WORK and Travel USA | Agency IEC

Working in the USA requires at least basic everyday English. Your level should be enough for you to get by in the first few days. A conversational level is fine (about 5–6 on a 10-point scale). You’ll need the language already when looking for job openings in the USA, and you’ll definitely need it while working there.

The first step to join the Work and Travel USA student program is an interview with the program coordinator. You’ll have a simple chat about general topics: where you study, how you spend your free time, and why you want to go to the USA. Nothing complicated.

You’ll need to pay the initial deposit within one week after your interview at IEC. You’ll need to pay the remaining balance of the program fee within one week after your sponsor confirms your employer.

Three months before your desired departure date, which is roughly March 1. This timeframe can be extended by agreement with IEC.

The vast majority of students in this program work in resort towns. The first floors of buildings in those towns are an endless row of shops, restaurants, and hotels. You just walk down the street and keep an eye out. As soon as you see a red Help wanted sign — that’s where you go. In fact, you’ll head there even if there’s no red sign, because in peak season these resort towns turn into nonstop hubs for serving tourists.

Of course — that option is available, and it’s only about $300 more.

Of course. On the application you’ll just need to provide the first and last name of the person you’re traveling with.

The minimum wage in the U.S. is $7.25 per hour. Upon arrival in the U.S., we recommend you have at least $1,000, plus enough funds to cover travel to your job and your initial housing expenses.

The earliest possible departure date depends on the participant’s country of residence. See all dates below in the Schedule section.

To apply for the program, just call us or fill out the form at the bottom of the page. After that, the program coordinator will walk you through every step of the enrollment process and schedule an interview to assess your English level.

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 the DS-2019.

This visa lets you work legally in the USA during summer break.

One main thing to keep in mind: the farther you are from the center, the cheaper it gets. In almost every resort town you can realistically find student housing for $80–$100 per person per week.

Most employers in the US offer housing for an extra fee. Usually, details about your accommodation are included in your job offer.

A job offer labeled ‘help with housing’ means the employer doesn’t provide housing but is willing to help you look for it. You’ll need to contact the employer to find out what options they can suggest. Typically they’ll give you contact info for landlords who rent to students. After that, you’ll need to use your communication skills and arrange the place on your own.

A job offer labeled ‘housing provided’ means the employer offers accommodation for the duration of your work. Housing costs may be deducted from your paycheck. Employers who’ve been hosting international students for a while usually do this — they’ll rent a house or apartment for the 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 by 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. Websites like craigslist.org or social media groups, including Facebook, can help you find a suitable place. Just remember to check reviews and don’t accept rentals with ghosts — they rarely pay utilities!

Self-Arranged. Almost all program participants arrive at JFK Airport in New York. After passport control, you’ll collect your luggage and proceed to the immigration 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 created in the electronic I-94, available at www.cbp.gov/i94.

You can get from the airport to the city by bus — it costs about $16; buses go to New York’s Port Authority bus terminal — or by subway — $3. (From the airport to the Howard Beach subway station take the JFK AirTrain — $8.50; the subway line you need is the A train (blue circle).) A taxi to downtown Manhattan will cost roughly $75–$80.

If you arrive in the evening, you can stay overnight in one of the hostels (dorms), then head to the bus station or train station. It’s best to plan your travel around the U.S. in advance using the major carriers’ websites: Greyhound (buses) and Amtrak (trains).

Keep them only in your bank account — nowhere else! If you keep them at home, you could fall victim to thieves.

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.

You won’t have to pay huge sums for medical care in the USA — you’ll get reliable health insurance. We hope you’ll be in great health and won’t need it, but just in case: the total coverage is $150,000.

Work more, drink less soda (that’s what Americans call sweet carbonated drinks like Coca-Cola and Pepsi), bike to and from work, don’t overindulge in free food, and don’t be too lazy to cook proper meals at home sometimes.