Work and Travel USA (not a duplicate) - IEC
Work and Travel USA
Any student can spend the entire summer in the USA, working, studying English, and traveling around the country.
What’s Work and Travel for?
Download the Work and Travel brochureWork and Travel is a program that lets hundreds of thousands of students from around the world spend 3 to 5 months in the USA during their summer vacation. Participants can work and travel across the country. Most participants earn enough to cover all their expenses related to the trip and living in the USA. And many students return home with several thousand dollars!
Work and Travel USA blends hard work with unforgettable downtime. It’s probably one of the most exciting, affordable, and safe ways to dive into independent travel and discover America. What’s waiting for you in the US? Summer vacation — you’ll get your first real taste of adult life away from your parents, and in many ways it’s up to you whether this summer becomes the best of your life.
You can learn more about Work and Travel with our brochure and other program materials.
How it all started
Work and Travel USA has been around for more than 50 years, since 1963, but for many students it only became available after the Soviet Union collapsed. In 1994, when we launched Work and Travel USA for post-Soviet countries, everything really was for the first time. That summer the first 15 J-1 participants set off to discover America. Today, the very first people who took part in our Work and Travel program — now approaching their 50s — bring their college-age children with them so they can join our programs. And now, just like 35 years ago, despite many challenges and political tensions, our participants set off on their own voyages of discovery.
Participant requirements
Undergraduate, master’s and PhD students enrolled full-time or part-time at any university or college who are under 28 years old can take part in the program. Basic conversational English is required — standard school‑level English is enough to apply. You can check your English level and get recommendations on how to improve it during a consultation with the program coordinator.
Where do they work and in what roles?
W&T USA participants work alongside American students in positions that don’t require special training. These positions are typically offered by shops, restaurants, hotels, and amusement parks in small tourist towns across the country. Students can find work on their own or leave it to us.
How much do participants earn?
Participants’ pay depends on the state (minimum wages vary by state) and the job. Typically, students earn between $8 and $12 an hour and work 40–60 hours a week. That means most students make at least $2,000 a month, and those who earn tips can make significantly more. At the same time, average room and board costs are about $500 a month, so usually students only need a couple of months to recoup all expenses related to arranging the trip.
Program options
The Self-Arranged option lets you find an employer on your own, online or through friends, and choose any city or state in the USA. To take part in this format, you must provide an invitation from a U.S. employer (job offer) no later than three months before departure.
You’ll get help preparing your visa application documents as part of the Work and Travel program. If your visa application is denied, you’ll be refunded the full amount paid for the program, minus the registration fee.
- Online English course lasting up to 6 months
- Online course “Applied Artificial Intelligence”
- Health insurance for the duration of the Work and Travel program
- Verification of your US job listing
- Program orientation materials
- Guide to the USA “Discover America”
- Help with paperwork
- 24/7 hotline in the USA
- Registration fee (amount depends on participant’s city)
- SEVIS fee – $35
- Visa application fee – $185
- Flights
Participants in Work and Travel USA who can’t pay the full program fee can choose the DPP option, which lets them pay only some fees during enrollment and cover most of the program cost later, during the summer, from money they earn in the USA.
This option lets you significantly reduce the budget you’ll need to save before flying to the USA.
For more details, request the materials by clicking the button below, or contact an IEC representative in your city.
Most future Work and Travel participants want to know about money: how much you’ll need to join the program, how quickly you’ll be able to recoup your travel costs, and how much you can earn over the summer?
We’ve put together a calculator that answers all your questions and helps you make an informed decision about joining the program. The calculator uses survey data from past participants and walks you through different possible scenarios.
We want you not only to work and travel with IEC, but also to grow and start mastering the tools of the future today. That’s why you’ll get the following for free:
An online English course designed specifically for the Work and Travel USA program. The course will help you pass interviews with potential employers and your visa interview, and adapt successfully to an English-speaking environment when you arrive in the USA.
Applied AI is an online course about the trending field of artificial intelligence. If you complete the course and submit the final project, you’ll receive a $50 discount on the program fee. You can increase that discount by $15 for each new learner you refer who pays for any paid part of the course. There’s no limit to how large your total discount can be.
When you earn a certificate of completion, you’ll get access to a whole range of online courses, including free ones, right from your account.
With this Work and Travel option, the program sponsor, InterExchange, finds a job for you in the USA. Before you leave, you’ll take an online orientation session.
The Work and Travel program includes help with visa paperwork. If your visa is denied, you’ll be refunded the full amount you paid to participate in the program, minus the registration fee.
- Online English course for up to 6 months
- Online course “Applied Artificial Intelligence”
- Health insurance for the Work and Travel program
- Review of your U.S. job listing
- Program orientation materials
- U.S. guide “Discover America”
- Help with paperwork
- 24/7 hotline in the U.S.
- Registration fee (amount depends on participant’s city)
- SEVIS fee – $35
- Visa application fee – $185
- Flights
Participants in Work and Travel USA who can’t pay the full program fee can choose the DPP option, which lets them pay only some fees during the application process and cover the bulk of the program fee later in the summer with money they earn in the USA.
So this option lets you significantly reduce the budget you’ll need to save before flying to the USA.
For more details, see the materials you can request by clicking the button below, or ask your IEC representative in your city.
Most future Work and Travel participants have financial questions: how much money do you need to take part in the program, how quickly can you recoup your trip expenses, and how much can you earn over the summer?
We’ve created a calculator that answers all your questions and helps you make an informed decision about joining the program. The calculator includes survey data from past participants and looks at a range of possible scenarios.
We’d like our participants not only to work and travel with IEC, but also to grow and master the tools of the future today. That’s why we offer all our participants free of charge:
An online English course designed specifically for the Work and Travel USA program. The course will help you pass interviews with potential employers and your visa interview, and successfully adapt to an English-speaking environment after arriving in the USA.
Applied AI is an online course on the hot topic of artificial intelligence. Every participant who completes the course and finishes the final project will receive a $50 discount on the program fee. The discount increases by $15 for each new participant you refer who pays for any paid part of the course. There’s no limit to how much discount you can earn.
Getting a certificate of completion gives you access to a whole world of online courses, including free ones, directly from your account.
Work and Travel with IEC: 35 years of amazing adventures!
We’ve been placing participants in jobs in the USA for over 35 years. We know the program inside and out and have answers to every question you might have. Our staff have been through the program themselves, so they’ve seen how it works from the inside.
You’ll get health insurance with up to $100,000 in coverage and 24/7 hotline support. In the pre-departure orientation materials, you’ll get detailed guidance on safety measures, how to keep your money secure, and other important topics.
Every program participant receives a J-1 visa, which authorizes you to work legally in the U.S. You’ll have the same workplace rules and protections as U.S. employees.
We’ll help you get a good job, prepare you for your embassy interview, give you all the materials you need, and answer any questions after you arrive in the USA when you call the 24/7 hotline.
The price is fixed in dollars at the time of registration, so you’ll know exactly how much you’ll need to earn in the USA. No additional deposits are required. You can choose what to pay for and what to arrange yourself.
IEC offices have been operating in 13 countries for many years. Over 100,000 students from those countries have used our guidance and services, and most would do it again.
Take a step toward your dream with IEC’s Work and Travel program!
Join the thousands of students who’ve already “discovered America”!
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If you want to be truly well prepared for the program, don’t miss our regular Work and Travel USA webinars. We’ll go over all the key topics that affect the success and safety of your trip. To get a Telegram invite for the next webinar, click the button — we’ll notify you about the livestream one day before it starts. Webinars are held in Russian.
We’ll show you the best ways to boost your conversational English, plus the services and tools that will help you get there.
Let’s take a close look at all the key factors to consider when choosing the U.S. state and city where you’ll spend the whole summer.
We’ll share the best ways to level up your conversational English, plus the services and tools that will help you do it.
We’ll introduce you to all the job openings available to program participants and explain what to look for when choosing your future job.
Let’s take a close look at every important factor you should consider when choosing a U.S. state and city where you’ll spend the whole summer.
We’ll recommend the most interesting and exciting routes for your upcoming trip across America and share tips on how to save money when planning it yourself.
According to Elizabeth Rood, the acting U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Moscow, Russian citizens may contact
What level of English do I need to join the program?
Working in the USA requires at least a basic, everyday level of English. Your skills should be enough so you won’t be totally lost during the first few days. A conversational level is usually sufficient (about 5–6 out of 10). You’ll need English already when searching for job openings in the USA, and you’ll definitely need it while working there.
Is it hard to pass the English-language interview?
The first step to joining the student Work and Travel USA program is an interview with the program coordinator. You’ll have a short, friendly chat about general topics: where you study, how you spend your free time, and why you want to go to the USA. It’s nothing to worry about.
How do I pay for the program?
You’ll pay the initial deposit within one week after your interview at IEC. The remaining program fee must be paid within one week after your employer is confirmed by the sponsor.
By what date do I need to provide the job offer for Self-Arranged placements?
About 3 months before your desired travel date, roughly March 1. This deadline can be extended by agreement with IEC.
How can I find a second job once I’m there?
The vast majority of students in this program work in resort towns. The ground floors of buildings there are a nonstop parade of shops, restaurants, and hotels. All you need to do is walk down the street and keep your eyes open — the moment you see a red ‘Help Wanted’ sign, that’s where you go. In fact, head there even if there’s no red sign, because during the busy season these resort towns turn into nonstop hubs for serving tourists.
Can I join the Full Service program?
Of course — that option is available, and it’s only about $300 more expensive.
My friend and I are going together. Can we work in the same city?
Of course. On the application form you’ll just need to enter the first and last name of the person you’re traveling with.
What’s the minimum salary?
The minimum wage in the USA is $7.25 per hour. When you arrive in the USA, we recommend you have at least $1,000, plus enough money to cover travel to your job and initial housing expenses.
When can I fly to the USA?
The earliest possible departure date depends on the participant’s country of residence.
How do I apply?
To enroll in the program, just give us a call or fill out the form at the bottom of the page. After that, our program coordinator will walk you through every step of the enrollment process and schedule your English assessment interview.
What is form DS-2019?
The DS-2019 form is issued electronically, but it’s a crucial document you’ll need to apply for a J-1 visa. Only a very small number of organizations — program sponsors — can issue a DS-2019.
What is a J-1 visa?
This visa lets you legally work in the USA during your summer break.
Is it expensive to rent an apartment?
One main thing to keep in mind: the farther you are from the center, the cheaper it gets. In almost all resort towns you can realistically find student housing for $80-$100 per person per week.
Where should I start looking for housing?
Most employers in the USA offer housing for an extra fee. Usually the details about your accommodation will be listed in your job offer.
A job offer marked “help with housing” means the employer doesn’t provide housing but is willing to help you find it. You’ll need to contact the employer to see what options they can suggest. Often they share contacts for landlords who rent to students. After that, it’s up to you to use your people skills and finalize the arrangement yourself.
A job offer marked “housing provided” means the employer offers accommodation for the duration of your work. Housing costs may be deducted from your pay. Employers who regularly host international students usually do this: they rent a house or apartment for students, and students pay weekly rent. Be prepared that you’ll most likely have to share a room with other students. It’s a great chance to make new friends and practice your diplomacy while sharing one bathroom between three!
However, if your employer doesn’t provide housing or you decide to find it yourself, there are plenty of resources. Sites like craigslist.org and social media groups, including Facebook, can help you find suitable housing. The main thing is — check reviews and don’t agree to housing with ghosts; they rarely pay utilities!
How do I get to my employer?
On your own. Almost all program participants arrive at JFK Airport in New York. After clearing immigration, you’ll collect your luggage and proceed to the customs area. An immigration officer will stamp your passport with your entry date, visa type and authorized length of stay. A corresponding record will also be made in the electronic I-94 form, available at www.cbp.gov/i94. You can get into the city by bus — it costs about $16 and goes to New York’s Port Authority bus terminal — or by subway — $3 (from the airport to Howard Beach station take the JFK AirTrain — $8.50; the connecting subway is the A train, the blue-circle line). A taxi to central Manhattan will cost about $75–$80. If you arrive in the evening, you can stay overnight in one of the hostels (dorms) and then head to the bus or train station. It’s best to plan your travel around the U.S. in advance using major carriers’ websites: Greyhound (buses) and Amtrak (trains).
Where should I keep my money?
Keep them only in your bank account and nowhere else! If you keep them at home, you could fall victim to thieves.
How to stay in touch?
The easiest way is to use messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Skype. They let you make free calls as long as you have an internet connection.
Is medical insurance provided while you’re working?
You won’t have to pay huge sums for medical care in the USA, because you’ll be covered by insurance. We hope everyone’s health will be great and you won’t need it, but just in case, the total coverage is $150,000.
How to live a healthy lifestyle in the USA?
Work a lot, drink less soda (what Americans call sweet carbonated drinks like Coca-Cola and Pepsi), bike to and from work, don’t rely too much on free food, and don’t be too lazy to cook real meals at home sometimes.
Your schedule until summer
September – February
Have an interview with a coordinator
First, you’ll have a short interview with a representative of our office. The interview lasts 3–5 minutes, in English. The questions are very simple — and so are the answers.
Sign the participation agreement
If your language skills meet the Work and Travel program requirements, you’ll sign the participation agreement and pay the initial fee. As a rule, at the start of the season (in the fall) the program is cheaper and gets a bit more expensive closer to November–December. Attention! The agreement is long and boring, but you must read it before signing.
Fill out the online application
After signing the agreement, go to the social network for J-1 participants, fill out the online application for your chosen program, and pick a start date for work.
Find a job on your own or with our help
Participants in the Work and Travel SELF ARRANGED option look for jobs in the U.S. on their own. After that, we send the job offer to our partners for review. Once the job offer is confirmed by the program sponsor, the DS-2019 form required for the visa is issued. With the FULL SERVICE option, our U.S. partner finds a job for you.
February – May
Attend your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy
After you receive your DS-2019, you’ll fill out the visa application and be assigned an interview date — a 2–4 minute conversation with a consular officer who decides whether to issue your U.S. visa.
Get your visa and other documents
After you receive your visa, you’ll get health insurance and program materials from IEC.
May – July
Fly to the USA
So, you’ve completed every step — the prize is yours! You’re heading to the U.S., where you’ll work and travel. Go ahead and pack your bags, read our many informational materials, and get ready to go. You can start working in the States at any time, starting from the date set for your country.
August – September
Return home!
The duration of the Work and Travel student program varies depending on the participant’s country of residence — these special conditions for students let you return from the U.S. in time to continue your studies back home. Besides summer earnings, you can claim a tax refund when you return. And if you’re planning to take part again, you can use that money toward another Work and Travel trip!
How do I apply for a program?
Since 1989, over 110,000 students have joined our programs.
We’ve taken part in the Work and Travel program more than once ourselves, so we can share detailed personal stories and the experience of thousands of students who’ve taken part. We’ll prepare you as fully as possible for your upcoming trip.
We’ll answer all your questions, help you find travel buddies, and guide you in choosing the right program. We’ll be by your side through every step of the application process and do everything to make next summer the best of your life!
Participant requirements, application period, program fee, and terms may depend on a participant’s citizenship and the country of study. The program coordinator will provide up-to-date information on these matters during a consultation with the student.
Pick the program that’s right for you
Fill out the feedback form below — a coordinator will get in touch with you.
Complete an interview to check your English level
Sign the agreement and pay the first installment
Follow your coordinator’s instructions
Any other questions?
We will be happy to answer them!
Come to our office, we have participated in exchange programs ourselves more than once, we will tell you about our personal experience and impressions and help you choose a program and find temporary work for the summer in America and other countries of the world.
