Frequently asked questions

The idea of the program is that you work 3–4 months first, then travel the USA on what you earned. Everyone decides what matters more — earning more or seeing more. Many manage both: work the season, then spend September crossing half the states.

Yes — you can legally work two or even three jobs at once on Summer Work Travel, if you have the stamina. Second and third jobs are found after you arrive; only your first Job Offer must be in hand before the visa.

Honestly: anywhere from nothing to five figures for the season — bars, casinos and clubs have sunk more than one budget. A typical student on one or two jobs at today's $12–18/hr wages earns roughly $4,000–8,000 over the summer, covers the program cost, and comes home with money on top. Your wage is the same as an American's in the same job.

Very individual. Some employers provide housing and even meals; elsewhere you might pay $100–150 a week for a shared room. One student bikes to work and cooks with three roommates; another wants an ocean-view room and restaurant dinners. Budget realistically for your own style.

Bring at least $1,500. Your first paycheck arrives after 2–4 weeks of work, and until then you pay for transport to your employer, a housing deposit, and food yourself.

Historically only a small share of well-prepared students are refused — weak English, freezing up at the interview, or past immigration violations in the family are the usual reasons. What you lose depends on your program's refund terms — which is exactly why we insist you get them in writing before paying. Government fees (SEVIS, MRV) are never refunded by anyone.

Unless your package includes an arranged arrival, no — you get yourself to your employer and live your own life. That independence IS the program. But you are never abandoned: if you have any problem with an employer, police or a hospital, contact your sponsor immediately — helping you in exactly those situations is their job.

Don't be afraid — thousands of students do this every year, and you'll get a thorough pre-departure orientation. But yes: no parents, no grandmothers, dozens of decisions a day, all yours. This program is for independent people, or for those who are ready to become independent. That's precisely what makes it worth doing.

Of course. You hold a round-trip ticket; call the airline, book the next available flight, and tell your sponsor your employer agrees to release you. It almost never happens — most students are thrilled with their American summer and come home in autumn very reluctantly.

No. Every participant must return home when the program ends — those are the terms of the program, and coming home on time protects your future visas. If you later want to study in the USA or move there, you go home and apply for the right visa category properly.

Yes — second- and even third-time participants are welcome, regardless of which agency you used before. Repeat participants usually get a cheaper self-placed price, since they already know the ropes.

Hotels, restaurants, cafés, amusement parks — temporary service-sector work. Every summer the US economy needs thousands of extra hands in exactly this sector; there simply aren't enough locals. It's honest, paid, legal work — not a career, but a ticket to a season in America.