Live in the US for three months, make money and meet new people? Easy! The Work and travel program For more than 60 years, the Work and Travel Program has allowed young people from all over the world to spend an unforgettable summer in the United States. It is the most popular way for international student exchange. More than 100,000 people travel to another continent each year.
The essence of the program
Work and travel provides an opportunity for full-time undergraduate students to spend the summer months in the United States. Under the terms of the program, foreigners get an official job for the period of vacation, and in their free time they can travel around the country. It is also possible to get into the country in other ways. we tell you about the green card.
Conditions of participation
Anyone wishing to participate in the program must meet several criteria:
- Must be enrolled full-time at an accredited institution in any course of study other than the final year. Master's, postgraduate and doctoral studies are also not eligible. Evening students also have the opportunity to participate. The requirements are that they attend the university five days a week or at least 20 hours a week.
- It is important to have a conversational level of English - Intermediate Level or above.
- The ages range from 18 to 28. However, those who meet the standard age of students in their country are more likely to be approved. In the CIS, these are students between 18 and 23 years of age.
Organizers
On the U.S. side, the State Department manages the Work and Travel program. It selects different organizations in several areas that are responsible for the processing and employment process. They are called sponsors. The sponsors, in turn, have partner agencies around the world whose employees help people who want to get a summer job in the United States.
It is the agencies that connect candidates and sponsors with each other. They search for suitable vacancies, prepare the necessary documents and help with the interview. They are also responsible for arranging medical insurance and supporting students abroad at all stages of the program. They also provide information brochures and often organize a hotline in the United States.
Cost
You will need a fairly large sum of money to participate in the program. The services of partner agencies cost from $1200 to $1600. If the cheapest option is chosen, the student must find a suitable position for employment in the United States. You will also need at least $1000 for initial expenses until you get paid for the job. Add to this the cost of transportation to the American embassy for the interview (as appropriate) and a plane ticket to North America - from $500 round trip.
Work
The program provides various options for seasonal work at resorts that a student can handle. It is important that the job is temporary and that the main hours of employment are during the day. Work and Travel excludes work in factories and mills, does not allow life-threatening offers and positions without a clear place of employment. Here are the most popular offers.
Lifeguard
This vacancy involves working on the territory of water parks. The specialist monitors visitors, prevents dangerous situations, changes towels, prepares the recreation area for the arrival of customers. Only students who know how to swim and know how to provide emergency medical care are allowed.
Waiter or busboy
This opportunity is offered by restaurants and cafes. You need to communicate with visitors, advise on dishes, set the table, clean the dishes, serve the food. The main thing here is communication skills and friendliness.
Maid
The vacancy is provided by a hotel chain. The student's duties will include cleaning in hotel rooms and buildings. Take into account that in such places work in shifts, not in a schedule of 5 on 2.
National park employee
U.S. wildlife refuges U.S. wildlife refuges invite students to join them for jobs ranging from cleaning to feeding animals. Bonus - beautiful scenery and the opportunity to explore the preserves for free.
Amusement ride operator
In amusement centers, you need to keep the different areas running, let people in and out, turn on carousels, and make sure safety rules are followed. Employees get a discount on entertainment!
Assistant cook
Another vacancy from cafes and restaurants, but here the student will work directly in the kitchen. He will be entrusted with the preparation of food and drinks. Usually, these are the simplest versions of dishes.
Cashier in a supermarket
Large stores offer to work behind the cash register and arrange goods on the shelves. The duties also include helping visitors, so stress resistance and friendliness are important.
Stages of preparation
The first step is to choose an agency that cooperates with sponsors. There are several international agencies in each CIS country. You should start preparations in August.
The second stage consists of an interview with the selected company. You can ask important questions, clarify the details of the program and conditions of participation. The agency staff will check your English language skills and find out if you are suitable for Work and travel.
If everything is in order, the next step is to conclude the contract.
You will then have an interview with the American sponsor in English. The interview is conducted individually with each student via video link.
The selection of a suitable position and the candidate's enrollment starts in November. The job offer is coordinated with the student, then sent to the employer for signature, and then it is checked by the sponsor. He clarifies all the details, finds out whether the stated conditions correspond to reality, checks the licenses and insurances of the receiving party.
Document preparation begins after all the background checks have been completed. To obtain legal authorization to work and live in the United States, you need to gather a lot of paperwork.
J1 visa interviews are conducted starting in March. To obtain an entry permit, the applicant must have a personal interview with a visa officer at the U.S. Embassy. You should bring with you a visa application form and a certificate of program participant (form DS-2019). It is sent by the sponsor. You will be notified of the result immediately.
All that remains is to prepare for departure. Once you have received your visa, you need to buy air tickets immediately. Some agencies hold special events for program participants at this time, provide safety briefings and explain where to turn for help in difficult situations.
Pros of participating in the program
Legality
The Work and Travel program is official and transparent. Participants are protected by the U.S. government and are in the country legally. The safety and integrity of the employer is verified at all stages, and students can always ask for help.
Gaining new work experience
For a few months you will become part of the team of an American company. This will give you an incredible new experience, familiarize you with the principles and standards of working abroad. And a US company name will look great on your resume!
Language immersion
Living and working in the USA will help you improve your English. Communicating with native speakers is the best way to get rid of psychological barriers and fear of making mistakes, and your vocabulary will be enriched with modern colloquial expressions.
New friends
In a few months in the United States, you will meet many people of different nationalities, faiths, and cultures. Some will be friends, some will be teachers, and some will help you achieve your goals. Talking to strangers is a great way to broaden your horizons.
Travel
Under the terms of the program, students have 30 days to to travel throughout the U.S. states after completing their work. You can rent a car with friends or take buses to see the most interesting places. Bustling and cosmopolitan New York, bright and starry Los Angeles, technological San Francisco or bustling and gambling Las Vegas. - choose whichever city is closer to you. Or go to see Niagara Falls or the Grand Canyon to enjoy the natural beauty of the USA.
Earnings
During one summer in the USA under the Work and Travel program you can earn a large sum of money and recoup all your expenses. Salary at different positions ranges from $7 to $11 per hour (exception - waiters, they have a rate of $4, but they receive significant tips from visitors). And a month comes out to about $2000 when working 35 hours a week. If you save money.you can bring home a large sum.
Impressions
New acquaintances, work experience, special skills and independent living across the ocean is a huge step forward. The program exposes students to a wide range of opportunities and helps them find their place in the world.
See with Work and travel USAget valuable experience and earn money - a great plan for the summer!
