What’s the Work USA J-1 summer program?
If you’re a full-time student, then the J-1 visa allows you to work anywhere in the USA for up to four months over your summer holidays – plus travel around America for 30 days afterwards. On our Work USA program, we’ll help match you with a summer job before you go, provide the sponsorship you need to apply for your J-1 visa, and support you throughout the whole process.
Ordinary jobs in extraordinary locations: you’ll earn a salary, experience America like a local, and have the summer of a lifetime. (Until next year, when you go back and do it again. You can do Work USA every summer you’re studying, up to three times in total!).
So, what did you do over the holidays?
Not much. Worked in a hotel on Catalina Island in California, went hiking in the Hollywood Hills and surfing in the O.C. at weekends, road tripped along Route 66 at the end of the summer with my new work mates.
Just your average summer with Work USA, then. Book now for summer 2023.
Earn over USD $8,000* next summer
Make your summer work for you. Depending on the job and location, you can earn over USD $8,000 including tips working in America over the summer. Plus, you’ll add international job experience to your CV and show future employers you have the confidence to live and work abroad.
The need to know before you go
The need to know before you go
Type of work
Our Work USA program is designed to do seasonal work, usually in hospitality or tourism. Think those iconic all-American summer jobs – working in hotels, country clubs and restaurants: working as a lifeguard, server, bartender, spa attendant or groundskeeper. It might not be your dream career, but you’ll be working in your dream location. Read on.
Where you'll work
Our employers need staff for a reason – they’re located in America’s most popular summer spots. Think the whale-filled waters of Cape Cod, the golden beaches of California, and the mountain trails of North Carolina. Working alongside students from all over the world, you’ll have more fun in the sun than you can handle – exploring new places with new friends.
Who can apply
All passport holders can apply, but you must be 18-30 and a current degree level student registered at a UK, German, Austrian or Swiss university. Your course must be a minimum of two years for undergrads, and one year for postgrads. You can do our Work USA program between academic years, or in the summer immediately after you graduate.
How long for
The J-1 visa allows you to work in a pre-arranged job for up to four months, and you can enter the USA to start work from the 1st June. The J-1 visa is a cultural exchange visa and is designed for international students to experience everything America has to offer, which is why you’re given a 30-day grace period after your job to travel around the States.
Type of work
Our Work USA program is designed to do seasonal work, usually in hospitality or tourism. Think those iconic all-American summer jobs – working in hotels, country clubs and restaurants: working as a lifeguard, server, bartender, spa attendant or groundskeeper. It might not be your dream career, but you’ll be working in your dream location. Read on.
Where you'll work
Our employers need staff for a reason – they’re located in America’s most popular summer spots. Think the whale-filled waters of Cape Cod, the golden beaches of California, and the mountain trails of North Carolina. Working alongside students from all over the world, you’ll have more fun in the sun than you can handle – exploring new places with new friends.
Who can apply
All passport holders can apply, but you must be 18-30 and a current degree level student registered at a UK, German, Austrian or Swiss university. Your course must be a minimum of two years for undergrads, and one year for postgrads. You can do our Work USA program between academic years, or in the summer immediately after you graduate.
How long for
The J-1 visa allows you to work in a pre-arranged job for up to four months, and you can enter the USA to start work from the 1st June. The J-1 visa is a cultural exchange visa and is designed for international students to experience everything America has to offer, which is why you’re given a 30-day grace period after your job to travel around the States.
BUNAC presents
BUNAC presents Ordinary jobs in extraordinary locations
18-30 and a student? America needs you. Official sponsors of the all-American summer since 1962: we provide the sponsorship, job support and visa assistance you need to spend your summer Stateside.
Book with travellers. Expert job hunters, visa translators and parent whisperers – all our team have worked or volunteered abroad.
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From the Blog
From the Blog
Three summers, Cape Cod and Me
Working as a waitress in New York with BUNAC
Working as a lifeguard in the USA with BUNAC
Three summers, Cape Cod and Me
Working as a waitress in New York with BUNAC
Working as a lifeguard in the USA with BUNAC
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Book now for Work USA 2024 with a deposit
*All figures are based on the available jobs, advertised salary and accommodation costs for our Work USA 2024 program. This example is based on working 40 hours a week over the 12-week summer period. To see how this figure is calculated and what you can earn in other roles, please visit our cost and inclusions page. BUNAC is not liable for any differences in these salaries, directly or indirectly related to your performance. This should be used as a guide only.