Everything you need to know about Work USA J1 summer

If you love the idea of working in the States on our BUNAC Summer Camp USA program, but are freaked out by living in the woods with a bunch of kids and strangers for the summer – Work USA is for you. Here’s the intel.

What is Work USA?

The ‘less-likely-to-dance-around-a-campfire’ sibling to [Summer Camp USA[(awaiting URL), JENZA Work USA allows international students to work for up to four months in a paid seasonal job anywhere in the USA over the summer period – with 30 days after to travel.

What visa do I need?

You’ll need a J-1 visa, which is a non-immigrant visa issued by the US Government for the purposes of cultural exchange. This type of J-1 visa is designed for cultural exchanges between the USA and participating countries to gain valuable work experience and learn more about American culture.

Who can apply for a J-1 visa?

This type of J-1 visa is student only, so you must be 18-30 and a full-time degree level student studying at a UK, Irish, German, Austrian or Swiss university. Your course must be a minimum of two years if you are an undergraduate, or one year for postgraduates. You can either be a current student or a student graduating in the summer of intended departure. You can do Work USA up to three times.

What jobs can I do?

This type of J-1 visa allows you to do seasonal work over the summer period (May/Jun-Aug/Sep). Think the all-American summer jobs you see in the movies – working in country clubs, resorts, hotels, theme parks and restaurants. Typical jobs include working as a lifeguard, server, bartender, groundsperson, retail assistant and more.

This visa is designed for US employers to hire international students to help with their summer rush, so jobs are located where the tourists pay to go – usually in stunning or iconic parts of America. Think all the summer hotspots, such as Cape Cod, Myrtle Beach, Long Island, New York, Ocean City, Boston, LA and San Diego.

How much can I earn?

The amount you can earn depends on the job and location. All our US employers pay at least the state minimum wage – often with tips, staff meals and completion bonuses included. The cost of living and accommodation in the States can be high, so if you’re looking to save over the summer – apply for jobs working in country clubs or resorts. Many include free or subsidised staff housing and recruit for multiple positions each year, so it’s a great option if you’re travelling solo and looking for ready-made friends or if you’re travelling with mates and wanting to try and get placed together. Also, working at a country club you’ll have that classic preppy American summer. Think Dirty Dancing – minus all the grinding.

Here’s what you could earn working at one of the country clubs on our Job Hub:

Food and Beverage Associate at Mirasol Country Club, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida Salary per week (USD $18/hour x 40 hrs):  $720 Staff accommodation per week:  $100

Total earned over 12 weeks:  $7,440 + $500 completion bonus

Server, Ausable Club, New York State  Salary per week (USD $16/hour x 40 hrs):  $640 Staff accommodation per week:  Free housing and free meals all summer Total earned over 12 weeks:  $7,680

Resort Worker at Cape Resorts, Sag Harbour, New York State
Salary per week (USD $16/hour x 35 hrs):  $560 Staff accommodation per week:  $150

Total earned over 12 weeks:  $4,920*

Calculations are based on receiving 40 hours per week for the 12-week program duration. Work hours and contract duration will vary depending on your employer and position accepted. Levels of business can fluctuate over the summer meaning available hours may be lower during some weeks.

How do I find a job?

We annually add 1,000+ jobs to our Job Hub each year where you can search, apply and video interview for positions. Hiring usually starts in November and closes in April. However, it can take 2-3 months to get through the booking process – so we recommend applying as early as possible to help secure your preferred choice of job and location.

Where do I sign?

Right here!