy a phone SIM card: It will be very useful for communicating with your friends and your employer.

If you have any questions, leave us a comment!!!