Travel, Work, And Explore: Summer Work Travel Program

The Summer Work Travel program allows foreign college or university students to live and work in the United States during their summer vacation. The program provides an opportunity for cultural exchange, as participants can share their culture and ideas with Americans and experience American culture and way of life firsthand. To be eligible, students must be proficient in English, enrolled full-time in a degree program at an accredited post-secondary institution outside the US, and have completed at least one semester of academic study. The program typically lasts up to four months, and participants often work in non-skilled service positions in industries such as hospitality and entertainment.

Eligibility requirements for the Summer Work Travel program

The Summer Work Travel (SWT) program is a J-1 Visa program that allows foreign college or university students to live and work in the United States during their summer vacation. To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Proficiency in English: Applicants must have sufficient English skills to successfully interact and train in an English-speaking environment.
• Enrollment in a post-secondary academic institution outside the US: Applicants must be enrolled in and actively pursuing a degree or full-time course of study at an accredited classroom-based, post-secondary educational institution located outside the United States.
• Completion of at least one semester of post-secondary academic study: Applicants must have successfully completed at least one semester or its equivalent of post-secondary academic study.
• Pre-placement in a job: Applicants must be pre-placed in a job prior to entry, unless they are from a visa waiver country. Final year students can apply to participate during the academic break immediately following their graduation, provided they apply for and receive a J1 visa before their final year ends.
• Age requirement: Applicants must be 18 years old or older.
• Funding: Applicants must be able to demonstrate sufficient funding to cover their travel and living expenses while in the US.
• Understanding of the program purpose: Applicants should understand the program's cultural exchange purpose and have no intention of changing their visa status while in the United States.
• Application for the J-1 Visa in their home country: Some sponsors, like ICCE, do not allow applicants to change their status to the J-1 visa after arrival in the US.

How to apply for the Summer Work Travel program

The Summer Work Travel program is a cultural exchange program that allows foreign students to live and work in the United States during their summer vacation from college or university. The program provides an opportunity for students to experience the people and way of life in the US while sharing their own culture and ideas.

• Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria: To be eligible for the program, you must be a post-secondary school student enrolled in and actively pursuing a degree or full-time course of study at an accredited classroom-based, post-secondary educational institution outside the United States. Additionally, you must have completed at least one semester of post-secondary academic study and possess sufficient proficiency in English to successfully interact in an English-speaking environment.
• Find a designated sponsor: Participants must first find a Summer Work Travel Designated Sponsor. Sponsors are organizations that have been approved by the US government to administer the Summer Work Travel program. They will assist you throughout the application process and provide support during your stay in the US.
• Obtain a job offer: Unless you are from a visa waiver country, you must be pre-placed in a job before entering the US. Your sponsor can help you find a suitable job opportunity and ensure that it meets the program's requirements.
• Complete the application form: Visit the official website of the Summer Work Travel program to access the online application form. Carefully fill out all the required information, including your personal details, educational background, and information about your sponsor and employer.
• Submit the required documentation: Along with your application form, you will need to submit supporting documents, such as proof of your student status, English proficiency test results, and a valid passport. You may also need to provide a resume or CV and a cover letter.
• Pay the required fees: There are typically fees associated with the Summer Work Travel program, including application and visa fees. These fees vary depending on your country of origin and the specific requirements of the program.
• Attend an interview: In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview as part of the application process. This interview may be conducted by your sponsor or by a representative from the US Embassy or Consulate.
• Obtain your visa: If your application is approved, you will need to obtain a J-1 Visa, which is specifically designed for individuals participating in work and study-based exchange visitor programs. Contact your nearest US Embassy or Consulate to schedule an appointment and submit your visa application.
• Make travel arrangements: Once you have received your visa, you can start planning your travel to the US. Remember that you will need to arrive in time to start your job and participate in any orientation or training provided by your sponsor or employer.

By following these steps, you can apply for the Summer Work Travel program and gain valuable cultural exchange experience while working and travelling in the United States.

What to expect when on the Summer Work Travel program

The Summer Work Travel program is a wonderful opportunity for foreign college or university students to experience life in the United States. The program allows participants to live, work, and travel in the US for up to four months, with an optional extra month of travel at the end of the program.

To be eligible, students must be proficient in English and enrolled full-time in a degree or other full-time course at an accredited post-secondary institution outside the US. They must also have completed at least one semester of academic study and be placed in a job before arriving in the US (unless from a visa waiver country).

The program provides an excellent opportunity to gain work experience, earn money, and immerse oneself in American culture and customs. Participants can expect to work in non-skilled service positions, often in the hospitality and entertainment industries, such as resorts, hotels, restaurants, and amusement parks.

It is important to note that participants are expected to act as ambassadors of their home country, educating Americans about their culture and customs. The program fosters people-to-people ties between the US and other countries, creating a unique cultural exchange.

Additionally, the program offers the chance to meet people from all over the world, make friends, and establish lasting connections. Participants can also expect to receive support and guidance from their program sponsors, who assist with job placement, insurance, visa interviews, and other logistics. Overall, the Summer Work Travel program promises an exciting and enriching experience, allowing participants to gain valuable insights into American life and culture while also sharing their own cultural heritage.

Available jobs for the Summer Work Travel program participants

The Summer Work Travel program is a cultural exchange program that allows foreign students to live and work in the United States during their summer break from college or university. The program's primary goal is to provide students with an opportunity to experience and be exposed to the people and way of life in the United States. It also allows students to gain valuable work experience, improve their English language skills, and make new friends.

There are a variety of jobs available for participants in the Summer Work Travel program. The program offers seasonal or temporary positions that are typically entry-level and unskilled, requiring minimal training. Here are some examples of jobs that are commonly available for participants:

• Amusement or water park staff: Working in amusement or water parks can be a fun and exciting option for students. These positions often involve interacting with guests, operating rides, or assisting with other park activities.
• Hospitality and tourism: With summer being a peak travel season in the United States, there is a high demand for staff in the hospitality and tourism industry. Students may find jobs in hotels, resorts, restaurants, or travel agencies. Positions can range from front desk agents, guest services, waitstaff, or tour guides.
• Retail and customer service: Summer is a popular time for shopping and tourism, so retail businesses often look for additional staff. Students can explore opportunities in stores, boutiques, or customer service centres, assisting customers and promoting sales.
• Camp counsellors: Working as camp counsellors at summer camps is a great fit for students who enjoy working with children and youth. They can engage in outdoor activities, teach skills, and create memorable camp experiences for young campers.
• Administrative and office support: Many businesses may require extra help during the summer months. Students can find administrative or office support roles, such as data entry clerks, receptionists, or general office assistants.

It is important to note that certain types of jobs are expressly prohibited in the Summer Work Travel program. These include construction or general labour jobs, jobs requiring the operation of motor vehicles, jobs in private homes (such as childcare or cleaning), and jobs involving the sale of inventory. Participants should also be cautious of jobs that may bring disrepute to the Exchange Visitor Program or interfere with their cultural exchange experience.

Benefits of the Summer Work Travel program

The Summer Work Travel program is a cultural exchange program that enables students to work in the USA during the summer break for a period of up to four months, with an optional extra month for travel. The program offers a plethora of benefits to its participants, including:

Experiencing American Culture Firsthand

The program provides a unique opportunity to experience the US beyond what is seen in Hollywood movies. Participants can immerse themselves in the American way of life, including their work culture, lifestyle, and festive celebrations. They can visit famous places, enjoy nature, and create lasting memories.

Financial Benefits

Participants can earn money during their time in the program, allowing them to cover their program and living expenses, as well as save for future academic fees or personal expenses. This financial independence can be a valuable aspect of the program, teaching participants budgeting and money management skills.

Gaining Valuable Work Experience

In today's globalized world, companies increasingly value employees with experience in multinational and multicultural environments. The Summer Work Travel program offers exactly that—an opportunity to work with Americans and gain valuable skills that will positively impact future career development. Participants can add this international work experience to their resumes, making them more attractive to potential employers.

Improving English Language Skills

As English is the primary language of communication in the US, participants can significantly improve their English language proficiency during their time in the program. This includes both oral and written English skills, which are essential for effective communication in a professional environment.

Building a Global Network

The program brings together students from various countries, providing a chance to meet, work, live, and interact with people from diverse backgrounds. This cultural exchange fosters a global mindset and helps build an international network of friends and professional connections, which can be beneficial for future personal and career endeavours.

Developing Independence and Resilience

Being away from their comfort zone, participants have the opportunity to live and work independently, facing challenges and gaining resilience. They learn to navigate unfamiliar situations, make their own decisions, and adapt to a new environment. These experiences contribute to personal growth and enhance their ability to cope with future challenges.

Frequently asked questions