Work and Travel USA | IEC
Work and Travel USA
Any student can spend the whole summer in the USA, working, improving their English, and traveling around the country.
What’s Work and Travel for?
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 across the country. Most participants earn enough to cover all the trip and living expenses in the US, and many even bring home an extra few thousand dollars!
Work and Travel USA is a mix of hard work and 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 awaits you across the ocean? Time off, your first taste of adult life away from your parents, and in many ways it’s up to you whether this becomes the best summer of your life.
Check out our brochure and other program materials to learn more about Work and Travel.
How it all started
Work and Travel USA has been around for over 50 years — since 1963 — but it only became accessible to many students after the Soviet Union collapsed. In 1994, when we opened the Work and Travel USA program to post-Soviet countries, everything really was for the first time. That summer the first 15 J-1 participants set off to discover their America. Today those first Work and Travel participants, now nearing 50, bring their student children to us so they can take part in our programs. And now, just like 35 years ago, despite many challenges and political cool-downs, our participants are setting off on their own voyages of discovery.
Participant requirements
Full-time and part-time students — including master’s students — from any university or college who are up to 28 years old can take part in the program. You’ll need basic conversational English; standard school‑level knowledge is usually enough to qualify. You can check your English level and get personalized recommendations for improvement during a consultation with the program coordinator.
Where and in what roles do they work?
W&T USA participants work alongside American students in positions that don’t require special training. These jobs typically come from shops, restaurants, hotels, and amusement parks in small tourist towns across the country. You can find work on your own (Self-Arranged) or let us handle it (Full Service).
How much do they earn?
Participants’ wages depend on the state (minimum wage varies by state) and the position. Generally, participants earn between $8 and $15 per hour and work 40–60 hours a week. That means most participants make at least $2,000 a month, and those who earn tips can make several times more. Average housing and food expenses are about $500 a month, so usually a couple of months is enough for participants to cover all the costs of organizing 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 unforgettable adventures!
We’ve been arranging work placements in the USA for over 35 years. We know the program inside and out, and we’ve got answers to every question you might have. Many of our team have taken part in the program themselves, so they’ve seen it from the inside.
You’ll get health insurance with up to $100,000 in coverage and 24/7 hotline support. From the pre-departure orientation materials, you’ll learn in detail about safety measures, rules for keeping your money safe, and other important things.
You’ll get 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 US employees.
We’ll help you find a great job, prepare for your embassy interview, give you all the materials you need, and answer any questions after you arrive in the USA via our 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. We don’t charge any additional deposits. You can choose what to pay for and what to handle on your own.
IEC’s offices have been operating for many years in 13 countries worldwide. Over 110,000 students from those countries have already used IEC’s advice and services, and most would 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”!
Uma2rman recommends…
If you want to be really well prepared for the program, be sure to join our regular Work and Travel USA webinars. We’ll go over all the key topics that affect the success and safety of your trip. To get an invitation on Telegram for the next webinar, click the button — we’ll remind you one day before the broadcast. Webinars are held in Russian.
We’ll share the best ways to boost your conversational English, plus the services and tools that’ll really help you do it.
Let’s take a close look at all the key factors you need to consider when choosing the state and city in the USA where you’ll spend the whole summer.
We’ll share the best ways to level up your conversational English, plus services and tools that’ll help you do it.
We’ll walk you through all the job openings available to program participants and show you what to watch for when choosing your next job.
Let’s take a close look at all the key factors you should consider when choosing the state and city in the USA where you’ll spend the entire summer.
We’ll recommend the most interesting and exciting routes for your upcoming trip across the USA and share tips on how to save money when you plan it yourself.
Trip reviews
What level of English is required to join the program?
Working in the USA requires at least a basic, everyday level of English. Your skills should be enough so you won’t be overwhelmed in the first few days. Conversational English is usually enough (around 5–6 out of 10). You’ll need English already when searching for job openings in the USA, and you’ll definitely need it while working there.
Is it hard to pass the English proficiency interview?
The first step to join the Work and Travel USA program is an interview with the program coordinator. You’ll have a simple, casual conversation 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 registration fee within one week after your interview at IEC. Once your sponsor confirms your employer, you’ll have one week to pay the remaining program fee.
By what date do I need to provide a job offer for a Self-Arranged placement?
Three months before your desired travel date — roughly March 1. This deadline can be extended by agreement with IEC.
How can I find a second job once I’m already there?
Most participants in this program work in resort towns. The ground floors of buildings there are an endless stretch of shops, restaurants, and hotels. You’ll just walk down the street and keep your eyes open. As soon as you spot a red ‘Help wanted’ sign, go in. Actually, head inside even if there’s no red sign—during peak season these resort towns turn into nonstop tourist-service hubs.
Can I join a Full Service program?
Of course, that option is available, and it’s not much more expensive — about $300.
My friend and I are going together. Can we work in the same city?
Of course. On the application you’ll just need to enter the first and last name of the person you’re traveling with.
What’s the minimum salary?
The minimum wage in the USA is $7.25 per hour. When you arrive in the USA, we recommend you have at least $1,000, plus enough money to cover travel to your job and your initial accommodation costs.
When can I fly to the USA?
The earliest possible departure date depends on the participant’s country of residence. For full timing details, see the Schedule section below.
How do I submit documents to participate?
To apply for the program, just give us a call or fill out the form at the bottom of the page. After that, the program coordinator will walk you through every step of the application process and schedule a time for 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 use to apply for a J-1 visa. Only a very small number of organizations — program sponsors — can issue a DS-2019.
What is a J-1 visa?
This visa lets you work legally in the USA during your summer break.
Is it expensive to rent an apartment?
One key thing to keep in mind: the farther you are from the city center, the cheaper it gets. In almost all resort towns you can realistically find student housing for $80–$100 per person per week.
How do I start looking for housing?
Most employers in the U.S. offer housing for an extra fee. Usually the details about where you’ll live are included in your job offer.
If your job offer is marked ‘help with housing’, 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 offer. They usually share contacts for landlords who rent to students. From there, it’s up to you to use your communication skills and arrange the rental yourself.
If your job offer is marked ‘housing provided’, the employer offers accommodation for the duration of your work. The cost for housing may be deducted from your pay. That’s common with employers who regularly host international students — they rent a house or apartment and students pay a 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 to practice a bit of diplomacy when you’re 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. Sites like craigslist.org or social media groups, including Facebook, can help you find suitable housing. Just remember to check reviews and never agree to rent a place with ghosts — they rarely pay utilities!
How do I get to my employer?
On your own. Almost all program participants fly into JFK Airport in New York. After passport control, you’ll collect your luggage and proceed to the immigration area. A U.S. immigration officer will stamp your passport with your entry date, visa type, and authorized length of stay. The same information will also be recorded in your electronic I-94, available at www.cbp.gov/i94. You can get to the city by bus for about $16 (buses go to New York’s Port Authority bus terminal), or by subway for around $3. To reach the subway from the airport, take the JFK AirTrain to Howard Beach — $8.50 — then transfer to the A train (blue circle). A taxi to downtown Manhattan will cost roughly $75–$80. If you arrive in the evening, you can spend the night in a hostel and then head to the bus 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! Storing them at home could make you a target for thieves.
How can I 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 be covered by health insurance. Of course, we hope you’ll stay healthy and never need it, but just in case: the insurance provides up to $150,000 in coverage.
How to live a healthy lifestyle in the U.S.?
Work a lot, drink less soda (that’s what Americans call sweet carbonated drinks like Coca-Cola and Pepsi), ride your 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
Still have questions?
We’d be happy to answer them!
Feel free to stop by our office. We’ve taken part in exchange programs ourselves several times, so we can share our personal experiences and impressions, help you choose the right program, and assist with finding temporary summer work in the USA and other countries around the world.
