How to get into the Work and Travel USA program?

How to get into the Work and Travel USA program?

How much does participation cost? How is the selection of work and staff done? How is the salary paid? You will find all the answers to these questions in our article, which shares the personal experience of a program participant.Work and Travel USA- this is a great opportunity for students to get acquainted with the culture of the American way of life, improve their English language skills, and make new friends from all over the world.

Duration of stay and program dates

Students from different countries have their own program dates and durations of stay. For example, for residents of Poland, it is 4 months (from May 25 to September 30), for Spaniards - 4.5 months (from May 24 to October 7), and for Belarusians - 2 months (from June 25 to September 1). The program dates for Summer Work and Travel 2023 for all countries can be found on the official website. After completing your work, you have the opportunity to enjoy another month of traveling around the USA.

How to complete the program

There are several ways to participate in the Work and Travel USA program, including participating through intermediaries in your country who act as sponsors. They will help you find a job, find housing, and organize your entire trip. organizing your entire trip. The jobs are usually seasonal and related to the service industry. It is also important to It is also important to learn the rules and laws that govern the employment of program participants in the United States.

Personal experience of a program participant

My acquaintance Maxim shared his experience of participating in the Work and Travel program and his impressions of life and culture in the USA. He heard aboutprogramfrom his older brother before he even enrolled university and decided to try his hand after his freshman year. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 COVID-19 pandemic, he successfully passed the embassy interview and obtained a visa. Maxim noted that traveling to the U.S. was an unforgettable experience for him, despite all the difficulties he faced. encountered.

My new adventure with the Work and Travel program

In 2022, I once again embarked on the Work and Travel program, which turned out to be a true adventure for me. My journey began with a trip to the U.S. Embassy in Armenia to obtain a visa, and then, through a series of challenges, I made my way to the United States.

Application submission and program cost

I applied for the program back in February to make sure I had enough time for all the organizational details. Participation in the Work and Travel program offers two options: full-service, where they find a job for you, and self-arranged, where you find the employer yourself. The first option is more expensive, costing around 200 dollars.

However, the savings in the case of self-arranged service can be justified. In full-service employment, your information is added to a special website where employers can offer you a job. You can also You can also contact employers on the website.

When filling out the application, please indicate your preferred regions for job search. The main requirements for participation are: to be a full-time student and no older than 28 years (for Belarus), as well as to have basic knowledge of English. You will need a passport and a certificate from the university for registration.

The cost of the Work and Travel program increases over time. Applying in February is more expensive than in September. On average, the program costs around $1500, not including airfare and visa expenses.

Work experience and earnings

I have experience working at Cedar Point amusement park in Ohio. My responsibilities included checking guests and assisting them with seat belts on the rides. In 2022, I worked in Rhode Island at the Howard Johnson and Hilton hotels. My main task was at the reception at Howard Johnson, as well as serving guests during breakfast at Hilton.

Salary depends on where you work. In 2022, I was paid every week. The rate of pay also depends on the state and the type of job. The minimum pay per hour varies from state to state, which affects the overall level of earnings.

In 2022

My hourly wage was $15.50, but my work schedule was quite demanding—I worked over 90 hours a week. There was even a week when I had to work more than 100 hours. In the middle of summer, in addition to my two main jobs, the manager from the first hotel offered me help with laundry (for which I was already being paid overtime). It's worth noting that the hourly rate mentioned in the job offer does not include taxes, so the actual amount will be lower. However, most of the taxes can be refunded.

Participation in the program

It has been an amazing experience for me, providing numerous pleasant impressions and allowing me to meet representatives of various cultures. It’s a great opportunity to significantly improve my English and speak at a new level. It’s also a chance to earn good money if I manage my time and finances wisely.

Visiting the USA

I consider myself very lucky, as I have already visited the USA twice and lived there not as a tourist, but as a local resident. This country is different from my native Belarus. The mentality, culture, and language are all different here. Despite the pros and cons, I have come to love the USA in my own way.

Impressions of Americans

I was struck by the politeness and friendliness of Americans: they try not to ruin your mood, even if something is wrong with them. I liked how everyone respects personal space and doesn't invade it, whether in a store, at a bus stop, or in a hotel.

Standard of living

The average American also left me indifferent - they can afford not to worry about having a roof over their heads or access to food. I am in awe of the beauty of nature in the USA, although, unfortunately, I couldn't visit all the places. It is a diverse country with stunning landscapes and many national parks.

The problem with gastronomy

Gastronomy and cuisine in the USA have become significant for me. Of course, there are many diverse national restaurants there, from Japanese to Belarusian. But the standard American cuisine, which everyone has heard of, is found everywhere. It is excessively fatty and sweet, posing a threat to health.

How to get into the "Work and Travel USA" program?

The "Work and Travel" program is designed for students from all over the world who want to legally work in the USA, gain experience living and working in another country, improve their English language skills, and simply have a wealth of new experiences and connections. To participate, you need to submit an application through intermediaries of the organization in your country. After that, you choose a job and the state where you will spend your time. The duration of stay in the USA is determined individually for each country and is set for a period of up to 4.5 months.

The cost of participating in the program

The cost of participation in the Work and Travel program depends on the time of application. On average, it is necessary to pay about 1500 dollars for participation in the program. It is worth remembering that the cost of the program does not include include airfare and obtaining a visa at the U.S. Embassy. Therefore, the budget should be ready for additional expenses.

How does the selection of a job and state happen?

The choice of job and state is made through intermediary sponsoring organizations that provide information about employers in the USA on a special website. During the application process through the sponsors, it is necessary to indicate preferences for state regions. The "Work and Travel" program involves seasonal work in the service sector with established employers.

How is the salary paid?

The salary payment depends on the place of work. As part of the program, employees are provided with a certain rate, which also depends on the type of work and the state. Different states have different minimum hourly rates, so average salaries can also vary. Salary payments are usually made weekly, but there are also monthly payments.

Benefits of the Work and Travel USA program

• Legal work in the USA and communication with local residents
• Gaining life and work experience in another country
• Improving English in a natural environment
• Getting to know people from different parts of the world
• The opportunity to travel and explore the USA after work.

Important points of the Work and Travel USA program

• You must be a full-time student and no older than 28 years old.
• Basic knowledge of the English language
• Payment for participation by transfer to the sponsor's account
• The application for the program must be submitted before the start date of the program.
• The program does not offer jobs outside the USA.

My experience participating in the Work and Travel USA program

I participated in the Work and Travel USA program twice, and I can say that it was truly an unforgettable experience. Through the program, I worked in different jobs across various states, which allowed me to get to know different cultures, improve my English, and broaden my horizons. Despite the various challenges and obstacles, participating in the program turned out to be one of the most important and beneficial experiences of my life.