WORK and Travel USA | Agency IEC
Work and Travel USA
Any student can spend the whole summer in the USA, working, studying English, and traveling around the country.
What is Work and Travel for?
Feel free to download the Work and Travel brochure.Work 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 break. Participants can work and travel anywhere in the country. Most participants earn enough to cover all the expenses related to the trip and living in the USA, and many students even bring home a few extra thousand dollars!
Work and Travel USA combines hard work with amazing downtime. It’s probably one of the most exciting, affordable, and safe ways to dive into independent travel and discover America for yourself. What’s waiting for you across the ocean? Summer break, your first taste of adult life away from your parents, and the chance to make this summer the best of your life — it’s largely up to you.
You can learn more about Work and Travel with our brochure and other program materials.
How it all began
Work and Travel USA has been around for over 50 years — since 1963 — but for many students it only became available after the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 1994, when we launched Work and Travel USA for post-Soviet countries, everything was truly a first. That summer the first 15 “J-1 participants” set off to discover America for themselves. Today our very first Work and Travel participants, now approaching 50, bring their student children along so they can join our programs. And now, just like 35 years ago, despite many challenges and political tensions, our participants still set off on their own voyages of discovery.
Participant requirements
The program is open to undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students enrolled full-time or part-time at any university or college who are under 28 years old. Basic conversational English is required; standard school-level knowledge is sufficient to qualify for the program. You can assess your English level and get recommendations for improving 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 jobs are typically offered by stores, restaurants, hotels, and amusement parks in small tourist towns across the country. Students can look for jobs on their own (Self-Arranged) or leave it to us (Full Service).
How much do participants earn?
Participants’ pay depends on the state (minimum wage levels vary by state) and on the position. Typically, students earn between $8 and $15 per hour and work 40-60 hours a week. That means most students make at least $2,000 a month, and those who receive tips can earn several times more. Average room and board costs are about $500 a month, so usually a couple of months is enough for students to recoup all the expenses related to arranging the trip.
Program options
The Self Arranged option allows the participant to find an employer on their own — via the internet or through acquaintances, and to choose a city or state in the USA at their own discretion. To participate in this format, an invitation from an American employer (job offer) must be provided no later than three months before departure.
The Work and Travel program includes assistance in preparing the documents for obtaining a visa. If the visa is denied, you will be refunded the full amount paid for participation in the program, except for the initial deposit.
- Online English course lasting up to 6 months
- Online course “Applied Artificial Intelligence”
- Medical insurance for the duration of the Work and Travel program
- Review of your job vacancy for work in the USA
- Orientation materials for the program
- Guide to the USA “Discover America”
- Assistance with document preparation
- Hotline services in the USA
- Registration fee (amount depends on the participant’s city)
- SEVIS fee – $35
- Consular fee – $185
- Airfare
Participants in Work and Travel USA who are unable to pay the full cost of the program can choose the DPP option, which allows them to pay only certain fees during the application process and to cover the bulk of the program cost later in the summer from money earned in the USA.
That is, this option makes it possible to significantly reduce the budget that the participant will need to raise before flying to the USA.
More detailed information — in the materials that can be requested by clicking the button below, or from the IEC representative in your city.
Most prospective participants in Work and Travel are interested in financial matters: how much money will be needed to participate in the program, how quickly the trip expenses can be recouped, and how much can be earned over the summer?
We have prepared a calculator that will answer all questions and enable you to make an informed decision about participating in the program. The calculator provides survey data from participants in previous years and also considers various scenario options.
We would like our participants not only to work and travel with IEC, but also to develop themselves and master the tools of the future today. Therefore we offer all our participants for free:
Online English course, developed specifically for the Work and Travel USA program. The course will help pass an interview with a potential employer and the visa interview, and successfully adapt to an English-speaking environment upon arrival in the USA.
Online course Applied AI + virtual internship
The course focuses on applied tools and practices of artificial intelligence. The package includes a virtual internship at IEC. A participant who completes the training and invites a new student who has paid for the full package (both parts of the Applied AI course + virtual internship) receives a $100 discount off the program fee.
The discount can be increased by $45 for each additional referred attendee. The total discount amount is unlimited. Detailed terms are in the program participation agreement.
Receiving a certificate of completion opens up a whole world of diverse online courses, including free ones, directly from your account.
In this option for participating in the Work and Travel program, the program sponsor — InterExchange — finds work in the USA. Before departure, participants attend an online orientation session.
The Work and Travel program includes assistance with preparing the documents required to obtain a visa. If a visa is denied, you will be refunded the full amount paid for participation in the program, except for the initial deposit.
- Online English course lasting up to 6 months
- Online course “Applied Artificial Intelligence”
- Medical insurance for the duration of the Work and Travel program
- Review of your job vacancy for work in the USA
- Orientation materials for the program
- Guide to the USA “Discover America”
- Assistance with document preparation
- Hotline services in the USA
- Registration fee (amount depends on the participant’s city)
- SEVIS system operation fee – $35
- Consular fee – $185
- Airline tickets
Participants of Work and Travel USA who are unable to pay the full cost of the program can choose the DPP option, which allows them during the application process to pay only certain fees and to pay the majority of the program cost later in the summer from money earned in the USA.
That is, this option makes it possible to significantly reduce the budget that the participant will need to raise before departing for the USA.
More detailed information — in the materials that can be requested by clicking the button below, or from the IEC representative in your city.
Most prospective participants of Work and Travel are interested in financial questions: how much money will be needed to participate in the program, how quickly I will be able to recoup all the expenses for the trip, and how much can be earned over the summer?
We’ve prepared a calculator that will answer all your questions and help you make an informed decision about participating in the program.
The calculator includes survey data from past participants and also considers various scenario options.
We would like our participants not only to work and travel with IEC, but also to develop themselves and master the tools of the future today. Therefore, we offer all our participants free of charge:
An online English course specially developed for the Work and Travel USA program. The course will help participants pass an interview with a potential employer and the visa interview, and successfully adapt to an English-speaking environment upon arrival in the USA.
Online course Applied AI — a course on the currently fashionable topic of artificial intelligence. Any participant who completes the course in full and the final project, and also invites a friend to the course, will receive a $100 discount off the program fee. The discount can be increased by $15 for each new participant you refer who pays for any paid portion of the course. There is no limit to the total discount you can receive.
Receiving a certificate of course completion gives you access to a whole world of diverse online courses, including free ones, directly from your account.
Work & Travel with IEC: 35 years of amazing adventures!
We’ve been arranging work in the USA for over 35 years. We know the program inside and out and have answers to every question you might have. Many of our team have taken part in the program themselves, so they know it 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 learn in detail about safety measures, how to keep your money safe, and other important topics.
Each participant receives a J-1 visa that lets you work legally in the USA, so everything is fully legal. At work, you’ll have the same workplace rules and protections as employees in the USA.
We’ll help you find a good job, prepare you for your embassy interview, give you all the materials you need, and answer your questions after you arrive in the USA when you call the 24/7 hotline.
The price is fixed in dollars when you sign up, so you’ll know exactly how much you need to earn in the USA. No additional deposits are required. You can choose what to pay for and what to handle yourself.
IEC has had offices in 13 countries around the world for many years. Over 110,000 students from those countries have already taken advantage of our guidance and services — and most would gladly do it again.
Take a step toward your dream with the Work and Travel program from IEC!
Join the thousands of students who have already made their own “discovery of America”!
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If you want to be really well prepared for the program, be sure to join our regular Work and Travel USA webinars. We’ll cover all the key questions that determine the success and safety of your trip. To get an invite on Telegram for the next webinar, click the button — we’ll send a reminder one day before the broadcast. Webinars are held in Russian.
We’ll show the best ways to level up your conversational English, plus the services and tools that will help you get there.
Let’s take a close look at all the important factors you should consider when choosing the U.S. state and city where you’ll spend the whole summer.
We’ll cover the best ways to boost your conversational English, plus the services and tools that will help you get there.
We’ll show you all the job openings available to program participants and point out what to look for when choosing your next job.
Let’s take a close look at all the key factors to consider when choosing a U.S. state and city to spend the whole summer in.
We’ll recommend the most interesting and exciting routes for your future trip across the USA and explain how to save money when planning the trip yourself.
What level of English do I need to join the program?
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.
Is it hard to pass the English interview?
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.
How do I pay for the program?
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.
By what date do I need to submit a job offer for a Self-Arranged placement?
Three months before your desired departure date, which is roughly March 1. This timeframe can be extended by agreement with IEC.
How do I look for a second job once I’m already there?
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.
Can I participate in the program with Full Service?
Of course — that option is available, and it’s only about $300 more.
My friend and I are going together — can we work in the same city?
Of course. On the application you’ll just need to provide the first and last name of the person you’re traveling with.
What’s the minimum wage?
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.
When can I fly to the USA?
The earliest possible departure date depends on the participant’s country of residence. See all dates below in the Schedule section.
How do I submit my application documents?
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.
What is the DS-2019 form?
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.
What is a J-1 visa?
This visa lets you work legally in the USA during 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 every resort town you can realistically find student housing for $80–$100 per person per week.
Where should I start looking for housing?
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!
How do I get to my employer?
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).
Where should I keep my money?
Keep them only in your bank account — 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 health insurance provided while I’m working?
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.
How to lead a healthy lifestyle in America?
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.
Your schedule until summer
September – February
Attend an interview with a coordinator
First, you need to attend an interview with a representative of our office. The interview lasts 3–5 minutes. In English. Very simple questions and equally simple answers.
Sign the contract
If your language proficiency meets the requirements of the Work and Travel program, you sign the participation agreement and pay the initial fee. As a rule, at the beginning of the season, i.e. in the autumn, the program is cheaper and becomes somewhat more expensive closer to November–December. Attention! The contract is very long and boring. But you must read it before signing.
Fill out the online application
After signing the contract you need to go to the social network for “J-1 participants”, complete the online application for the chosen program and select a start date for work.
Find a job on your own or with our help
Participants in the Work and Travel SELF ARRANGED option search for jobs in America on their own. After that we need to send the job offer to our partners for verification. After the job offer is confirmed by the program sponsor, the DS-2019 form necessary to obtain a visa is issued. If you choose the FULL SERVICE program option, our American partner selects the job in the USA.
February – May
Attend the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy
After receiving the DS-2019 form, you fill out the visa application, and you are given an interview date — a 2–4 minute conversation with a consular officer who decides whether to issue you a U.S. visa.
Receive the visa and other documents
After receiving the visa IEC provides program participants with health insurance and informational materials.
May – July
Fly to the USA
So, you’ve successfully completed all the steps — which means the prize is yours! You’re heading to America, where you’ll work and travel. You can pack your backpack, read our numerous informational materials, and prepare for departure. You can start working in the States at any time, beginning from the date set for your country.
August – September
Return home!
The duration of the student Work and Travel program varies depending on the participant’s country of residence — these special conditions for students allow them to return from the United States in time and continue their studies in their home country. In addition to summer earnings, you can receive a bonus upon return if you claim a tax refund. And if you plan to participate again, you can use that amount for another trip through the Work and Travel program!
how to enroll in the program
Since 1989 more than 110 000 thousand students have participated in our programs
We ourselves have participated in the Work and Travel program many times and can tell in detail about our personal stories and about the experiences of the thousands of students who have taken part in the program. We will be able to prepare you for your upcoming trip most comprehensively.
We will answer all your questions, help you find travel companions and decide on a program option. We will be by your side at every step of the application process and will do everything to make next summer the best summer of your life!
Requirements for participants, the enrollment period, the price and the terms of the program may depend on the participant’s citizenship and country of study. Up-to-date information on these matters will be provided by the program coordinator during a consultation with the student.
Choose the program option that suits you
Fill out the feedback form below – a coordinator will contact you
Take an interview to assess your English level
Sign the agreement and pay the first installment
Follow your coordinator’s instructions
Got questions?
We’ll be happy to answer them!
Feel free to drop by our office — we’ve taken part in exchange programs ourselves many times, so we can share our personal experiences and impressions and help you choose a program and find temporary summer work in the USA and other countries around the world.
