You can expect to be placed in a small to medium sized American community that experiences seasonal tourism.  Whether you are placed in a small town in Colorado or the water park capital of the world in Wisconsin, you will likely be placed in an entry level hospitality job unless you have special skills that qualify you for a more skilled placement, such as lifeguarding or a front desk position.

Participants can expect to work an average of 30 hours per week over the course of their program.

Yes, however J-1 Work and Travel participants who wish to work a second job must submit required paperwork and receive approval from Spirit before starting any new employment. Second jobs should not interfere with the work schedule at your primary employer.

Housing cost depends on the area and availability. Most housing for J-1 Work and Travel participants ranges from $250 -$500 per month for shared housing.

Once you are accepted to the program, be sure to do the following:

• Log in to the Participant Support Center to view your online orientation, access your monthly check-in form and view information on insurance, recommended cultural activities and much more.
• Review your job offer. Your job offer has very important information on your position, housing, cultural activity suggestions and arrival transportation information. All participants are required to read and review their job offers in order to prepare for their Work and Travel Program. Follow all instructions on your job offer.
• Reserve your housing. In many cases, you must reserve housing before arrival to ensure the best rate and availability! We recommend reserving your housing as soon as you accept your job offer. Participants who wait too long risk losing their affordable housing options.
• Reserve transportation.  International flights can become more expensive if not purchased early enough. Contact your home sending agency about their recommendations for purchasing your transportation to the USA. Make sure to upload your flight information and arrival plans to the Participant Support Center, so Spirit and your Host Employer know when to expect your arrival.
• Prepare a Budget.  Prepare your financial plan to make sure that you arrive in the USA with enough money to cover food, housing and settling in expenses until you receive your first paycheck. Most participants do not receive their first paycheck until 2 – 3 weeks after they begin working, so make sure you have at least $1,000 available to you after arrival in the USA.

After arrival in the USA, be sure to take the following steps:

• Stay in contact. Upon arrival in the USA, email your Host Employer to let them know that you are in the US and when you can be expected to arrive to their location. You can also keep Spirit and your Host Employer up to date on your arrival plans by updating your travel plans in the Participant Support Center.  Don’t forget to contact your relatives back home to let them know that you safely arrived in the USA.
• Submit a SEVIS Update. SEVIS is a United States government system that tracks your program status and where you live and work during your program.  It is important that you follow federal regulatory requirements and submit a SEVIS Update to Spirit via the Participant Support Center within 7 days of your arrival in the United States and within 7 days of changing your housing or job address.  Any work address changes must be approved by Spirit in advance.
• Submit a Monthly Check-In every 30 days.  It is important that you check in with Spirit at least every 30 days to confirm that everything is going well with your program. It’s also a great time to let us know if you need assistance. You can do this by submitting a Monthly Check-In via the Participant Support Center.
• Make time for cultural activities.  Cultural activities are the cornerstone of all Spirit programs.  Participating in cultural gatherings and events during your program is a wonderful way to enhance your knowledge of the life and culture of the USA. Sample cultural activities include:- Volunteering in the local community
  – Visiting a museum or historic site
  – Gathering with American friends for meals, games, or movies, etc.
  – Touring a US city
  – Visiting a national park
  – Attending an American sporting event

The opportunities are endless! It’s important that you enjoy at least two cultural activities per month to meet the terms of your program. Consult your job offer for cultural activity suggestions in your local area of the USA.

• Contact Spirit with any questions. Spirit staff are available to answer any questions you may have by emailing support@spiritexchange.com or by calling 1 (800) 390-0978 during office hours, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Central Time, Monday – Friday. We can also be reached in an emergency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1 800-390-0978 and selecting extension 399 to reach our emergency answering service.