There’s something thrilling about packing your bags, saying goodbye to your regular life, and heading off to the United States—not just to travel, but to work, earn, and live like a local. The Work and Travel USA program offers students that chance. But not everyone makes the most of it.
You’ve probably heard stories. Some students land in big cities, find great jobs, make friends from around the world, and return home with confidence and cash. Others? They show up unprepared, waste weeks hunting for work, burn through their money, and leave frustrated.
Which one will you be?
This guide gives you the real-world breakdown—what the Work and Travel USA program is, how to apply, what to expect, and how to make it worth your time and energy.
1. What Is the Work and Travel USA Program?
It’s a J-1 visa program run by the U.S. Department of State. Every year, thousands of full-time university students from around the world come to the U.S. to work seasonal or temporary jobs and travel during their school break.
✔️ Work legally in the U.S.
✔️ Travel for up to 30 days after your job ends
✔️ Experience American culture firsthand
✔️ Build work experience and improve your English
🚀 Pro Tip: You can only participate if you’re enrolled full-time in a university or college and returning to school afterward. This is not a gap year or long-term work visa.
2. Who’s Eligible for the Program?
To join the Work and Travel USA program, you must meet a few key requirements:
✔️ Full-time university student
✔️ Aged between 18 and 28 (some countries allow older)
✔️ Have basic English communication skills
✔️ Able to pass a visa interview at the U.S. embassy
✔️ Intend to return to your home country after the program
This isn’t for dropouts, backpackers, or job-hoppers. The U.S. government wants committed students—people with plans, discipline, and a good reason to return home.
3. What Kind of Jobs Can You Get?
Most participants get jobs in hospitality, tourism, or retail. Think of popular vacation spots: beach towns, ski resorts, national parks, or city hotels.
Common Job Types:
✔️ Lifeguard (pools, beaches)
✔️ Waiter/Waitress (restaurants, diners)
✔️ Housekeeping (hotels, lodges)
✔️ Retail Assistant (gift shops, stores)
✔️ Ride Operator or Park Staff (theme parks, fairs)
Leah’s story: She was nervous about working in a fast-paced New York diner but said yes anyway. Three weeks in, she wasn’t just handling orders—she was joking with customers, managing rushes, and learning real-world English every day. The job changed her. She came back home with sharper language skills and real grit.
🚀 Pro Tip: Don’t chase glamour—chase growth and challenge. That’s where the transformation happens.
4. How Do You Apply for the Work and Travel USA Program?
You can’t apply directly on your own. You’ll need a sponsor organization—approved by the U.S. government—to guide you through the process.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Choose a sponsor agency in your country (e.g. CIEE, InterExchange, or local partner agencies)
- Submit your documents (proof of enrollment, passport, photos, English level)
- Select a job (some agencies help with job placement)
- Receive a DS-2019 form (required to apply for a J-1 visa)
- Schedule and attend a U.S. embassy visa interview
- Get your visa approved and prepare for travel
🕒 Timeline: Start at least 4-6 months before your intended departure date. Late applications often lead to fewer job choices.
5. How Much Does It Cost? And What Do You Earn?
Let’s talk money—because it matters.
Typical Program Costs:
✔️ Program fees: $1,200–$2,000
✔️ Visa fee (U.S. embassy): $185
✔️ SEVIS fee: $35
✔️ Flight ticket: $600–$1,200 (round trip)
✔️ Emergency money: At least $800 for first month expenses
Typical Wages:
✔️ $10–$16/hour (plus tips for restaurant jobs)
✔️ Work 30–40 hours/week
✔️ Some employers provide housing or meals
🚀 Pro Tip: Most students break even or save a little. But the real payoff isn’t cash—it’s experience, independence, and language skills.
6. What Should You Pack & Prepare For?
You’re not a tourist. You’re going to live and work. That means packing smart.
Essentials to Bring:
✔️ Comfortable work clothes & shoes
✔️ Copies of important documents (passport, visa, DS-2019)
✔️ Adapter plugs & unlocked phone
✔️ Some U.S. dollars in cash for emergencies
✔️ Travel insurance and emergency contact info
And above all—mental toughness. There will be long shifts. Cultural surprises. Cold weather. But that’s the whole point. You’re building character, not just a resume.
7. What Happens After Work Ends?
Once your job ends, you have up to 30 days to travel inside the U.S. This is your chance to explore. Go beyond your work town. Visit national parks, explore New York City, hike the Rockies, or road trip through California.
Make memories. You earned them.
Final Thoughts: Is the Work and Travel USA Program Worth It?
The Work and Travel USA program isn’t just a visa. It’s a fast-track to growing up, stretching your comfort zone, and learning in the real world.
✔️ You’ll come back more fluent, more independent, and more confident.
✔️ You’ll have work experience in a global environment.
✔️ You’ll build networks that may change your future.
And you’ll have stories that no classroom can give you.