Travel and Work Over Your University Summer Break! |
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Travel and work over your summer break! International Summer Work & Travel Visitors experience the U.S. for up to 4 months while earning wages to help with day-to-day expenses. The Summer Work & Travel program places you in direct contact with citizens from the U.S. and the world, allows you to plan for travel adventures big and small across the 50 States, and helps to grow your CV at a U.S. Summer Camp in an leadership position. Each year United Studies works with international agencies from around the globe. We welcome and seek out a diverse body of partners and Exchange Visitors to join us for a memorable experience. |
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So How Does It Work? |
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Travel and Work Over Your University Summer Break! |
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Travel and work over your summer break! International Summer Work & Travel Visitors experience the U.S. for up to 4 months while earning wages to help with day-to-day expenses. The Summer Work & Travel program places you in direct contact with citizens from the U.S. and the world, allows you to plan for travel adventures big and small across the 50 States, and helps to grow your CV at a U.S. Summer Camp in an leadership position. Each year United Studies works with international agencies from around the globe. We welcome and seek out a diverse body of partners and Exchange Visitors to join us for a memorable experience. |
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So How Does It Work? |
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INTERVIEW
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Who Can Participate? |
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To be eligible for the Summer Work and Travel program, applicants must meet these requirements: |
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"My favorite experience during my time in the U.S. was definitely meeting amazing people, practicing English, and visiting cities like Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and New York."
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Who Can Participate? |
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To be eligible for the Summer Work and Travel program, applicants must meet these requirements: |
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Can I Afford to Join the Summer Work and Travel Program? |
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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 $1000 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 can 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. |
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Can I Afford to Join the Summer Work and Travel Program? |
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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 $1000 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 can 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. |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
HOW MUCH CAN I EARN?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. WHAT KIND OF JOBS ARE AVAILABLE?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.CAN I GET A SECOND JOB?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. HOW CAN I FIND A SECOND JOB?Here are great links to search for a 2nd jobs: Indeed , Simply Hired, Monster, SeasonalEmployment, Coolworks, Summer Jobs, Job Monkey and SnagAJobExchange Visitors can also check local newspapers and company websites if you are interested in working for a specific corporation . WHAT CAN I DO ON MY TIME OFF?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.HOW DO I APPLY?Exchange Visitor applicants will apply for the Summer Work and Travel program through their home country agency.To apply for the Summer Work and Travel program, you will need a passport, a CV, proof of university enrollment, police background check, and a documented check-up with a medical professional. WHAT IS THE FORM DS-2019?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. WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOSE MY PASSPORT?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. CAN I STAY AND WORK LONGER?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. WHAT IF MY PASSPORT EXPIRES SOON?Exchange Visitors should not expect to travel on a Passport that will expire 6 months from the date of arrival to the U.S.
WHAT ARE YOUR COVID/VIRUS POLICIES?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. CAN I CANCEL OR WITHDRAW?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. AM I COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE?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. WHAT IS A 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.WHAT IS A U.S. SPONSOR?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. |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
HOW MUCH CAN I EARN?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. WHAT KIND OF JOBS ARE AVAILABLE?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.CAN I GET A SECOND JOB?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. HOW CAN I FIND A SECOND JOB?Here are great links to search for a 2nd jobs: Indeed , Simply Hired, Monster, SeasonalEmployment, Coolworks, Summer Jobs, Job Monkey and SnagAJobExchange Visitors can also check local newspapers and company websites if you are interested in working for a specific corporation . WHAT CAN I DO ON MY TIME OFF?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.HOW DO I APPLY?Exchange Visitor applicants will apply for the Summer Work and Travel program through their home country agency.To apply for the Summer Work and Travel program, you will need a passport, a CV, proof of university enrollment, police background check, and a documented check-up with a medical professional. WHAT IS THE FORM DS-2019?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. WHAT HAPPENS IF I LOSE MY PASSPORT?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. CAN I STAY AND WORK LONGER?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. WHAT IF MY PASSPORT EXPIRES SOON?Exchange Visitors should not expect to travel on a Passport that will expire 6 months from the date of arrival to the U.S.
WHAT ARE YOUR COVID/VIRUS POLICIES?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. CAN I CANCEL OR WITHDRAW?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. AM I COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE?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. WHAT IS A 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.WHAT IS A U.S. SPONSOR?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. |
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What To Expect! |
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The easiest way of describing US culture is acknowledging that it is a melting pot of many different traditions and individuality. The country's customs, holidays, food, and music are a fusion of many immigrant heritages that were adapted to new surroundings. Americans have a strong sense of independence and a willingness to share their own ideas, own viewpoints, and value the freedom to do it their way. There are many social and cultural activities that you can take part in during your time in the US. United Studies considers most any activity that you are involved in outside of your work hours, a cultural experience (visiting a local shop with friends, having dinner and conversation with work colleagues, going to a baseball game, etc.). And, activities vary from season to season and State by State based on availability. You can use the links below to learn about the State where you will be working or visiting and discovering exciting opportunities. |
What To Expect! |
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The easiest way of describing US culture is acknowledging that it is a melting pot of many different traditions and individuality. The country's customs, holidays, food, and music are a fusion of many immigrant heritages that were adapted to new surroundings. Americans have a strong sense of independence and a willingness to share their own ideas, own viewpoints, and value the freedom to do it their way. There are many social and cultural activities that you can take part in during your time in the US. United Studies considers most any activity that you are involved in outside of your work hours, a cultural experience (visiting a local shop with friends, having dinner and conversation with work colleagues, going to a baseball game, etc.). And, activities vary from season to season and State by State based on availability. You can use the links below to learn about the State where you will be working or visiting and discovering exciting opportunities. |
