1) How long do I have to stay in the USA?

Your legal stay consists of 4 working months and one month for traveling throughout the USA.

2. In what city should I look for a job?

You should have in mind that you will have much more expenses in the bigger cities, regarding the transport, the housing, etc. Small resort towns are quite charming and they are full of opportunities as well.
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3. What kind of job should I look for?

You shouldn’t direct your attention to job related to your major. The Work and Travel Program doesn’t have the purpose of developing your university skills. You should regard it as an opportunity to spend some time in a completely different social environment, to meet interesting people, to feel the American way of life.


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4.What positions am I allowed to occupy?

The job that you need to look for is basically related to the sphere of tourism. Considering that you will work 4 months you have to direct your attention towards seasonal jobs.

The most frequent positions:

• Bartender – barman
• Bellman – in big hotels
• Busser – assistant –waiter, who cleans up tables after the customers have left
• Cashier – in supermarkets, big food stores, shops, fast food restaurants, etc.
• Customer Service – different positions in stores, supermarkets, fast food restaurants, etc.
• Dish Washer
• Front Desk Clerk – administrator /receptionist/ in a motel or a hotel
• Host/Hostess – an employee, who receives and seats the guests of restaurants and cafes
• Housekeeper – an employee who cleans motel/hotel rooms
• Landscaper – this position involves trimming, looking after gardens
• Lifeguard – an employee, who works at swimming polls and look after people’s safety
• Park Attendant – includes different position in amusement parks
• Ride Operator – includes different positions in amusement parks, employees operating different rides, e.g. roller coasters, selling tickets, food beverages, etc.
• Sales Assistant – shop assistant in a shop selling clothes, cosmetics, toys, etc.
• Waiter/Waitress – serving food, drinks in cafes or restaurants.

You are not allowed to work the following jobs: baby-sitting, jobs related to medical care, jobs on the board of a ship or a plane, language instructor, etc.

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5. What payment should I expect?

Minimum wage is $5.15 per hour. This wage changes according to the different state laws. However, some positions (like servers and bussers) pay less than this, because you will be making most of your money from tips.
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6. How many hours will I work?

The job offer which you will sign together with your employer may include from 30 to 40 hours per week (sometimes even above 40 hours, considered as overtime). You have the legal right to start a second job if you want to.
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7. Will I be provided with housing?

In most cases your employer provides you with housing, which is specified in the job offer. if you don’t have any housing you may look for assistance from agencies specialized in this sphere or your employer might help you in finding an appropriate housing. The price of the rent depends on the living conditions as well as on the location of your employment.
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8. What is DS 2019?

This is the official document issued by the Department of State which gives you the legal right to work in the USA.
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9. What is Social Security Card?

Upon arrival to the USA, you will need to apply for a Social Security Card as soon as possible. This is a document that gives you the legal right to work in the USA.
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10. Which taxes am I obliged to pay?

Social Security and Medicare - As a J-1 student, you are NOT required to pay Social Security or Medicare taxes.
Federal - You ARE required by law to pay Federal Taxes.
State and Local - You ARE required to pay any applicable state and local taxes
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11. What is SEVIS?

This abbreviation stands for Student Exchange Visitor Information System. This is a new government computer system that permits the Department of State to monitor your activity while you are in the United States. Information such as your entry and departure, addresses, and behavior while in the USA will be recorded in this system. Your sponsoring organization is required by law to enter your addresses, employers, and conduct into this system. For this reason, it is OBLIGATORY that you tell them EVERY TIME you have an address or employer change, and when you enter and leave the United States When you arrive in the United States, you are REQUIRED to advise CCI of your employer and housing addresses WITHIN 5 DAYS.
For more info you can go to the following web site: www.mysevis.com.
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12. What do I do if I quit my job?

If you decide to change you job you have to notify the sponsoring organization in the USA and GTCE.
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13. What do I do if I change my housing address:

If you decide to change your housing address you need to notify the sponsoring organization in the USA and GTCE.
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14. Will I have a medical insurance?

Since you are a Work and Travel Participant you are required by law to have a medical insurance for the time you will spend in the USA. This medical insurance will cover your medical expenses during your stay in the USA. In the case of an emergency or hospital admission, call the insurance company or the sponsoring organization in the USA for instructions on how to process your claim. In the event of a non-emergency where you should need to see a doctor, make an appointment and send the insurance company claim form signed by your physician to the address listed on the claim form. You will receive detailed information regarding this matter during your orientation.
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