Work and Travel in the US

Learn more about US customs while living and working with Americans and other international students from around the world.

Are you an international university student dreaming about a summer in the United States? As a Spirit Cultural Exchange Work and Travel participant, you will spend your summer in the US living and working side-by-side with Americans and other J-1 Work and Travel participants from around the world. Available roles typically include support positions at resorts, hotels, restaurants, retail stores, theme parks, and national parks across the United States.

Program details

When you participate in Spirit Cultural Exchange’s J-1 Work and Travel program, you will receive:

One job offer lasting 3 – 4 months at one of Spirit’s cooperating Host Employers
At least one safe and affordable housing option
Suggestions on local cultural activities to enjoy during your program
DS 2019 form issued by Spirit Cultural Exchange to support your application for a J-1 Work and Travel visa
Online orientation session to prepare you for your program in the United States
Accident and medical insurance provided during your program dates
Free tax preparation service after your program ends to ensure you receive any tax refund due
Access to Spirit Cultural Exchange’s online support center and 24-hour emergency support from Spirit Cultural Exchange’s staff

Program requirements

To participate in Spirit Cultural Exchange’s Work and Travel Program on a J-1 Visa, you must meet the following qualifications:

Interested in learning about the culture and people of the United States.
Enrolled as a full-time student in a post-secondary, classroom-based academic institution in your home country
Able to speak, read and understand English at an intermediate level.
Pass an in-person or web-based interview conducted by a Spirit staff member.
Able to participate during your university’s “main” break between terms. Participation during other secondary breaks from school is not allowed.
Willing to work in an entry-level job for the full program period, such as in food and beverage or housekeeping at a hotel or lifeguarding at a water park.

Cultural Activities on the Program

As a Spirit Cultural Exchange Work & Travel participant, you will interact daily with Americans at your Host Employer making new friends from the US and around the world. It is also important that you participate in a variety of cultural activities during your free time, so you are able to fully experience all that the USA has to offer.

Cultural activities include the things you do that expose you to the diverse life and culture of the United States. Examples of cultural activities include:

Visiting a museum or historic site<
Gathering with American friends for meals, games, or movies etc.
Volunteering in the local community
Touring a US city or visiting a tourist site in your host community
Visiting a national park
Attending an American sporting event or rodeo!

Don’t forget that your J-1 visa also provides up to 30 days of grace period after your program ends and before your university starts to sightsee in the US before returning to your home country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will I work in the United States?

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.

How many hours will I work per week?

Participants can expect to work an average of 32 hours per week over the course of their program.

Can I work more than one job?

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

How much will housing cost in the US?

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.

What should I do before I arrive in the US?

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.

What should I do after I arrive in the US?

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

Stay in contact. Upon arrival in the US, 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 Cultural Exchange 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 US.
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 Cultural Exchange 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 Cultural Exchange in advance.
Submit a Monthly Check-In every 30 days. It is important that you check in with Spirit Cultural Exchange 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 Cultural Exchange 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 US.
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 US.

Contact Spirit Cultural Exchange with any questions. Spirit Cultural Exchange 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.

What Our Participants Are Saying

"Spending an unforgettable summer with new friends is the best experience."

Tsevelsuren E.

Mongolia, Work and Travel Housekeeping Employee, Montana

"It has been a good experience since I have had the opportunity to see other cultures and realize how interesting they are."

Dario C.

Dominican Republic, Work and Travel Room Attendant, Tennessee

"I liked the most of all communication with Americans, so I learn more and practice language."

Zhansaya A.

Kazakhstan, Work and Travel Cashier, Florida

"I have met fantastic people. It has been an experience of great personal development, and I have acquired knowledge and skills in the language. I feel more motivated to continue studying and perfecting the language. Everything has been very beautiful, the people very kind, the employer always attentive to give us timely responses to any situation. The best experience I have had in my life."