Jenza Work USA 4 months
Ski season jobs in America
What does your uni summer holiday and some of the best skiing in the world have in common? They’re both in America! Sponsorship, visa support and a pre-arranged winter job all included.
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It's downhill from graduation! Spend your uni summer holidays working the slopes in the USA.
The holidays are coming
Why spend your uni holidays working in America?
Some home truths. After working your proverbials off all semester, a summer job back home sleeping in your childhood bedroom just isn't going to cut it. (Sorry home, it was the Bieber posters that really pushed us over the edge). So why not turn your summer upside down with a fairytale winter working in America? Earn money, live in epic locations and add a sprinkling of international work experience to your resume with a hospitality, retail or tourism job in America's top ski resorts. Ski and non-ski bunnies need apply.
The Jenza difference
Pre-arranged job
We connect you with vetted US employers who are looking to hire international students for a range of jobs over their busy holiday period (Oct/Nov-Feb).
Visa sponsorship
We work out the details – providing the US sponsorship, job support and J-1 visa assistance you need to experience a winter cultural exchange in the States.
Staff accommodation
We work with some of America’s top ski resorts in Jackson Hole, Vail and Aspen – many of which include free or subsidised staff housing, meals and lift passes.
18-30 years
Student only visa
12-16 weeks (Oct/Nov-Feb)
Pre-arranged ski or winter job
30 days after to travel
USD $7-15 per hour
$1,750
Get it for free
Apply to be our next Work USA roadtester!
We’re committed to serving our travellers first – which is why we send roadtesters out to check we’re doing things right. If you’re into good travel karma (helping out your fellow travellers with tips and content in exchange for a free program) get in touch.
Working holiday spirit
Work USA 4 months | $1,750
Spend your uni summer holiday living and working where the tourists pay to go – from the snow-covered slopes of the Rockies to the twinkling lights of Chicago.
We provide the J-1 visa help, US sponsorship and pre-arranged job you need to have an all-American winter season in the States. You’ll start earning as soon as you land (usually USD $7-15 an hour, plus tips where applicable). And because many of our ski resort employers include subsidised staff accommodation, some meals, ski rental and lift passes – there aren’t as many upfront costs to consider when you’re away.
Working in the States will also look great on your resume – growing your transferrable skills and showing future employers you have the confidence to live and work overseas.
About the visa
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Who and for how long
This student-only J-1 cultural exchange visa allows you to work for up to 12 weeks between Oct/Nov-Feb (depending on your job dates), plus 30 days afterwards to travel around America.
In order to apply for a J-1 visa, you need to have a US sponsor. That’s where JENZA and our US partner CIEE (the longest running non-profit sponsor in America) come in to provide all the necessary checks and paperwork.
The J-1 visa consists of an online application and in-person visa appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate. The visa cost is paid directly to the embassy – see 'What's not included' below for the current fee.
- You must be aged 18-30
- Hold a New Zealand or Australian passport
- Be enrolled in a full-time class-room based course on campus at a tertiary level institution, and have completed a least one semester prior to applying OR
- If you are due to graduate, you must be in full-time education when you apply and enter the USA within 30 days of graduating
- Able to commit to the full duration of your job, usually up to 12 weeks
- Must have a passport that’s valid for at least six months beyond your stay with a free double page for your paper visa
- Must have proof of an onward flight from the USA
- Must be able to provide proof of supporting funds, usually USD $800 in the form of a bank statement Work USA 4 month applications are closed for winter '23, but you can get a head start on 2024 with a deposit
Make it work
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Where and what you can do
Our network of tried-and-trusted seasonal employers need international students for a reason – they’re located in America’s post popular winter tourist spots.
Ordinary jobs in extraordinary places, think the holiday jobs you see in the Hallmark Christmas movies – working in ski resorts, lodges, hotels, restaurants and bars. Working as servers, retail assistants, lift attendants, rental technicians and housekeepers.
Scroll the page to check out some of our US ski season employers.
How it works
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The application process
1. Apply online First, check you’re eligible for a J-1 visa in the above tab, pay your deposit, and wait for us to get in touch with the next steps. Work USA applications close on July 31 2023, but we recommend applying as soon as possible to ensure you get your preferred job and J-1 visa on time.
2. Land a job A pre-arranged job is a condition of your J-1 visa. We’ll set you up on the JENZA Job Hub where you can search, apply and interview via video for pre-vetted jobs. Can’t find a match? Our squad are on hand to help you find a position.
3. Sponsorship application Once hired, we’ll start the sponsorship process to secure your DS2019 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor status) which is needed to apply for your visa. This can take up to eight weeks. We’ll then guide you through the J-1 visa application process.
4. Embassy interview We’ll help you arrange and prepare for your in-person embassy interview. Be prepared for them to keep your passport for around two weeks. Once approved, you can collect your passport or have it couriered – depending on what you’ve arranged.
5. Living room dance Virtual high fives with the team and other Jen-setters going to the States on your pre-departure group call. We host a live FAQ to answer all your questions, plus, loop you up with other travellers via our JENZA Discord group chats.
What's included
Jen-setter benefits
Plus, these JENZA community perks
Free (or close to free) stuff Our favourite F word. Score hundreds of overseas discounts with our virtual JENZA X IYTC card.
Earn extra cash Shot it? Share it. We pay for blogs, vlogs, images and videos. DM us on Insta and send us a pitch.
Ask an alumni Hear from people who've been. We try to have an alumni on every pre-departure call to answer all your questions.
Find a friend Meet people like you. Connect with travellers arriving at the same time on our JENZA Discord group chats.
Sponsorship inclusions
US sponsorship and visa assistance
Sponsorship A large part of your program cost goes towards providing the sponsorship you need to work in the States. Together with our US partner, we do all the checks and provide all the paperwork you need to work in America. We also include your SEVIS government fee.
Visa Unfortunately, the US government doesn’t allow us to apply for your J-1 visa on your behalf. However, we’re with you every step of the way – with all the guidance, forms and prep you need to apply for your visa and nail your embassy interview.
Job inclusions
Pre-arranged winter or ski season job
It's a condition of your J-1 visa to have a job secured before you go. Here's how we get the job done - minus the work drama.
Our Dream Jobs team scour the country to find US employers looking to take on international students for the winter. Once you’ve paid you deposit, you’ll get access to our JENZA Job Hub where you can start searching and applying for jobs.
Interviews are done via video and jobs are filled on a first come first served basis, so we recommend applying in May-Jul for the best chance of securing the job you want.
If you’re applying with a friend, while it’s not guaranteed that you’ll be placed together, we’d recommend applying with the bigger employers such as ski resorts who take on the largest numbers of staff. Don’t forget to mention in your application the name of the person you’re travelling with.
If you'd rather find your own job, that’s cool like ski school. You can still apply for JENZA Work USA, we’ll just need to get your employer vetted and approved by our US sponsor.
In-country inclusions
Subsidised staff accommodation
When you arrive, your employer will provide your orientation and set up all the training you need to do your job.
Most of our hospitality employers offer free or subsidised staff accommodation. This is usually shared and if not free of charge, can cost anywhere between USD $50-$125 per week. Some may also include up to three meals a day, plus free or discounted lift passes and rental.
If accommodation isn't provided, either your employer, JENZA or CIEE (our visa sponsor) will be able to help with your search.
Leaving home can be tough at times, but we’re there for it. You’ll have the support of your employer, 24/7 support from CIEE (our US-based partners), and of course – your JENZA Support Squad at home.
Pre-departure inclusions
Expert advice from people who’ve been
Your working holiday ride or die, our JENZA Support Squad have all worked the world so can give you firsthand advice on moving abroad. As well as being a geeky bunch of travel nerds and visa whisperers, we're also all mental health awareness trained. Which means we know how to connect like humans – not customer service bots.
On top of being at the other end of an email or video call throughout the booking process, we also include a group call with a live Q&A before you go to answer all your questions.
Work essentials
Medical insurance, SIM card and more
- 4 months' medical insurance
- SIM card
- Our US sponsor will provide guidance on how to sort your Social Security number and US bank account. (If required).
Book now pay later
- Deposit of $180 due at the time of application
- Second payment of $360 to gain access to the jobs hub and start submitting your J-1 application
Final payment of $1095 due once we request your DS forms ( minimum 12 weeks before departure)
About our pricing Our mission is to make working abroad more accessible. Meaning we do everything we can to pay our team, support our partners and make a profit – without screwing over the people who matter. Find out how our pricing works and the people involved in making your JENZA happen.
We also walk the walk, donating 5% of profits to our overseas scholarship fund.
What’s not included
Support funds
You may be required to show proof that you can access USD $800.
Flights
We don’t recommend booking flights until your visa is approved.
Travel insurance for the USA
We include medical insurance for the duration of your visa, but you must take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover against the rest of your trip. For example, flight delays, cancellation and curtailment, personal belongings, legal costs, adventure sports, and more.
US Embassy fee
This is paid directly to the US Embassy and currently costs USD $185 (+ an additional $215 for Australia passport holders.)
Police Background Check (Work USA)
If required, this currently costs AUD $42 for Australia passport holders and is free for New Zealand passport holders.
On the Job Hub
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It's off to work we go
Work in America / Hired in winter '23 / Check back for winter '24 hiring
Hiring: Various positions at YMCA Of The Rockies, Colorado
Jobs available: Centre Services & Support, Housekeeping. Pay is USD $13.65/hour. Perks include on-site staff housing and board ($160/week), staff discounts and access to YMCA facilities. Book Work USA 4 months to apply.
Jobs available: Centre Services & Support, Housekeeping. Pay is USD $13.65/hour. Perks include on-site staff housing and board ($160/week), staff discounts and access to YMCA facilities. Book Work USA 4 months to apply.
Work in America / Hired in winter '23 / Check back for winter '24 hiring
Hiring: Various position at Goldminer's Daughter Lodge, Utah
Jobs available: Barista (USD $10/hour + tips); Front Desk, Housekeeping (USD $15/hour). Perks include onsite staff accommodation and 3 meals a day for $20/night (take from your paycheck), ski pass or end of season payout. Book Work USA 4 months to apply.
Jobs available: Barista (USD $10/hour + tips); Front Desk, Housekeeping (USD $15/hour). Perks include onsite staff accommodation and 3 meals a day for $20/night (take from your paycheck), ski pass or end of season payout. Book Work USA 4 months to apply.
Types of jobs you can do
Spend the winter on the mountain working in some of America’s top ski resorts, including Jackson Hole, Vail, Aspen and Lake Tahoe. Three months of bluebird skies, fresh powder and festive bonhomie – whether you’re a skier, boarder or snowball thrower – it’s a magical place to live and work. Employers usually include discounted rental and lessons, so if you don’t ski – it’s a great time to learn.
Travel you can trust
Our Extra Mile Promise
Every JENZA experience has been shaped by our Youth Advisory Panel, roadtested by our travellers, and backed by 60+ years of work abroad expertise. But if we still don’t rock your world, we’ll refund the part of your JENZA program you’re not happy with. T&Cs apply
Who you gonna call?
Let’s talk working in America
Get some facetime with our amazing JENZA Support Squad. When they’re not posing for pool pics, they’re making your work aboard adventures happen with their endless enthusiasm and mad traveller skills. These include: parent whispering, visa geekery and the ability to pack a backpack in 30 seconds flat.
More ways to work the world
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Did someone say ‘gap decade?’
JENZA Travel (NZ) Ltd trading as “JENZA” and “BUNAC” in Australia and New Zealand is a company registered in New Zealand with company number 8177942 and registered address at 336 Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North, 4414, New Zealand.