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Apply now for summer '26

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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.

LET'S TALK
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From Chicago to Cali, hiring for 100s of summer '26 jobs on our Job Hub!
Escape artists formerly known as BUNAC Work USA – same team, new name
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?

About Work USA

What is a J-1 summer work and travel?

ASK US ANYTHING

Is it for me?

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From €1,299

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18-30 + full-time student

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3-4 months (Jun-Sep)

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Access 1,000+ vetted jobs

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30 days after to travel

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Staff housing often included

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5 months’ medical insurance

Reasons to work in America

Epic locations

Work experience

Funded summer

Three girls and one guy stand on the Grand Canyon.

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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.
FIND OUT MORE

Visa + cost

Who can apply for Work USA?

Am I eligible?

  • You must be aged 18-30
  • French passport holder studying in France
  • You must be enrolled in a full-time academic day course in a recognised French University or College. Final year students can apply, but you’ll need to be able to show your intention to return to France 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


€99

Second payment


€200

Final payment


€1,000

Total

€1,299

APPLY NOW WITH A DEPOSIT
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.
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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?

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

When to apply

What you'll earn

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Locations

Work where the tourists pay to go

1

Choosing where to work

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.

1

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.
Guy and girl dance on a harbour

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.

2

Guy and girl dance on a harbour

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.

3

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.
Guy walks through fair on sunny eve

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.

4

Guy walks through fair on sunny eve

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.
Girls walk towards beach

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.

5

Girls walk towards beach

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).
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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.
BOOK A CALL

How it works

Applying for your visa and getting hired

Group of friends take selfie outside bagel shop.
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Countdown to summer

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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!
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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.
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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.
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Let's talk

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

  • 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.

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

  • 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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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. We're busy working on an insurance partner for all our global JEN-setters. If you're a UK passport holder, why not get a quote from our friends at Go Walkabout

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

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