Work and Travel USA
Discover America through the best summer experience!
Are you a full-time student? Spend your summer vacations earning $$ and exploring American culture with a pre-arranged job from us!
Work and Travel USA
About the Work and Travel USA Program
If you are a full-time student, this J-1 visa allows you to work seasonally for up to four months. We’ll find you a job before departure, provide the sponsorship needed to apply for your visa, and support you throughout the entire process. This is the original summer job program in America—you can join every summer while you’re in school. It’s a cultural exchange program run by the U.S. Department of State, giving students worldwide the chance to experience American culture through work, fun, travel, and lifelong friendships. The program runs during the university summer vacation.
Work and Travel USA
Why work in the United States over the summer?
Ordinary jobs in extraordinary places—spend your summer living and working where tourists pay to go, with a job lasting nearly four months in the USA. Earn money, boost your resume, and explore America.
Unique locations
Our employers in the USA hire summer staff for a good reason—they’re based in some of the most popular tourist destinations in America. From the Rocky Mountains to the cliffs of Cape Cod, you’ll earn money while enjoying some of the most scenic spots in the USA.
Work experience
A cultural exchange visa looks great on your resume, showing future employers that you’re motivated, independent, and globally minded. You’ll gain confidence, independence, maturity, communication skills, and lifelong abilities that will broaden your horizons and help your future career.
A funded summer
Depending on your job and how often you visit In-N-Out Burger, you should earn enough to cover your summer expenses and still save money. Many of our USA employers also provide free or discounted housing for employees—a bonus that helps you save money and quickly make a circle of friends.
- Be between 18–31 years old
- Be a full-time student at an accredited or provisionally authorized public or private university, even in your first or final year of study
- Have intermediate knowledge of English
- You can participate if you are a Master’s or PhD student, regardless of the year of study
- You can also have a nationality other than Romanian, as long as you study in Romania.
- Poți aplica și dacă ești cetățean român și studiezi în altă țară
- Be able to work for the full summer season of your J-1 employer, usually 8–14 weeks
- Hold a passport valid at least six months beyond the end of your stay
Work and Travel USA
Who can apply for Work and Travel USA?
You cannot independently apply for a J-1 visa—this must be done through an approved U.S. company. Together with our partners in the USA, we provide the sponsorship for this adventure!
Apply online or in person at one of our offices nationwide!
Costuri
We have two options for your departure.
We help you obtain the visa, and you find your own job and housing. If you’ve already been to America through a Work and Travel program or if you’re going for the first time and managed to secure a job through friends, the Independent package is perfect for you. To simplify your enrollment process, ask us for the job offer template that your employer needs to complete.
Placement
Student Travel connects you with the visa sponsor to find you a job that fits your requirements. With this option, your only worries are passing your exams and packing your bags for summer.
*Promotional prices are valid for contracts signed until October 31, 2025, while supplies last. After this period, other promotional offers may be available, but with smaller discounts.
What’s included in the program cost?
- Summer job (June–September)
- Access to online and in-person job fairs
- Medical insurance during the program
- Legal J-1 work documents (DS-2019)
- Step-by-step guide for obtaining the J-1 visa
- Preparation for the U.S. Embassy interview
- Online student account
- Pre-departure orientation with all the details
- We connect you with other students to make friends before departure
- Individual support before departure
- 24/7 assistance during your stay in the USA
What’s not included in the program cost?
- SEVIS fee of $35
- U.S. Embassy fee of $185 – paid in RON directly to the U.S. Embassy
- Pocket money – you may be asked to show proof of access to $800
- Travel insurance: medical coverage is included, but travel insurance is required for the rest of your trip by certain sponsors
- Round-trip flight ticket – we don’t recommend booking your flight until your visa is approved or at least until you have your visa interview date
Funding your American dream
Want to go to the States but your budget is tight? Don’t worry—there’s the Work and Travel Credit through Banca Transilvania, created especially for students like you! It gives you up to €3,500, which you can use for the program, airfare, and even pocket money. Basically, you live your American dream, and the financial side won’t kill the vibe.
Why is it worth it?
- You get the money right when you need it, starting from enrollment.
- You can cover EVERYTHING: program, fees, flights + extra cash (15%).
- 6 months with no installments and no interest.
- Up to 24 months to repay.
- Zero file commission.
How do you apply?
- You sign up for Work and Travel with Student Travel.
- You receive the documents from the Student Travel office.
- You go to BT with them + your guarantor’s documents, and that’s it!
You can find a job on your own or with our help.
You can work anywhere in the USA, as long as the job is verified and approved by the program sponsor. Before job hunting, prepare your resume. Don’t forget to include all your work experience, even if it wasn’t official—everything counts (internships, babysitting, volunteering). This way you can convince employers that you’re responsible.
Independent
This option gives you the chance to find a job on your own through contacts, the internet, or friends. After signing a contract with your American employer, we’ll send it to the visa sponsor for verification.
Placement through Student Travel
Jobs provided through the Work and Travel program are located in tourist areas worth visiting: Cape Cod, Myrtle Beach, Long Island, New York, Ocean City, Boston, Vail, and San Diego. So, it’s clear that wherever you work, you’ll be living in some of the most spectacular or iconic places in America. Think Atlantic coast resorts, lakeside country clubs, and legendary cities.
Whatever role you take, it’s seasonal, so no qualifications or prior experience are required. These employers offer competitive wages and affordable housing.
Our recommendation: pick a job in a place you might not have thought to visit, and save your bucket list destinations for the road trip at the end of summer.
How does the hiring process work?
You’ll have access to our platform, where our team searches, verifies, and posts hundreds of summer jobs in the USA every year. We also organize virtual recruitment days, where American employers hire for multiple positions within 1–2 days. Interviews are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
When should you apply?
Starting as early as October, you can search, apply, and attend video interviews through our platform, as well as in person at one of our job fairs. The hiring and visa process can take up to three months, so we recommend applying for Work and Travel USA as early as possible to secure your job and preferred location.
How much will you earn?
All jobs pay at least the minimum wage in the respective state, and depending on the position, earnings range between $13 and $19.50/hour—often plus tips. Many employers also provide free or subsidized housing (usually between $50 and $125/week) and extra perks such as staff meals or end-of-contract bonuses.
Work and Travel USA
What kind of jobs can I get?
Designed for short-term work to support the busy U.S. summer season, jobs are usually in hospitality, tourism, and retail: country clubs, hotels, amusement parks, and restaurants, with roles such as lifeguard, waiter, housekeeper, bartender, maintenance worker, sales assistant, and many more.
If you’re looking for that authentic American summer experience, focus on beach or mountain resorts and country clubs. They usually hire lots of staff, making them perfect for both solo travelers and groups of friends, and housing is typically provided.
You must have a confirmed job before departure, work a minimum of 32 hours per week, and contracts usually run from June until the end of September.
Hot Jobs
The coolest summer jobs? You’ll find them here
Not all jobs are the same. Some come with dreamlike scenery, others with big tips or a festival vibe. We’ve selected for you the most popular, in-demand, and best-paid jobs from Work and Travel USA. Are you in?
Mount Washington Cruises
- 5 jobs available
- $15 + tips
- New Hampshire
- 2026-06-15
Xanterra Yellowstone National Park
- 10 jobs available
- $15.45
- Wyoming
- 2026-06-16
Fair Hills Resort And Wildflower Golf Course
- 5 jobs
- $11.5
- Minnesota
- 2026-06-15
Viza USA
Visa application and job placement
Depending on how quickly you apply, the hiring and visa process can take between 1 and 3 months. Usually, registrations for Work and Travel USA close in March/April for June departures—or even earlier if the J-1 visa allocation runs out. That’s why it’s so important to apply early, especially if you want to work in popular summer destinations where spots can disappear in just minutes!
Collaboration
Go next summer almost for free!
We know the most authentic voices come from our community. Whether you want to join as an ambassador, experience tester, or occasional contributor for blogs, vlogs, or photos, you can earn extra money along the way with a little content side hustle. It’s a way to monetize your creativity online while sharing with others what life really looks like through Student Travel programs.
Work and Travel USA
Countdown to summer
Apply and schedule your interview
1 day
Attend the interview + finalize your application
1-7 days
Apply + join job interviews
14+ days
Job approval + sponsorship documents
14-21 days
Attend your interview at the US Embassy
7-21 days
Book your flights + attend pre-departure orientation
1-7 days
Work and Travel USA
Got questions? We’ve got answers
What is the J-1 Summer Work & Travel cultural exchange program?
The “Summer Work and Travel” program gives international university students the opportunity to work and travel in the United States during their summer vacation.
What is an American sponsor?
A J-1 American sponsor is designated by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State. The sponsor issues all DS-2019 Work Authorization Documents for J-1 participants coming through Student Travel. US sponsors are best placed to provide the highest level of support services to all Student Travel participants once they arrive in the USA.
What is SEVIS?
SEVIS is a computerized system used by the US Department of Homeland Security to collect, maintain, and manage information about foreign students and exchange visitors during their stay in the USA. All J-1 participants must register in SEVIS within the first 10 days after their program start date (as shown on the DS-2019 form, box 3). Failure to register within this period may have serious consequences. Please refer to the Orientation document for more details about SEVIS registration.
What is a DS-2019 form?
DS-2019 is the official document that allows participants to legally work during the J-1 Summer Work and Travel program. It is issued by the American sponsor on behalf of the US government. It is valid for employment only if accompanied by the J-1 visa stamped in your passport by the US Embassy in Romania.
The DS-2019 will state the exact period each J-1 participant is authorized to work in the USA (for example, June 15 through September 30). The latest date participants can work in the USA is September 30. Participants cannot work after the end date shown on the DS-2019 (September 30), but may remain in the USA for an additional 30 days as tourists. These 30 days are exclusively for traveling within the continental United States!
When can I apply?
The J1 Summer Work and Travel USA program will open for applications through the dedicated Student Travel website starting in September. The first step we recommend is to apply for a valid passport if yours will expire soon.
Am I eligible if I’m in my final year?
Yes. Final-year students can apply, as long as they can prove that they intend to return to Romania after completing their studies.
How long does the Summer Work & Travel program last?
The “Summer Work and Travel” program has a maximum duration of four (4) months. Participants may only work during the period indicated on their DS-2019 form. Extensions beyond the 4-month maximum are not allowed.
When can I join a Summer Work & Travel program?
Foreign citizens who are full-time students at a college or university in their home country may participate only during their official university summer vacation: Romanian students, between June 15 – September 30, plus 30 days of travel.
What are examples of higher education institutions?
Universities, colleges, technical institutes, and other accredited academic institutions (www.edu.ro)
How do sponsors evaluate and approve participants?
Sponsors work with their international partner network to select and accept applicants and to arrange personal interviews. These procedures help determine your qualifications, background, needs, and experience for job placement, and confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria below:
Student status
Eligible participants must be bona fide higher education students actively pursuing a degree program or full-time course of study at an accredited institution (such as a university). Students must be enrolled at an accredited institution and registered full-time in the semester immediately before the summer they plan to participate in the Work & Travel program.
English language skills
Prospective exchange visitors must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to participate in the Summer Work and Travel program.
How many times can I join the J1 Summer Work & Travel program?
What types of jobs are available?
Jobs are seasonal, entry-level positions such as retail, wait staff, housekeeping, recreation, maintenance, amusement parks, and national parks.
How can I secure a summer job before departure?
You can take advantage of the hundreds of job interviews that Student Travel organizes for you throughout the season as part of the placement program, or you can find your own job independently. If you choose the independent route, reaching out to family, friends, and past J1 participants is an excellent way to make connections. Make sure to update your resume to the American style and start applying as early as possible.
What is the USA Sponsor Orientation?
The orientation is a mandatory requirement of the program, established by the U.S. Department of State.
All participants must complete the online sponsor orientation before departure with the J1 visa. This is a government requirement for the program. The orientation is extremely beneficial because it provides information on how to apply for a Social Security Number, SEVIS registration, details about the monthly monitoring survey, registering your summer job in SEVIS/U.S. Sponsor, and more. Failure to complete the orientation before departure will result in cancellation from the program. In such cases, full cancellation fees will apply.
The orientation will be sent by email directly to all students before departure.
What information is included in the orientation session?
The exchange visitor orientation should include, but is not limited to, the following details:
- Life and customs in the United States
- Local community resources (e.g., public transportation, medical centers, schools, libraries, recreation centers, and banks), as available
- Available medical assistance, emergency services, and insurance coverage
- A description of the program in which the exchange visitor is participating
- Rules that exchange visitors are required to follow
- The sponsor’s 24/7 emergency address and phone number
- The address and phone number of the Office of Exchange Visitor Program, U.S. Department of State, and a copy of the Exchange Visitor Program brochure outlining relevant regulations for exchange visitors
Do I need to show Proof of Funds upon entry to the USA?
Yes. USA Immigration Officers require all J-1 program participants to have a certain amount of money available when entering the USA. For a pre-arranged summer job, you must have a completed job offer form issued by your U.S. sponsor and a minimum of $800 upon arrival. You must be able to show proof of these funds to the U.S. Immigration Officer.
This proof may be in the form of cash, credit or debit card statements, or bank account statements. However, since a bank account could be closed after a statement has been issued, you may be asked to log in to your online banking so that the CBP officer can verify your account balance and deposit method directly.
Can I work past the program end date if I enter the United States after the start date printed on my DS-2019 form?
No. The sponsor may make a minor adjustment to the DS-2019 start and/or end dates to reflect your actual arrival date (for example, shifting both start and end dates two days earlier or one day later) only if those dates align with your university’s official summer break in your home country and only if the total adjusted period does not exceed four (4) months. Some countries require students to return home and to school by a certain date. Exceeding that date may jeopardize a student’s immigration status and/or the chance to return to the USA as a tourist, with another visa, or to repeat the program as a J-1 SWT student. Check with your SPONSOR to confirm whether any mandatory return date applies to you.
What is the 30-day grace period?
USA Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants J-1 participants a 30-day travel period immediately after successfully completing the work portion of the SWT program. This is called the “grace period.” It allows participants to travel within the USA and/or prepare to depart the United States. It must not be used for any other purpose (including working, or leaving the USA and attempting to re-enter during this grace period).
This grace period must NOT be included between the program start and end dates shown on your DS-2019.
During the grace period, you should not expect to leave the USA and then return using your J-1 Summer Work and Travel visa, because that visa expires on the “end date” shown on the DS-2019. For this reason, participants who wish to travel outside the USA during the grace period (e.g., to Canada or Mexico) should do so only at the very end of the grace period and only if they have outbound flights scheduled from outside the USA directly home (not transiting the USA on the way home).
Can I be placed with my friend/partner?
It depends on the host company and the specific situation. Usually it’s allowed, but please understand the Summer Work and Travel Program agreement is with the host company, not with your friend/partner.
What if I don’t like my job?
Contact us immediately to discuss. Students may change jobs only with prior sponsor approval. Students who violate this rule will face immediate program termination (per the Department of State’s new regulation).
Can I work for or transfer to any host company whenever I want?
No. You may work only for a host company that your WAT USA sponsor has officially vetted and authorized. You cannot transfer to or start with a new host company other than the original one without prior sponsor permission (this is also a Department of State regulation).
What happens if I’m fired from my job?
If you lose your job, tell us immediately! The sponsor handles such cases individually. Failure to report termination and other significant events may result in termination of your program.
I want to travel outside the United States during my program. Is that allowed?
You cannot travel outside the USA during the 30-day grace period and expect to re-enter the USA during that period. However, if you plan international travel—even somewhere close like Canada or Mexico—you may do so only while your J-1 visa is valid, and you must follow these steps first:
- Before planning travel outside the United States, obtain written permission from your employer if you will miss work.
- Check with the embassy/consulate of the country you plan to visit, as well as your home country, to confirm any additional visas you might need to travel to or through any country on your route. Include any countries where you might make a short stop just to change planes or refuel.
- Contact your sponsor to notify them at least three (3) weeks before your departure date.
- After your sponsor approves the travel and well before departure, you must send your DS-2019 to the sponsor to obtain the signed “travel authorization.” The sponsor will return the signed form as quickly as possible. We suggest sending your document by express courier (UPS, FedEx, or DHL) for safety and speed. You must send the DS-2019 along with a prepaid, self-addressed express courier envelope (UPS, FedEx, or DHL). Otherwise, we will return it via regular USA postal mail.
- Always protect and do not lose your DS-2019 while traveling to/from the USA. Replacing it is costly, and if lost you may be refused re-entry to the USA.
Can I get a second job?
Usually. However, you must obtain sponsor approval first. Poor performance or attitude, inappropriate behavior, and any negative impact a second job may have on your primary job will affect the sponsor’s decision.
Can I change my summer job while I’m in the USA?
If a participant wishes to leave their employer, they must contact the USA sponsor for approval and work a notice period of at least 2 weeks before finishing with the current employer.
Can I have more than one job?
Yes. You may have as many as you like, provided all of them meet program requirements and are approved by the American sponsor.
How much can I earn?
It depends on you. The more hours you work—and the more jobs you have—the more you can earn to help pay back your student loan after you return! However, participants paid “wages only” must be paid at least the federal minimum wage. Participants paid “wage plus tips” will receive a lower base wage.
How does the employer handle pay and benefits?
The sponsor ensures Summer Work/Travel students receive appropriate compensation and are covered by mandatory workers’ compensation insurance at their workplace. Host employers must compensate participants fairly and “must provide participants with wages and benefits commensurate with those offered to their USA counterparts.” The sponsor must also inform participants about federal minimum wage requirements. For the latest and most accurate information on federal minimum wage requirements, please see https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage/state.
How do I apply for a Social Security card?
All first-time applicants must apply for a Social Security card. You are exempt only if you obtained a Social Security Number in the past through a previous USA visa—in that case, you may use the same card/number again.
If you’ve never applied before, locate the nearest Social Security office. Try to avoid peak hours; we recommend going early in the morning to avoid long lines. Bring:
- The “Dear Social Security Officer” letter
- DS-2019
- Your passport with the J-1 visa inside
Always ask the Social Security officer for a receipt confirming your application. This helps you prove to potential USA employers that you applied for an SSN.
Please note: once you have applied for a Social Security card, it is legal for your USA employer to pay you.
Are Summer Work & Travel participants required to have medical insurance?
Yes. All exchange visitors and their dependents, regardless of program category, must have medical insurance that meets or exceeds USA Department of State requirements for the entire duration of their stay in the USA under the program. We require each participant to maintain insurance covering illness or accident for the entire time you participate in our program.
Minimum coverage must include:
- Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500
- Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to their home country in the amount of $10,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
The insurance policy/plan/contract used to meet the above requirements must also satisfy other standards specified in the Exchange Visitor Program regulations.
Exchange visitors and/or their spouse/dependents who willfully fail to maintain the required insurance during participation in Exchange Visitor Programs, or who make false statements to the sponsor regarding such insurance, are deemed to be in violation of the regulations. Such a violation will result in immediate termination of the participant’s program. We must also end a participant’s program if they or an accompanying spouse/dependent fail to remain compliant with the insurance coverage regulations. Termination will result in your early departure from the USA and potential immigration consequences.
Are summer work programs monitored?
Yes. We will contact you at least monthly to check in and see how you are doing. If you do not respond to our repeated attempts to check in and/or communicate with you, we are required to terminate your program. The sponsor is required to ensure that your activities are consistent with the cultural and other intents of the program. We greatly care about you, and monitor the progress and welfare of all our participants, additionally updating your current address and telephone numbers.
Furthermore, we provide all participants with 24-hour emergency assistance that connects to a live sponsor representative.
The insurance policy, plan, or contract that is secured to fulfill the above requirements must meet other standards specified in the Exchange Visitor Program regulations.
Exchange visitors who willfully fail to maintain the insurance coverage set forth in the regulations while participating in exchange visitor programs, or who make material misrepresentations to the sponsor regarding such coverage, are deemed to be in violation of the regulations. Such a violation of program rules shall result in that participant’s immediate program termination. Program termination will result in your early departure from the U.S.A. and potential immigration consequences.
How can I contact the Department of State?
- For emergencies only, call the Department of State emergency line: 1-866-283-9090.
- For all other issues, please email: jvisas@state.gov.
Before returning to Romania, is there anything I need to do regarding my summer job in the USA and/or taxes?
To avoid any issues with your employer, follow these basic steps before you leave your job:
- Ask for your final pay stub and the last paycheck you’re owed BEFORE you leave.
- If your employer provided housing as part of your employment, ask them to return your security deposit BEFORE you leave.
- Agree with your employer on the date you should expect your final paycheck and how you’ll receive it (money transfer, bank transfer, etc.).
- Keep your employer’s contact details in case any issues arise and you need to reach them after you leave the USA.
- Leave your employer a mailing address where you can receive correspondence. Your employer will send you, at year’s end, the forms needed to file your tax returns.
How can I change my return flight date?
Email our ticketing department and they’ll help: zbor@studenttravel.ro.
Work and Travel USA
It’s your turn to live an epic summer.
You’ve got the details, you’ve seen the jobs, you know how it works. What’s missing? Just your application. Don’t let this summer pass you by. Work and Travel USA is the kind of experience you’ll never forget — and maybe even the change you’ve been waiting for.