Want to Work in the US? Our Summer Work Visa Programs Make It Happen
Traveling to the U.S. Can Be Expensive & Complicated
Spending a summer working in the United States sounds like an exciting opportunity, but there are dozens of pitfalls. Finding a real job, understanding visa rules, and knowing who to trust are all challenging. Many people worry about choosing the wrong sponsor, arriving without support, or facing problems far from home.
There are also practical concerns. Will the job be reliable? Will housing work out? What happens if something goes wrong? When timelines are tight and rules are strict, one mistake can cost an entire summer.
With United Studies, there’s a better way.
United Studies Makes It Affordable, Safe, and Rewarding
United Studies removes the guesswork by guiding each step with experience and care. We help participants understand their options, secure the right placement, and feel supported before arrival and throughout the program. Our focus is not just on working in the U.S., but on creating a safe, rewarding experience that combines work, travel, and cultural exchange.
For over 40 years we’ve helped international exchange visitors fulfill their dreams of working and traveling in the U.S.. Our thousands of successful placements are proof you can come to the United States on a work visa and have an immersive and rewarding experience.
Work and Travel Abroad Program Overview
The United Studies Summer Work and Travel Program allows international students and recent graduates to work legally in the United States during their summer break. Participants gain real work experience, earn income, improve English skills, and experience daily American life.
Jobs are typically located in tourism focused areas, such as resorts, theme parks, beaches, lakes, and other seasonal destinations. These roles support industries that experience high demand during peak travel seasons.
The program is designed for adults who want more than a job. It offers a cultural exchange experience that combines work, independence, and travel in a structured and supported way.
How the Summer Work and Travel Program Works
We believe participants should always know what to expect. Our process is simple, guided, and predictable.
Step 1: Apply
Participants start by sharing their background, availability, and work preferences. This helps ensure the right match.
Step 2: Visa and Job Placement
United Studies works with employers to place participants in approved seasonal jobs. We also guide visa applications and program processes clearly.
Step 3: Arrival & Immersion
Once in the United States, students settle into their new home, start work, and begin experiencing daily American life.
Step 4: Ongoing Support
Support does not stop after arrival. United Studies and local coordinators remain involved to help with questions, challenges, and adjustments along the way.
Step 5: Travel in the U.S.
Our work abroad program has extra time built in after the work period so you can travel and enjoy the United States as a tourist.
Work Abroad Program Requirements
The Summer Work and Travel Program is designed for responsible adults who are ready to live and work independently. Typical requirements include:
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Being 18 years or older
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Enrolled in college or a recent high school or college graduate, depending on country rules
- Sufficiently proficient in English to thrive in an English-speaking work environment
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Ability to work full time during the program period
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Willingness to follow U.S. workplace and program rules
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Openness to cultural exchange and new environments
These requirements help ensure a safe and successful experience for everyone involved.
Summer Work and Travel Exchange Program Costs & Fees
Summer Work and Travel Exchange Visitors will have upfront costs that include a program fee, Embassy fees, and the cost of travel. You should have at least $1,000 when you arrive to the U.S. to cover your first few weeks of housing, food, entertainment, and other necessities. However, an Exchange Visitor can generally expect their 1st paycheck within 1 to 2 weeks of starting their job to help cover your living costs after you have arrived.
Program Fees
Program Fees are paid to your home country agency. In general, you are not charged any fees by United Studies, unless you request an extension or services above your normal program dates and activities.
Living Expenses and Budgeting
Summer Work and Travel Exchange Visitors live and travel independently while on program. Depending on your work placement, your housing and transportation can be very different, as can the cost of those arrangements. Planning a weekly budget of your expenses for housing, meals, transportation, and entertainment is important. We will help you do that!
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Our Cancellation & Refund Policy attempts to protect both our Exchange Visitors and United Studies.
$100-If your home country agency sends us your application and you withdraw, the program is cancelled, or United Studies is unable to complete your program, $100 of your program fee will be held by United Studies.
$250-If United Studies has accepted your application and applied for your Form DS-2019 with the U.S. Department of State, and you withdraw, are not approved for your Visa, the program is cancelled, or United Studies is unable to complete your program, $250 of your program fee will be held by United Studies.
Extension Fees
An Exchange Visitor may request to extend their program dates to those that are approved by the U.S. Department of State. However, this may require an extension of health insurance, which is billable to the Exchange Visitor.
In rare cases that an Exchange Visitor cannot return to their home country because of travel and governmental interruptions, the U.S. State Department may offer an exception to extend program dates beyond the normal published dates. In this case, the U.S. Department of State will require an Exchange Visitor pay a $367.00 fee to process the request to extend.
Invalid Status
If an Exchange Visitor fails to complete an Arrival Check-In within 10 days, their status with SEVIS will go to Invalid. The Exchange Visitor will be responsible for the fee of $367.00 issued by the U.S. Department of State to be considered for reinstatement pending approval and an additional $250 administrative fee to United Studies for handling the documentation.
Build Your Skills and Confidence with Cultural Exchange
Working in the United States is more than earning money. Participants gain independence, workplace skills, and a deeper understanding of American culture. They meet people from around the world, build confidence, and return home with real experience and lasting memories.
With United Studies, participants are supported from planning through departure, so they can focus on learning, working, and making the most of their summer.
Ready to work and travel in the U.S.?
Start your summer journey with guidance you can trust.
U.S. Work & Travel Visa Program
Frequently Asked Questions
It all starts with submitting your application! We have international work abroad partners in Europe, South America, and Asia. Once your cultural exchange application with us is approved, we will connect you with one of our partners to begin your journey.
An Exchange Visitor can expect to make the same wages as their American counterparts. Wages depend on the negotiated amount with the employer and can be no lower than that State’s minimum wage.
Some jobs, such as a server/ waitress/ waiter, include tips (sometimes called gratuities).
Summer camp positions are usually paid in full at the end of the summer session but include housing and meals as a part of the paid benefits.
As part of your application and placement process, United Studies will assist you in securing housing for your stay. You may rent an apartment or house, or share a living space with other cultural exchange participants. Some jobs will provide housing as part of the working arrangements.
Exchange Visitors in the Summer Work and Travel program must have vetted and approved employment before coming to the U.S. Exchange Visitors in the Summer Work and Travel program work in entry level jobs that vary widely in location and task. Examples of Summer Work and Travel jobs include summer camp kitchen and maintenance, resort housekeeping and serving, restaurant cooking and dishwashing.
Exchange Visitors looking for a second job that does not interfere with the hours at the primary job, must have the employer vetted by United Studies before starting work.
The Department of State limits what jobs can be performed by Exchange Visitors and United Studies reserves the right to deny any job that does not comply with our policies.
Exchange Visitors found working at a position not approved by United Studies is grounds for dismissal from the program.
Exploring, sightseeing, and participating in American communities with new friends will help Exchange Visitors make the most of their Summer Work and Travel experience. Cultural experiences in the U.S. stretch from the easiest of visits to a big box store (Walmart, etc.), baseball games and barbecues to grand sightseeing trips to see New York City, the Grand Canyon, or the very town you are living in for the summer.
The Form DS-2019 is a U.S. Department of State document prepared and signed by your U.S. Sponsor (in this case, United Studies is your Sponsor).
The Form DS-2019 is then reviewed by the Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy and is the official governmental approval for an Exchange Visitor to be considered for a Visa.
An Exchange Visitor must keep their Form DS-2019 with them during travel to the U.S. and in a safe place from then on.
There are times that an Exchange Visitor misplaces their Form DS-2019 or their Passport. Both can be replaced. United Studies can provide an Exchange Visitor with a replacement Form DS-2019.
An Exchange Visitor that has a lost or has an expired Passport will need to arrange an appointment with their home country embassy that is closest to their locale here in the U.S.
Fees may apply for document replacement.
The U.S. Department of State determines a set of dates that an Exchange Visitor can be in the U.S. working for an employer. Those dates are firm and cannot be negotiated. However, if the employer requests to extend the Exchange Visitor’s job until the last approved date determined by the U.S. Department of State, United Studies will consider the request and likely, sign an approval.
An Exchange Visitor cannot work beyond the approved program dates set by the U.S. Department of State.
Exchange Visitors should not expect to travel on a Passport that will expire 6 months from the date of arrival to the U.S.
In the case that an Exchange Visitor cannot come on program due to a pandemic (travel interruptions, governmental proclamations, employer cancellations), United Studies will follow the published cancellation/withdrawal policy.
In the case that an Exchange Visitor is already on program while a pandemic occurs, United Studies will work with the home country agency, the home country embassy, and the host employer to determine the best care and repatriation options per Exchange Visitor.
In the case that an Exchange Visitor must cancel or withdraw from the Summer Work and Travel program before their arrival into the U.S., the Exchange Visitor would need to visit the program agreement with their home country agency to determine their refund eligibility.
Our Cancellation & Refund Policy attempts to protect both our Exchange Visitors and United Studies.
$100-If your home country agency sends us your application and you withdraw, the program is cancelled, or United Studies is unable to complete your program, $100 of your program fee will be held by United Studies.
$250-If United Studies has accepted your application and applied for your Form DS-2019 with the U.S. Department of State, and you withdraw, are not approved for your Visa, the program is cancelled, or United Studies is unable to complete your program, $250 of your program fee will be held by United Studies.
The United Studies Summer Work and Travel team manages and vets your application, employers, job offers, and housing. This administrative work is covered by charging the above fees.
If an Exchange Visitor cancels or withdraws after they arrive in the U.S., the Exchange Visitor is not eligible for a refund of any program fees from United Studies.
Exchange Visitors are covered by health insurance during their SWT program dates. Program dates are from the start date to the end date listed on an Exchange Visitor’s Form DS-2019.
General illness, emergencies, and Covid-19 are covered by the United Studies selected health insurance. Preventative Covid-19 testing is not covered.
United Studies strongly encourages an Exchange Visitor to purchase insurance to cover the dates that they will remain in the U.S. during their Grace Period.
Each Exchange Visitor is eligible for up to a 30-day Grace Period at the end of their program dates to travel and explore the U.S. However, an Exchange Visitor is expected to return in time to begin university coursework.
Each Exchange Visitor has a Sponsor in the U.S. that works with your international partner to prepare your documents and is your contact while you are in the U.S. A Sponsor prepares your DS-2019, validates you in SEVIS, and reviews your monthly check-ins.
United Studies is a U.S. Sponsor.
Explore Our International Exchange Programs
Ready to explore the U.S. as an exchange visitor? We have work and study abroad programs that fit every international exchange student’s dreams. Learn more about our complete culture and language immersion programs in the United States:
U.S. High School Immersion
Want to experience American high school? This immersive program is built around learning, family life, and culture.
U.S. Homestay Program
Our homestay programs help you live like a local and build language immersion through daily life. Lengths vary to fit your desired exchange timeline.
Summer Camp Program
Join a U.S. summer camp as a counselor or staff member for a fun, skill-building cultural immersion experience you won’t forget!
Work and Travel Program
Want to explore the U.S. but can’t just go on vacation? Our work and travel program let’s you grow your finances and travel the nation.
Stories From Our Student Summer Work Programs
Students, host families, coordinators, and employers all rave about our education and cultural exchange programs. Read about it from our friends, communities, and successful placements: