WORK and Travel USA
WORK and Travel USA
Any student can spend an entire summer in the USA, working, learning English, and traveling across America!
What is Work and Travel for?
Download the Work and Travel brochureWork and Travel is a program that allows tens of thousands of students from around the world to spend 3 to 5 months in the United States during their summer break every year. Participants are allowed to work and travel across the country. The money earned is usually enough to cover all the expenses related to the trip and living in the U.S., and many students even return home with a few thousand dollars in savings!
Work and Travel USA combines hard work with incredible leisure. It’s probably one of the most exciting, affordable, and safe ways to dive into the world of independent travel and experience your personal discovery of America. What awaits you across the ocean? A summer vacation where you’ll get your first taste of an independent, grown-up life away from your parents, with much of the experience depending on you. Will this summer be the best one of your life? That’s up to you!
Learn more about Work and Travel through our program materials: Download the Work and Travel brochure.
How It All Began
Work and Travel USA has been around for over 50 years, since 1963, but it became accessible to Russian students only after the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 1994, when we introduced the Work and Travel USA program in Russia, everything was truly a first. That summer, the first 15 participants set off to discover their own America. Today, some of those early participants, now approaching 50 years old, are bringing their college-age children to us so they can take part in the program themselves. And now, just as 25 years ago, despite sanctions and ignoring political tensions, our participants embark on their own Columbus-like voyages.
Who Can Participate
The program is open to undergraduate, master’s, and postgraduate students from full-time and part-time programs at Russian universities and colleges, aged 28 or younger. Basic conversational English is required—standard school-level preparation is usually sufficient to qualify for the program. You can assess your English proficiency and receive recommendations for improvement during a consultation with a program coordinator.
Where and What Jobs Are Available?
W&T USA participants work alongside their American peers in positions that do not require special training. These roles are typically offered by stores, restaurants, hotels, and amusement parks in small tourist towns across the country. Students can either find a job on their own or entrust this task to us.
How Much Can You Earn?
Program Options
With this option, you can independently find an employer (through acquaintances or online) and travel to any destination of your choice. To participate in this Work and Travel program option, you need to provide a job offer from an American employer three months before departure.
The services included in the Work and Travel program cover assistance with preparing documents for a visa application. If your visa is denied, you will be refunded all the money paid toward the program cost, except for $335.
- Online English course lasting up to 6 months
- Medical insurance for the duration of the Work and Travel program
- Verification of your job vacancy in the USA
- Orientation materials for the program
- USA Travel Guide: Discover America
- Assistance with document preparation
- 24/7 support hotline in the USA
- Registration fee (starting from 8,000 RUB)
- SEVIS system fee – $35
- Consular fee – $185
- Airfare
Participants of Work and Travel USA who wish to take out a loan to cover program costs can choose the most suitable option from our partner offers.
IEC and our tax refund partner, RT Tax, offer a guaranteed loan for program payment. Any Work and Travel participant who has paid the $335 initial deposit can apply for a guaranteed loan.
After completing the application forms with one of your parents, you can receive up to $1,700 in your specified account within 10 days. Currently, this option is on hold, but you can join the waitlist to secure a loan if additional spots become available. For more details, contact your IEC representative
Many prospective Work and Travel participants have financial questions:
- How much money will I need to join the program?
- How quickly can I recover my travel expenses?
- How much can I earn over the summer?
We’ve created a calculator to answer these questions and help you make an informed decision about joining the program. The calculator includes data from previous participants’ surveys and explores various scenarios.
Work and Travel AI – only $1,629! Don’t miss out—apply by December 22!*
In this Work and Travel program option, both your job placement in the USA and accommodation are arranged by the program sponsor, InterExchange. Spots for this option are limited, so it’s important to apply as early as possible. Plus, if you refer friends to sign up, you’ll receive an additional $50 discount for each friend.
*The price includes a $50 discount off the base program cost of $1,679 for participants who complete the AI course. Discounts can increase by $15 for each new listener you refer, who pays for any part of the course. There is no limit to the possible discount amount.
We want our participants not only to work and travel with IEC but also to grow and master tools for the future. That’s why we offer all our participants free access to:
- An online English course designed specifically for the Work and Travel USA program. This course will help you successfully pass interviews with potential employers and the visa process, as well as adapt to an English-speaking environment upon arrival in the USA.
- Applied AI, a course on the trending topic of artificial intelligence. Participants who complete the course and the final project will receive a $50 discount on the program fee. A course completion certificate grants access to a variety of online courses, including free ones, directly from your account.
- Online English course (up to 6 months)
- Applied AI online course
- Health insurance for the Work and Travel program duration
- Job placement services in the USA
- Orientation materials
- U.S. travel guide Discover America
- Assistance with document preparation
- U.S. hotline support services
- Registration fee (starting from 8,000 RUB)
- SEVIS system fee – $35
- Consular fee – $185
- Airfare
Participants of Work and Travel USA who wish to take out a loan to cover program costs can choose the most suitable option from our partner offers.
IEC and our tax refund partner, RT Tax, offer a guaranteed loan for program payment. Any Work and Travel participant who has paid the $335 initial deposit can apply for a guaranteed loan.
After completing the application forms with one of your parents, you can receive up to $1,700 in your specified account within 10 days. Currently, this option is on hold, but you can join the waitlist to secure a loan if additional spots become available. For more details, contact your IEC representative
Many prospective Work and Travel participants have financial questions:
- How much money will I need to join the program?
- How quickly can I recover my travel expenses?
- How much can I earn over the summer?
We’ve created a calculator to answer these questions and help you make an informed decision about joining the program. The calculator includes data from previous participants’ surveys and explores various scenarios.
Work & Travel with IEC: 30 Years of Incredible Adventures!
With 35 years of experience in providing job opportunities in the USA, we know everything (and even a bit more) about the program. We can answer absolutely any question. Our team includes staff who participated in the program themselves and have gained a deep understanding of it from the inside.
You’ll receive health insurance with coverage of $100,000 and 24/7 support through a hotline. Don’t forget to attend pre-departure sessions where you’ll learn about safety measures, money management tips, and other essential information.
Each program participant is issued a J-1 visa, which allows legal work for four months. From a legal perspective, everything is completely legitimate. On the job, you’ll be subject to the same rules as any U.S. citizen.
Take the First Step Toward Your Dream with IEC’s Work and Travel Program!
Join thousands of students who have already had their own “American discovery”! Uma2Rman recommends…
If you want to be truly well-prepared for the program, don’t miss our regular webinars on Work and Travel USA. We’ll cover all the key topics to ensure the success and safety of your journey. Click the button below to join our Telegram channel, and we’ll send you a webinar invitation one day before it starts.
We’ll share the best ways to boost your conversational English skills, as well as recommend tools and resources that will help you along the way.
We’ll discuss all the important factors you should consider when selecting a state and city in the USA where you’ll spend your summer.
We’ll go over standard questions asked by consuls, common mistakes made by students, and tips on effectively preparing for your interview.
Discover the variety of job options available to program participants and learn what to focus on when selecting your future position.
We’ll explore different options for summer housing and discuss potential pitfalls faced by participants looking for accommodations on their own.
Get recommendations for the most exciting and fun travel routes in America, along with tips on how to save money when planning your trip independently.
Trip Reviews
What level of English is required to join the program?
To work in the U.S., you need at least a basic conversational level of English. Your knowledge should be enough to get by during your first days. A conversational level (about 5–6 out of 10) is sufficient. You’ll need English skills when searching for a job in the U.S. and certainly while working there.
Is it hard to pass the English interview?
The first step to joining the Work and Travel USA program is an interview at our center. We understand your nerves, so we’ll do our best to create a relaxed atmosphere. It’s just a simple conversation on general topics like where you study, how you spend your free time, and why you want to visit the U.S. Nothing complicated.
How do I pay for the program?
Within a week after the interview at IEC, you’ll need to pay an initial fee of $300 + $35 (SEVIS fee). The second part of the program cost is due within a week after your sponsor confirms your job offer, usually between February and April.
When do I need to provide my job offer?
According to the participation agreement, it must be submitted three months before your intended travel date, around March 1.
How can I find a second job in the U.S.?
Most students work in resort towns, where the first floors of buildings are filled with stores, restaurants, and hotels. Simply walk along the streets and look for “Help Wanted” signs. Even if you don’t see one, it’s worth asking—resort towns become busy tourist hubs in the season.
Can I join the program with a provided job offer?
Yes, this option is available and costs only about $300 more when choosing the Plus or Full Service packages.
Can my friend and I work in the same city?
Of course! Just mention your friend’s name in the application form.
What’s the minimum wage?
The U.S. minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. Participants are advised to bring at least $1,000 upon arrival to cover travel and initial living expenses.
How do I submit documents to participate?
Simply call us or fill out the form on our website. A program coordinator will explain the steps and schedule an interview to assess your English level.
What is the DS-2019 form?
It’s a critical document that allows you to apply for a J-1 visa. While it’s just a simple A4 form, only a limited number of authorized program sponsors can issue it.
What is a J-1 visa?
This visa allows you to legally work in the U.S. during your summer break.
What kind of passport do I need?
Participants must have a valid international passport by February 1 of the program year. It should remain valid until at least October 15 of that year. Note: regular (non-biometric) passports are accepted by the U.S. Embassy.
Is housing expensive?
The further from the city center, the cheaper. In resort towns, student housing costs around $60–90 per person per week. You’d pay about the same sharing a small apartment on the outskirts of Moscow with a friend.
How do I start searching for housing?
Begin by asking around. If you can’t find anything immediately, check into a budget motel for the first week—it’s cheaper this way. It’s even better if you’re with a friend. The next day, look for “For Rent” signs or visit real estate agencies. However, these tend to be expensive, so it’s better to share housing with other students and pay weekly.
How do I get to my employer?
Most participants arrive at JFK Airport in New York. After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, you can take a bus to the Port Authority Bus Terminal ($16) or the subway ($3). The AirTrain to the Howard Beach JFK station costs $5, and from there, take the blue-line A train. A taxi ride costs around $48. Plan your travel using websites like www.greyhound.com or www.amtrak.com.
Where should I keep my money?
Only in your bank account! Keeping cash at home can make you a target for theft.
How can I stay connected?
Order a U.S. SIM card while still in Russia. Most places also offer free Wi-Fi.
Is medical insurance provided during the program?
Yes, students are covered by medical insurance with a $100,000 limit, ensuring they won’t face high medical bills.
How can participants stay healthy in the U.S.?
Work hard, avoid sugary drinks, bike to work, and occasionally cook balanced meals at home.
How can my child call home?
IP calling cards available in each state offer 100–200 minutes of talk time with Moscow for $5.
Should participants carry a mobile phone?
A mobile number is handy for job and housing searches. IEC offers U.S. SIM cards for $15.
Your Schedule Until October 2025
September 2024 – February 2025
Sign the Agreement
Choose your program type—SELF-ARRANGED or FULL-SERVICE—review the agreement thoroughly, sign it directly on the website, and receive a copy signed by IEC in your email. Within 5 calendar days of signing, you must make the first payment via pay.iec.ru and send proof of payment along with the signed agreement to agreements@iec.ru. Include the name of your city in English in the subject line.
Note: If you miss these deadlines, the online agreement will become invalid, even if payment has been made. You will need to sign a standard agreement, without discounts, directly with an IEC representative in your city.
Keep in mind that at the start of the season (fall), program fees are typically lower and tend to increase closer to November–December. The agreement is lengthy and a crucial legal document that governs our relationship, so make sure to review it thoroughly, preferably in advance.
Attend an Interview
Within a week of signing the agreement, an IEC representative in your city will contact you to schedule an interview. Don’t worry—it’s nothing to stress about. The interview can be done any day, and its length and content depend on the program you selected. It usually lasts about 5 minutes and covers basic topics like your studies and interests.
Complete the Online Application and Select Your Departure Date
After signing the agreement, log in to the social network for J-1 participants, complete the online application for your chosen program, and select your preferred departure date.
Find a Job on Your Own or with Our Help
Participants in the SELF-ARRANGED Work and Travel option are responsible for finding their own jobs in the U.S. Once you’ve secured a job offer, you’ll need to send it to us for verification by our partners. After the sponsor confirms your job offer, the DS-2019 form necessary for obtaining a visa will be issued. If you choose other program options, we or our American partners will help you find a job in the U.S.
February – May 2025
Attend Your Embassy Interview
Participants in the FULL-SERVICE Work and Travel program start receiving job offers. The first visa interviews at the U.S. Embassy are scheduled during this period.
Obtain Your Visa and Other Documents
Once you receive your visa, IEC will provide you with health insurance and informational materials.
May – July 2025
Fly to the USA
Congratulations on completing all the steps—your reward awaits! You’ll fly to the U.S. to begin working and traveling according to your chosen program. You can start working in the U.S. any time between May and July.
August – October 2025
Return Home
The Work and Travel program lasts between 2.5 to 5 months, allowing students to return to Russia on time to resume their studies. In addition to your summer earnings, you can also claim a tax refund upon your return. If you plan to participate again, you can use this refund to fund your next Work and Travel trip!
How to Join the Program
Since 1989, over 110,000 students have participated in our programs.
We’ve been through the Work and Travel program ourselves, so we can share personal stories and the experiences of thousands of students who have taken part. We’re here to fully prepare you for your upcoming trip.
We’ll answer all your questions, help you find travel companions, and guide you in choosing the program that’s right for you.
If you live in one of the cities or regions listed [here], you qualify for a special offer. You can apply to any of our programs remotely—online, without visiting an office. This is a reliable and highly convenient option that could save you $250–300.
Choose your program option and carefully review the agreement—Self-Arranged or Full-Service.
Confirm your agreement to the terms by checking the appropriate box.
Any other questions?
We will be happy to answer them!
Sign up for an online consultation, we have participated in exchange programs more than once, we will tell you about our personal experiences and impressions and help you choose a program and find temporary work for the summer in America and other countries of the world.
