Work and Travel USA is a program for students that was launched by the US Department of State in the mid-20th century. It gives students the opportunity to work during their stay in the USA and use that income to finance their trip. The main goal of the program is to give young men and women from around the world the chance to gain knowledge and understanding of the United States through a combined cultural and work experience.

Work and Travel is an excellent opportunity to get to know the country and its people, improve your language skills, gain work experience abroad, and be more than just a tourist. After the work period, which usually lasts 4 months, you have the option of spending one more month vacationing in the country. A J-1 visa is required for a Work & Travel stay in the USA.

Work and Travel USA - Requirements for the J-1 Visa

  • Full-time student in an EU country (citizenship or residence)
  • You must have a job offer from a US employer
  • Intermediate-level English proficiency
  • The employment period must take place during the summer semester break
  • Working hours must be at least 32 hours per week
  • For jobs in larger cities, housing information must be provided
  • You must have sufficient financial resources for the first month
  • You must be between 18 and 28 years old during your stay
  • You must have the DS-2019 form and proof of payment of the SEVIS fee
work and travel usa

Work and Travel USA - Organizing Your Stay

For Work and Travel in the USA, you need a sponsor, meaning an intermediary organization, which also has to be paid. These organizations can also handle job placement and obtain the DS-2019 form for you. The preparation time is roughly two to three months.

Experience the Real America

Work and Travel offers a unique chance to experience the USA up close and see how Americans work, live, and celebrate. You can also visit some of the most famous places in the world and enjoy the country's stunning nature. If you like, you can take part in a legendary American celebration or festival, have fun at an amusement park, or take a road trip by car or motorcycle. Work and Travel USA will definitely create unique memories that you'll never forget for the rest of your life.

Work and Travel USA Jobs

The program runs during the summer break. Between May 1 and September 30, students can work for up to four months and then stay in the country for another 30 days as a tourist. A wide variety of jobs with employers across the country are available for Work & Travel USA. They are primarily seasonal positions, for example in the food service industry, agriculture, amusement parks, or in hotels and resorts. It does not include jobs in child care or summer camp supervision. If you're interested in those, you should consider the Au Pair USA program or the Camp America program.