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Blonde girl in red jumper on beach with American flag coming from lifeguard hut

Work USA 4 months

Work in the USA this summer

Job, sponsorship + visa support included

Full-time student? Spend your uni summer holidays earning $$ and exploring America with a pre-arranged three-month summer job in the States – with 30 days after to travel.

Formerly known as BUNAC Work USA. Same experience, different name!

From lifeguards to servers, we annually interview for 1,000+ jobs

Not a student? Check out Summer Camp USA with our sibling brand, BUNAC

Here comes the sun

Why spend your uni holidays working in America?

Some home truths. You need to get a job over the summer, but after all the fun of uni – the thought of your childhood bedroom is low-key giving you the fear. Ordinary jobs in extraordinary places – spend your summer living and working where the tourists pay to go with a three-month job in the USA. Earn money, enhance your CV, explore America.

About Work USA

What is a J-1 summer work and travel?

If you’re a full-time student where your uni holidays align with America's summer (instantly apologises to all Aussies and Kiwis...), this type of J-1 visa allows you to do 'seasonal' work for up to four months. We’ll hook you up with a job before you go, provide the sponsorship you need to apply for your visa, and support you throughout the whole process. The original summer job abroad, you can do Work USA every summer you’re studying – up to three times in total.

Is it for me?

From £1,059

18-30 + full-time student

3-4 months (Jun-Sep)

Access 1,000+ vetted jobs

30 days after to travel

Staff housing often included

5 months’ travel insurance

Reasons to work in America

Epic locations

Our US employers need summer staff for a reason – they’re located in America’s most popular tourist spots. From the beaches of Catalina Island to the boardwalks of Cape Cod – you’ll earn money while getting a front row seat onto America’s hottest scenery.

An illustration of a surfboard with a floatie device and a whistle

Work experience

A cultural exchange visa can look great on your CV - showing future employers that you're motivated, independent and have a global PoV. Helping out with the busy summer rush, jobs are typically customer facing - so are great for clocking up transferrable skills.

Funded summer

Depending on where you work and your In-N-Out burger habit, you should earn enough to fund your summer overseas. Many of our US employers also include free or discounted staff housing – which is a bonus for saving money and scoring a ready-made friendship group.

Three girls and one guy stand on the Grand Canyon.

Dollar bills

Earn over USD $7,000 during the summer

Here’s the math working as a server at the Ausable Club in New York. USD $16/hour x 40 hrs = $640/week. Staff accommodation + meals on shift = included. Total earned x 12 weeks = $7,680. Find out how on our blog.

Visa + cost

Who can apply for Work USA?

You’re not able to apply for a J-1 visa independently, it must be done through a US approved company. Together with our US partner, we provide the sponsorship for you to work in America, apply for your J-1 visa and attend your embassy interview – with 1-on-1 support from our dedicated J-1 team.

Eligibility for this J-1 visa is dependent more on the location of the university that you are studying at, rather than your passport nationality. Don’t see your flag below? Give us a call and we can check for you.

Am I eligible?

You must be aged 18-30
Any nationality studying in the UK
You must be enrolled in a full-time academic day course in a recognised UK University or College. Final year students can apply, but you’ll need to be able to show your intention to return to Ireland at the end of your program
You must be able to commit to the full summer season of your J1 employer, usually 8-12 weeks from Jun-Aug
You must have a passport that’s valid for at least six months beyond your stay with a free double page for your paper visa
You must have proof of an onward flight from the USA
You must be able to provide proof of supporting funds, usually USD $800 in the form of a bank statement

Deposit

£100

Second payment

£200

Final payment

£759

Total

£1,059

What’s included

2-3 month summer job in America
Staff housing (job dependent)
5 months’ medical insurance
J-1 legal work papers (DS-2019)
Step-by-step visa guidance 
US Embassy interview prep 
SEVIS US Government fee  
J-1 handbook for all the info
Pre-departure orientation for all the intel 
Discord group for all the friends  
1-on-1 support before you go 
24/7 support on the ground

What’s not included

US Embassy fee This is paid directly to the US Embassy and currently costs USD $185

Support funds You may be required to show proof that you can access USD $800

Travel insurance Medical cover is included, but you must also purchase travel insurance

Flights We don’t recommend booking flights until your J-1 visa is approved

Travel after your job Get 10% off worldwide Contiki trips before you go! Friends = benefits

Good to know

Balancing profit with purpose, JENZA only works for us if it works for others too. We donate 5% of profits to our Youth Access Scholarship Fund so that young people from under-served and lower-income backgrounds can experience working overseas. Find out more and apply for scholarship funding.

Rooftop with umbrellas on white building

Summer jobs

The summer I turned JENZA

When it comes to jobs you can do, think those all-American summer jobs you see in the movies - working courtside, poolside or running beach (Ken-style) in country clubs and beach resorts.

Jobs + locations

What types of jobs can I do?

Designed to do to short-term work to help out with America's busy summer period, jobs are typically in the hospitality, tourism and retail industry – working in country clubs, hotels, theme parks and restaurants as lifeguards, servers, bartenders, groundspeople, retail assistants and more.

If you’re looking for that iconic American summer experience – focus on country clubs and beach resorts. They typically hire plenty of staff so are great for solo travellers or groups of mates, and housing is usually provided.

You must have your job secured before you go, work a minimum of 32 hours a week, and contracts typically run from mid-Jun to early Sep.

America in numbers

60+

The years we've run US cultural exchanges

1,000

Number of jobs we add to our Job Hub

$7,680

The amount you could earn next summer

100%

The best thing you can do with your uni holidays

How does hiring work?

The Job Hub

You'll get access to our JENZA Job Hub where our team find, vet and post up hundreds of USA summer jobs each year. We also host virtual hiring days where our US employers will bulk hire for positions over 1-2 days. Interviews are filled on a first come first served basis.

When to apply

As early as October, you can start to search, apply and video interview on the Job Hub. The hiring and visa process can take up to three months, so we recommend applying for Work USA as early as possible to help secure your preferred job and location.

What you'll earn

All jobs pay at least the state minimum wage and depending on the position, range from USD $13-18/hour – often plus tips. Many employers also include free or subsidised housing (usually $50-$125/week) and great perks such as staff meals and completion bonuses.

Four girls wait at traffic lights in NYC.

5 girls sit on fallen tree beneath waterfall.

Girl poses with cowboy boots in Nashville.

Three girls at baseball match pose for photo.

Locations

Work where the tourists pay to go

Two girls take a selfie on city street in Chicago

Choosing where to work

in the USA

All our employers are located in places popular with holidaymakers – including Cape Cod, Myrtle Beach, Long Island, New York, Ocean City, Boston, Chicago, LA and San Diego. So it goes without saying that wherever you end up working – you’ll be living in some of the most stunning or iconic parts of America. Think Atlantic beach resorts, lakeside country clubs, and legendary cities. Our advice? Apply for a job somewhere that you’d never think of visiting – and save your wanderlist items for your end of summer road trip.

Cape Cod

Massachusetts

Home to whitewashed weatherboard houses, miles of sandy beaches, and steaming cups of seafood chowder – Cape Cod is one of the most popular summer spots on the East Coast. When you’re not mixing it up with the sailing set working in a seafood restaurant or country club, spend your free time with new workmates playing volleyball on the beach and eating lobster rolls at seafood shacks.

Guy stands on steps with surf board in LA

Catalina Island

California

In Arthurian legend, Avalon is a paradise island. In California, it’s the main town on Catalina Island. 22 miles south of LA and an easy ferry from Newport Beach – just like its King Arthur namesake – Catalina is a legendary summer paradise for holidaymakers. Home to wooded hills, swaying palms and golden beaches – spend your days off living the Cali dream. Scuba dive in clear waters, hang out in cute harbour towns, and hop across to the O.C.

Long Island

New York

If you’re in a New York State of Mind but don’t want the high rent and humidity, apply to work in one of Long Island’s many country clubs or hotels. Known as Manhattan's beachfront backyard, just like the iced tea cocktail of the same name, Long Island is an intoxicating mix of beaches, historic towns and wineries. It’s also home to the summer playground that is The Hamptons. When you’re not living your best beach life, New York is just a two-hour train ride away.

Cape May

New Jersey

New Jersey is famous for more than just housewives. Come the summertime, Americans flock to the ‘Shore’ to enjoy 100+ miles of beaches, boardwalks and beach towns. At the bottom of the Shore sits Cape May, heralded as the oldest seaside resort in the US. Famous for its colourful Victorian architecture, bouji restaurants and 2.5 miles of beachfront, if that doesn’t float your boat – NYC is only a three-hour drive away.

Here's the scoop

Ordinary jobs in extraordinary places

Your dream job might not be working in an ice-cream shop (bad example, that’s surely everyone’s dream). But you have your whole career ahead of you to do the 9-5 thing. Take this time to do a fun job in a new country with a different culture to your own. It will be great for your resume AND your beach hair, you'll work alongside like-minded 18-30s from all over the world, and you'll have the summer of your life doing it. (Until next summer, when you go back).

Upcoming events

Get hired or get the intel

Three girls laughing in the woods at summer camp

In-person camp hiring days | UK + Ireland

28 Jan Dublin | 01 Feb London

Meet Camp Directors face-to-face, connect with others heading to camp, and (fingers crossed) get hired on the day. To register your interest, apply for Summer Camp USA over on our BUNAC camp page and let us know which city you'd like to attend. We can't wait to see your face, but don't worry if you can't make an in-person event - the quickest way to get hired is in our hiring pool.

2 girls in red snow gear smile with blue sky in background

Work Canada | Everything you need to know

Virtual travel talk | 19 Nov @ 20:00 DST

Looking for a fresh start? The most liveable cities and the coolest ski resorts, Canada is the ultimate working holiday visa. Join our Canada Crew for all the intel on who can go, when you need to apply, and what types of jobs you can do. Plus, that age old question - summer or winter in Canada? (Both being the correct answer!).

View all events

Who you gonna call?

Book a video call

Our longest running work abroad experience, the JENZA Travel Group (JENZA, USIT + BUNAC) have been creating the American dream for students since 1959! So trust US when we say we’re US obsessed. Expert visa translators, job hunters and parent whisperers – our Work USA team have all worked the world. So are here for first-hand advice, hand-holding and high-fives.

How it works

Applying for your visa and getting hired

Based on how speedy you are with your application, it can take take 1-3 months to get through the hiring and visa process. We usually close Work USA applications on 1 April, ready for departures in May/June - or earlier if the J-1 visa allocation runs out. It's therefore important to apply early – especially if you're looking to work in summer hotspots like San Diego where roles can go in minutes!

Group of friends take selfie outside bagel shop.

Girls walk down street in LA with palm tree

Countdown to summer

Apply + book your interview

Check your eligibility, hit ‘Apply now’ and create your profile to start your application. You can then access your online account anytime from the top of this page. Once you’ve paid your deposit, book a time to have your phone interview with our Work USA team. Nothing scary – this is a US Government requirement to check your eligibility for the J-1 work program.

1 day

Interview + complete application

Before your interview, you’ll need to start filling out your sponsorship application. This includes starting to upload your documents – including your CV, passport copy and proof of student status. Your phone interview will last around 20 minutes and is a good time to get all your questions answered. After your interview, you’ll need to make your second payment.

1-7 days

Apply + interview for jobs

You'll then get access to the JENZA Job Hub where you can search, apply and video interview with employers. If you’re a solo traveller, travelling with friends or don’t want the hassle of finding accommodation – focus on country clubs. They typically recruit for multiple positions and provide staff accommodation.

14+ days

Job approval + sponsorship paperwork

Once hired, your job will need to be approved by our US sponsor. We’ll then start working on your sponsorship paperwork. This can take 2-3 weeks. Once you’ve paid in full, your sponsorship paperwork (DS-2019) will be sent to you electronically. You’ll need this to apply for your J-1 visa. This involves an online application (DS-160) and in-person interview at the US Embassy or Consulate.

14-21 days

Attend your US Embassy appointment

We recommend booking your embassy appointment the day you receive your DS-2019, as it's not unusual for embassy appointments to run out in the lead up to summer. The embassy will keep your passport for up to 10 days, returning it by post along with your visa stamp. If you have any trips booked in the lead up to summer, make sure you factor this into your timelines! Unfortunately, we don’t have control over the availability of visa appointments or the outcome of your appointment.

7-21 days

Book flights + pre-departure orientation

Once you have your J-1 visa it’s safe to book flights, travel insurance, and (if not included with your job) confirm your accommodation. Make sure you book a return ticket – as you’ll need this to get through US immigration. From April onwards, the team run pre-departure orientations to help you prep for life in the US.

1-7 days

Arrive in the USA

You must arrive into the US within 10 days of the date on your DS-2019. When you arrive, you’ll need to download a i-94 form from the US Government website and go to a local social security office to get your Social Security Number. Paperwork sorted, have a great summer!

Get it for free (ish)

Earn back your adventures

We know the most authentic voices come from our community. Whether you want to come on board as an ambassador, roadtester or as a one-off collaborator for blogs, vlogs or images – earn some extra $$ on the road with a content side hustle.

Girl with sunglasses standing in amphitheatre

Friends = benefits

Unlock 10% off Contiki when you book with JENZA

Looking for a little pre or post trip action? We've teamed up with Contiki to bring you the ultimate work and travel dream team. Check your online account to access your 10% off code.

Got questions?

We've got answers

Not found what you're looking for? Hit 'Ask a question' below and one of our JENZA Support Squad will come back to you - pen pal style.

Guy sits beside bridge in NYC on sunny day

Let's talk

USA expert

Book a video call with Rob - Work USA alumni and expert on all things J-1.

What is Work USA?

Work USA is a J-1 summer work and travel experience exclusive to university students. It allows you 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. The dates vary according to the country you are studying in, but you can usually work between May/Jun-Aug/Sep.

Do I need to be a student?

Yes, to be eligible for Work USA you must be 18-30 and a full-time degree level student, studying at a UK, Irish, German, Austrian or Swiss university. For example, you could be an Australian passport holder studying at a UK university and be eligible for this visa. Your course must be a minimum of two years if you are an undergraduate, or one year if you are a postgraduate. You can either be a current student or a student graduating in the summer of intended departure. If you’re studying at university in another European country, contact us to check your eligibility.

If you’re 18-30 but not a student, you can still work in America on our Summer Camp USA program.

When do I need to apply?

Applications for Work USA are usually accepted until 1 April each year. The entire booking process can take up to three months, so unfortunately, we cannot accept applications after this date for the summer. Please also note that J-1 visas are limited, so it’s important to apply as early as possible. If you are finding your own job versus a job from our Job Hub, please add an additional 4-6 weeks to the above timeline.

Can I do Work USA more than once?

Yes, you can apply for Work USA for every summer you are a full-time university student – up to three times in total.

What jobs can I do?

This type of J-1 visa permits you to do what’s classed as ‘seasonal’ work. Our US employers need large numbers of summer staff each year to help them over their busiest period, so jobs are mostly in the hospitality, tourism and retail industry. Typical positions include working in country clubs, resorts, theme parks, hotels, ice-cream parlours, shops and restaurants as servers, bartenders, lifeguards, pool attendants, baristas, housekeepers, groundskeepers, receptionists and more.

Country club roles are often popular with our Jen-setters as they usually include staff accommodation, are great for meeting others, and will give you that classic all-American summer experience.

Where in America can I work?

Apart from some restricted areas, your J-1 visa allows you to work pretty much anywhere in the USA and we have pre-vetted jobs in a range of US cities, including New York, San Diego, Boston, Chicago, LA and San Francisco. However, jobs can be more competitive in the cities and accommodation more expensive, so consider applying for jobs in surrounding areas popular with tourists – such as Long Island, New York State and New Jersey for NYC; Cape Cod for Boston; and Catalina Island for LA. You can then travel into the city on your days off.

Will I be working on my own?

All our employers need multiple international students to cover their busy summer period and actively recruit via our Work USA program, so it’s unlikely you’d be working by yourself. If you want to ensure you’re working alongside American and international students, target jobs on our Job Hub that advertise for multiple positions and include staff accommodation where you’ll have a ready-made group of friends.

Can I apply with a friend?

Each person must interview individually for jobs and are hired on their own merit. Therefore, there is no guarantee that you will be placed together. We recommend mentioning in your application that you’re applying together, but be clear that you are happy to work in different areas of the company. Then apply for the larger employers advertising multiple positions on the Job Hub – such as country clubs, hotels and theme parks.

Am I guaranteed a job?

Annually we add 1,000+ jobs to our Job Hub, so are confident that we can get you interviews with our US employers. If you’re struggling to find a position, our JENZA team will step in, review your CV and recommend jobs that will fit your skills and interests. We’d also recommend applying early when there are still plenty of jobs available and being open-minded about where you work.

Can I find my own job?

If you don’t want to use one of the vetted employers on our Job Hub, we may still be able to sponsor you. However, we would need to get your job and employer approved by our US visa sponsor. The cost and process to do this is the same as the Work USA price.

Is accommodation included?

Outside of the main cities, many employers we work with (such as theme parks, resorts and country clubs) provide free or subsidised staff housing. This is usually shared accommodation that can cost between USD $50-$125/week depending on the location.

If housing isn't provided, your employer will often be able to assist you in finding accommodation nearby. In your online account, you’ll also find a list of sites where you can search for accommodation. In US cities like New York, short-term accommodation can be expensive and hard to come by, so we advise researching accommodation costs before you apply for those jobs.

Do I need my own travel insurance?

Yes. Medical insurance is included that covers against accident and illness while you are in the USA, but does not cover for routine care. You must also purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover you against other aspects of your trip – including cancellation, curtailment, legal cover, luggage, personal items, repatriation and more.

What is a DS-2019?

DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status) is the official certificate of eligibility that you need to apply for a J-1 visa. After your US Embassy appointment, your passport will be returned to you with your visa stamped inside. However, you must keep your DS-2019 with your passport at all times. One is not valid without the other.

What is SEVIS?

SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System and is a database where the US Government keeps track of cultural exchange visitors on a J-1 visa. The cost of being placed in the SEVIS database is USD $35 and is included in your camp program.

Why do I need a visa sponsor?

To apply for your J-1 visa, you must have a US Government approved sponsor. Together with our US partner CIEE, we provide the sponsorship to work in America, apply for your visa and attend your embassy interview – with 1-on-1 support from our J-1 team throughout the whole process.

What's the difference between JENZA and BUNAC?

Nothing! We’ve always been the same team running identical programs, just with different brand names in different countries. As you can imagine, this got crazy confusing. So in 2024, JENZA became the new name for all our working holiday and intern programs, and BUNAC went back to its 1972 Americana roots, and became our summer camp brand.

Ask a question

Didn't see your question? Ask our team here.

Did someone say 'gap decade'?

More ways to work the world

JENZA Travel International Ltd, trading as JENZA, is a company registered in Dublin, Ireland with Registered Company No. 707281 and registered address at 29-31 South William St, Dublin, Ireland, D02 EY96.