Paid Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Internships & Traineeships in the USA

 

Our partner offers paid internships and traineeships in the hospitality, tourism, and culinary industries in the USA.

Whether you’re working at resorts, hotels, restaurants, or amusement parks, this program offers the opportunity to earn a stipend while traveling and gaining real-world experience.

This program allows you to gain international work experience, learn from U.S. professionals, and immerse yourself in the vibrant American culture.

The Value We Bring

Program Features

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Step-by-step guidance throughout the application process

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Resume and cover letter writing in U.S. format

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Assistance obtaining the DS-2019 form (required for J-1 visa)

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Visa information, including guidance for interviews and the application process

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Internship or traineeship placement in hospitality, tourism, or culinary roles

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DS-7002 form (Training Placement Plan)

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Housing and transportation advice

Tailored to you

Program Fields – Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary

We offer internships and traineeships in the following fields:

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Front Office

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Tourism

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Culinary

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Back Office

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Food and Beverage

Note: For business, science, or engineering roles, please refer to our Internship and Traineeship Programs page.

United States of America

U.S. States for Summer Work and Travel Program in the USA

We offer opportunities across the United States, but some states stand out as the most popular destinations for international students, interns, and trainees. Each state has its own career strengths, cultural highlights, and lifestyle benefits.

Here are some of the main U.S. states where our programs take place:

California – Tech hub (Silicon Valley), Hollywood, diverse economy, and cultural influence.
New York - Finance (Wall Street), culture, fashion, and home to New York City.
Florida – Tourism, hospitality, theme parks, beaches; popular for internships in hospitality.
Texas – Energy, tech, and business opportunities; major cities include Houston, Austin, Dallas.
Illinois – Chicago as a major business and cultural center.
Massachusetts – Education (Harvard, MIT), biotech, healthcare.
Pennsylvania – History, education, business hubs like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Washington – Tech (Microsoft, Amazon), international trade, and nature.
Get into

Requirements

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Relevant qualifications and work experience matching the internship or traineeship field

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Proof of sufficient financial funds to cover living expenses, as required by U.S. immigration authorities. Minimum of $1,500/month is needed.

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English proficiency (B1 level or higher, according to the European Framework)

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Academic background in tourism, hospitality, or culinary arts.

Duration of the Program

  • Internship Program: Minimum of 2 months, up to 12 months

  • Trainee Program: Minimum of 6 months, up to 12 months

  • Extension: Possible with additional costs for a new DS-2019 form.

  • After completion, participants are granted a 30-day grace period to travel within the U.S.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Hourly pay: Between $10–$16 per hour, depending on the position, field, and experience

  • Monthly stipend: Between $1,400–$2,500/month depending on your field and position

  • Many employers also provide housing and/or transportation assistance.

  • Expenses: If accommodation is not provided, participants can expect to pay $200–$500/month for housing, and $400/month for food and leisure.

Accommodation & Living Costs

  • Housing: Some companies provide free or low-cost housing. If not, the team helps you find affordable housing options.
  • Living Costs: The average cost of living (excluding accommodation) is around $400/month for food and leisure activities.

Program Fees

  • Registration Fee: €300

  • Program Fee:

    • 2–5 months: €3,100

    • 5–8 months: €3,350

    • 8–12 months: €3,600

  • Insurance: $95/month

Not Included:

  • Visa Fees: $130

  • SEVIS Fee: $35

  • Flights and personal expenses

Insurance Information

Participants must purchase travel insurance as required by U.S. authorities for J-1 visa holders. Spain Internship provides a comprehensive health insurance package for the duration of your program at $95/month.

Application Process

  1. Apply online here: Summer Work & Travel Program Application →

  2. Skype Consultation – We conduct a Skype interview with our U.S. partner agency to assess your eligibility.

  3. Resume Assistance – We help you adapt your resume and cover letter to meet U.S. standards.

  4. Internship/Placement Proposal – Receive a job offer based on your experience and preferences.

  5. Final Payment – Pay the second instalment to receive your DS-2019 form.

  6. Visa Application – Apply for your J-1 visa using your DS-2019 form.

  7. Arrival – After visa approval, you’ll receive orientation upon arrival in the U.S.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • Visa Denial: If your J-1 visa is denied, we’ll refund the DS-2019 fee (less the €300 registration fee).

  • Late Visa Application: An additional €500 fee applies for expedited processing if your application is submitted after the 30-day window.

  • Cancellation after Confirmation: A €250 cancellation fee applies after a job offer is confirmed.

Important Note

We now run all USA programs through our dedicated platform Internships USA.
If you’re interested in a placement in the U.S., visit our partner website for full details and application steps.

Support Services Provided

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Accommodation Guidance

Advice on affordable housing; optional personal housing search service.

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Placement Matching

We identify the right internship or traineeship based on your field and location preferences.

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Insurance Guidance

Mandatory health coverage for the U.S. — we provide details and support.

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Visa Support

Assistance with DS-2019 and DS-7002 forms required for your J-1 visa.

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Language Courses (optional)

Affordable English schools available if you wish to strengthen your skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

All U.S. programs are managed through our dedicated platform Internships USA.

Yes, you can apply for the Intern Program if you are currently enrolled in a university or have graduated within the last 12 months.

Yes, an intermediate English level (B1) is required for these programs.

The maximum duration is 12 months, plus a 30-day grace period for travel.

Some employers provide housing or assist with finding affordable accommodation. If not, we help you find housing options.

The pay ranges from $10 to $16 per hour, with monthly stipends ranging from €1,400 to €2,500, depending on the position and company.

What Our Students Say

I had the most amazing experience working at a luxury resort in Florida. Spain Internship provided all the support I needed, from visa processing to finding housing. I gained invaluable hospitality experience, met people from around the world, and explored the U.S. on weekends. I can’t recommend this program enough!
Maria
Portugal
Thanks to them I secured a culinary internship at a top restaurant in New York City. I worked alongside professional chefs and learned so much about American cuisine. The program was well-organized, and I received help with everything, from paperwork to finding accommodation. I’m now more confident in my culinary skills and ready to start my career!
David
Spain

Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Internships in the USA

Gain hands-on experience while living and working in the USA’s vibrant tourism industry.