Work and Travel USA
Spend your summer break in the USA with work experience, English practice and cultural exchange.
Work and Travel is more than a job programme. It is an official cultural exchange programme for current university students, supervised by an authorised sponsor.
Service status: InterAX does not currently offer Work & Travel application services. Discussions with authorised sponsors in the USA are ongoing. We will publish the current requirements here when the service becomes available.
The essentials in one minute
- Programme
- J-1 Summer Work Travel
- Basic requirement
- Current university enrolment
- Job
- Seasonal job verified before entry
- Document
- DS-2019 issued by the sponsor
What is Work and Travel?
Work and Travel is the J-1 Summer Work Travel programme. It allows full-time students at universities outside the USA to take temporary jobs in the USA during their summer break and participate in cultural exchange. It is not a way to work on a tourist visa.
The programme is about more than earnings. Work should give students opportunities to experience US culture and use English every day.
Who is it for?
| Student status | Full-time student at a higher education institution outside the US |
|---|---|
| Academic background | At least one semester successfully completed |
| English | Enough English to communicate at work and in everyday life |
| Job | Sponsor-verified seasonal job before entering the US |
How does the application proceed?
- Student eligibility and language assessmentCurrent enrolment, the academic calendar and English proficiency are reviewed.
- Authorised sponsor and jobAn authorised BridgeUSA sponsor confirms the programme and an eligible seasonal job.
- DS-2019 and SEVISOfficial documents are prepared after sponsor approval.
- DS-160 and visa applicationYou apply for a J-1 visa; the consular authority decides the outcome.
- Arrival in the USComplete sponsor notification, accommodation, travel and arrangements for starting work.
Work & Travel, Work & Study and Summer Work Germany compared
| Topic | Work & Travel | Work & Study | Summer Work Germany |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work permission | Summer cultural exchange and seasonal work in the US | Language study with part-time work within the permitted limits | Temporary work in Germany during the university break |
| Who is | Currently enrolled university students | Language students who meet the country and school's requirements | Eligible university students |
| Right expectation | The sponsor verifies the job before entry | Students look for their own jobs after arriving | Job matching depends on the programme structure |
| Duration | Limited to the university's summer break | Depends on the course and visa duration | Short-term, during university holidays |
Do not base your budget on expected earnings
Your starting budget needs to cover flights, sponsor fees, the visa, SEVIS, insurance, your first few weeks, a deposit and local travel. The hourly wage alone does not tell the whole story: calculate weekly hours, tax, rent and the journey to work together.
Does this programme suit your plans?
Let us check your student status, summer break, English and budget together.
See your suitable routeFrequently asked questions
What is Work and Travel?
Work and Travel is the J-1 Summer Work Travel programme. It allows university students to take temporary jobs and participate in cultural exchange in the USA during their summer break.
Who can join Work and Travel'?
You must be a full-time student at an in-person higher education institution outside the US, have completed at least one semester and speak enough English for everyday communication.
Can graduates participate?
You must be an enrolled higher education student during the application and participation periods. Check the sponsor's current rules against your graduation date.
Right expectation
As Türkiye does not participate in the Visa Waiver Program, students must have an approved job before entering the USA. The sponsor verifies the offer.
Can I take any job?
No. The job must be temporary or seasonal, allow regular contact with US residents and fall outside the prohibited job categories.
What level of English do I need?
You need enough English for everyday life, work and emergencies. The sponsor usually checks your level in an interview.
How many months does the programme last?
The programme is limited to the official university summer break in your country. Your DS-2019 states the exact start and end dates.
Can I take a second job?
Do not start work without the sponsor's prior knowledge and approval. Employment must follow programme rules and remain within the DS-2019 dates.
Will my earnings cover all my expenses?
Earnings are not guaranteed. Hours, pay, tax, accommodation, transport and living costs vary by location and job. Prepare a separate starting budget.
Who arranges accommodation?
The employer or sponsor may offer accommodation options, but this is not always provided. Check travel to work and total housing costs in writing before accepting.
What is DS-2019?
The eligibility document issued by an authorised sponsor for a J-1 visa application. It does not guarantee a visa.
What happens if my visa is refused?
Refunds depend on the sponsor's and service provider's contracts. Consular fees are generally non-refundable; read the written terms before paying.
Is Camp USA the same programme?
Camp Counselor is a separate J-1 category, with different roles, age criteria and eligibility rules from Summer Work Travel.
When should I apply?
Start months before the summer: job matching, sponsor processing and visa appointments take time. The exact timetable depends on sponsor availability.
Official sources
- BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel — eligibility, employment and sponsor rules
- BridgeUSA Sponsor Search — authorised sponsor list
- U.S. Department of State — the J-1 visa process and DS-160