Work and Travel Program, USA

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If you've ever searched for ways to spend your summer holiday to both improve yourself, see new places, and make some money for your future plans, you’ve likely come across the Work and Travel Program in the USA. That’s exactly how I discovered it. My sister and I decided to apply for this program to broaden our horizons by living in the USA for a few months, practicing our English while speaking with customers, making new like-minded friends from around the world, and visiting some globally famous landmarks like Times Square and the nearly 100-year-old Empire State Building. These were the goals we had in mind when we decided to embark on this adventure together. In this post, I want to share the details of this incredible program, including its costs and the official procedures involved.

First of all...

At my university, Boğaziçi University, I believe hundreds of students consider joining this program every year because of its many benefits. As a result, it’s relatively easy to meet people in your network who have already participated and can provide firsthand information. Thanks to this, I was able to gather plenty of insights before applying. However, for some students at other universities, finding experienced participants might be more challenging. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to write this post: to inform others who, like me, desire to improve themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Two of the most common questions about the program are: How do you apply? and How much does it cost?

The application process might seem overwhelming, but it’s relatively straightforward because many companies specialize in handling the paperwork for you. These companies simplify the process significantly. In fact, we need their assistance to participate, as they help us secure jobs in the USA and act as sponsors to manage official documents, including the J-1 visa. This visa is essential for the program; without it, participation isn’t possible.

Regarding costs, there are two main expenses before you start earning money in the USA:

1. The program fee paid to the host company in your home country. This can vary widely depending on the company and the country. Typically, it ranges between $2,000 and $5,000. For example, one of my friends from Kazakhstan paid $4,000, while another friend from Jamaica paid $2,000 for the same program.

2. Flight tickets to the USA, which also depend on your location and the time of booking.

Finding Your Job

Another major concern is finding the right job in the USA. This is where your home company and your sponsor in the USA play a crucial role. They are responsible for finding a job that aligns with your preferences and expectations. While the process may seem a bit daunting at first, trust me, it’s absolutely worth it. You’ll gain new skills, challenge yourself, and step out of your comfort zone in ways you never imagined.

In my next post, I’ll share our adventures as Work and Travel students in the USA. Stay tuned and don’t forget to subscribe to my blog to stay connected. Take care, friends!

Amplify yourself with Polatify :)

Muhammet Polat

At Empire State Building