How much can I earn on the Summer Work & Travel USA program?

Seasonal positions pay $6.50–$14.00/hour depending on role and employer, translating to approximately $1,400–$2,240/month based on a standard 40-hour week. Many resorts and theme parks provide low-cost on-site housing, which significantly reduces living expenses and allows participants to save a meaningful portion of their earnings.

Who is eligible for the Summer Work & Travel USA program?

You must be currently enrolled at a university or completing your final degree year. The programme is not open to individuals who have already graduated. Senior students may apply before graduation. Basic English proficiency is required for guest-facing roles. All nationalities may apply subject to J-1 visa approval by the U.S. embassy.

How long does the Summer Work & Travel programme last?

The programme duration is up to 3 months, aligned with your university summer break. After the work period ends, a 30-day grace period allows travel within the USA — you cannot work during this time. Extensions are not permitted under J-1 Summer Work & Travel rules; a new application would be required for any future programme.

What types of jobs are available on Summer Work & Travel USA?

Available roles include resort and hotel positions (front desk, housekeeping, pool attendant, activities staff), restaurant and food service work, retail and customer service, amusement park operations, and other seasonal tourism roles. Positions in business, IT, architecture, engineering, or science are not eligible under Summer Work & Travel J-1 rules.

What are the fees for the Summer Work & Travel USA program?

The programme fee is €1,800 (up to 6 months) plus a €250 registration fee. J-1 health insurance costs €45/month. The U.S. embassy MRV visa fee ($130) and SEVIS fee ($35) are not included. Total costs before flights are approximately €2,200–€2,500. Most participants earn this back within the first 4–6 weeks of the programme.

What is the J-1 visa process for Summer Work & Travel?

After placement confirmation, we issue your DS-2019 sponsorship form. You then pay the $35 SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 online application, pay the $130 MRV visa fee, and attend a U.S. embassy interview. The full visa process typically takes 4–8 weeks. We provide step-by-step guidance for each stage.

Is housing provided on the Summer Work & Travel program?

Housing arrangements vary by employer. Many resorts, theme parks, and hotels offer on-site dormitory-style accommodation at low cost ($200–$400/month deducted from wages). Some employers do not provide housing, in which case participants arrange shared private accommodation at around $200–$500/month. Your placement confirmation will specify the housing situation.

Can I travel in the USA after my Summer Work & Travel placement ends?

Yes — the J-1 visa includes a 30-day grace period after your programme end date for leisure travel within the United States. You cannot work during this period. International travel (leaving and re-entering the U.S.) during the grace period is not recommended. Most participants use this time to visit other U.S. cities before flying home.

Work in the USA

Summer Work & Travel Program in the USA.

Combine paid seasonal work with the adventure of living in the United States. Spend your university summer break earning money, making international friends, and exploring one of the world's most diverse countries.

The J-1 Summer Work & Travel programme lets university students work legally in U.S. resorts, hotels, and amusement parks for up to 3 months, earning $1,400–$2,240/month with a 30-day travel grace period, for a total programme cost of €2,100–€2,500 before flights.

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Updated March 2026

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Curated host-company shortlist matched to your profile
Learning Agreement & Erasmus+ paperwork end-to-end
Visa, NIE and insurance orientation
Accommodation guidance in every host city
Local coordinator from day one to evaluation
Mid-term and final reports for your university

The J-1 Summer Work & Travel programme is the U.S. government's designated visa category for university students who want to work legally in the United States during their summer break. It is one of the most popular cultural exchange programmes in the world, placing tens of thousands of international students into seasonal roles at American resorts, hotels, restaurants, and theme parks every year.

Participants work up to 3 months during the U.S. summer season (typically May–September), earning $6.50–$14.00/hour in roles that provide genuine guest-service experience valued by global hospitality and tourism employers. After the work period ends, a 30-day grace period allows exploration of the wider United States — from the national parks to major cities.

Our programme covers everything from DS-2019 visa sponsorship and placement matching to pre-departure orientation and in-country support. The total cost before flights is approximately €2,100–€2,500, an investment most participants recover within the first month of work — especially where on-site housing is provided by the employer.

Monthly earnings range
Maximum work period
Post-programme travel grace period
Programme fee (up to 6 months)

What the program includes

Our programme fee covers DS-2019 J-1 visa sponsorship, seasonal placement matching with vetted U.S. employers, résumé and cover letter preparation, guidance through the full J-1 visa application process (DS-160, SEVIS fee, embassy interview), pre-departure orientation covering housing, insurance, arrival logistics, and tax obligations, and ongoing in-country support.

We also assist with sourcing compliant J-1 health insurance (required at €45/month), provide housing guidance for placements where on-site accommodation is not available, and offer a cultural orientation covering U.S. workplace norms, tipping culture, and daily life logistics. A placement confirmation letter is provided to support your visa application.

Seasonal work placement at resorts, hotels, restaurants, or amusement parks
Step-by-step guidance through the full application and visa process
Résumé and cover letter review in U.S. format
DS-2019 J-1 sponsorship form and SEVIS guidance
Pre-departure orientation and ongoing in-country support
Housing advice and optional affordable accommodation recommendations

Work opportunities across the USA

Summer Work & Travel placements are available at resorts, hotels, restaurants, and amusement parks across the United States. The most popular destinations are Florida (Orlando theme parks, Miami Beach hotels, Gulf Coast resorts), California (beach towns, wine country, theme parks), New York (Catskills resorts, Long Island hospitality), and Texas (Gulf Coast tourism).

Roles are strictly limited to hospitality, tourism, and customer-service positions under J-1 Summer Work & Travel rules. Business, IT, engineering, science, and architecture roles are not eligible. Participants have one specific employer named on their DS-2019 and must work in that role — changing employers mid-programme requires a new DS-2019 and is subject to J-1 programme conditions.

Resorts — front desk, housekeeping, pool attendant, and activities staff
Hotels — guest services, food & beverage, and concierge roles
Restaurants — serving, kitchen support, and hospitality operations
Amusement parks — ride operations, retail, and entertainment positions
Seasonal roles in leisure, tourism, and customer-facing environments
Note: roles in business, IT, science, or engineering are not eligible

Eligibility and duration

Currently enrolled university students or students completing their degree
Basic English proficiency required for guest-facing communication
Proof of sufficient personal financial resources to support yourself
Programme duration: up to 3 months aligned with your university summer break
30-day grace period for travel — cannot work during this period
Senior students may apply before graduation; recent graduates are not eligible

Pay, costs, and fees

Hourly pay: $6.50–$14.00 depending on position — approx. $1,400–$2,240/month
Some employers provide low-cost housing; otherwise expect $200–$500/month
Food and leisure costs: approximately $400/month estimate
Programme fee: €1,800 (up to 6 months) + €250 registration
J-1 health insurance: €45/month as required for all J-1 holders
U.S. embassy visa fee ($130) and SEVIS fee ($35) not included

Frequently asked

Questions, answered.

Quick answers to what students, parents and partners ask most often. Don't see your question? Ask our team.

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