Summer Work Travel USA

Work Exchange USA - a BridgeUSA J1 Visa Programme

Make next Summer one to Remember

Exclusively for University students*, the Summer Work and Travel Programme offers you the chance to live and work in the US over the summer holiday - making new friends, learning new skills and exploring all the US has to offer!

*Final year students are eligible!

As long as you're a full time university level student , you're eligible!

There are some details we want you to know and understand though, so take a minute to look at the info here before you start the process!

  • In order to apply, you must be:

    • ‍Be a full-time, classroom-based student enrolled in and actively pursuing a degree or other course of study at an accredited, post-secondary educational institution outside the United States.

    • Possess a sufficient level of English to successfully interact in an English-speaking environment.

    • Your course must be at least 2 years in duration

    • You must not have a criminal record of any type

    • Please note: We are unable to accept applications from “gap year” students - ie: those who have completed A levels are are planning on going to university.

  • You're allowed to work for a maximum 4 months between June 1st and September 30th.

    You can arrive up to a maximum 5 days before your job starts and remain for a maximum 30 days after it ends - as long as your return home date doesn't interfere with the start of your university term in the autumn.

  • Jobs are allowed in tourism and hospitality only.

    This might be in a resort or hotel, restaurant or beach club.

    If you position is outside of this and directly related to your field of study at university you may be eligible for our J1 Intern Programme

    You can see guidance on eligible jobs (and jobs we can’t accept) here

  • In order to enter the USA on a J1 Visa Programme you must have a passport that is valid for AT LEAST 3 months AFTER the end date of your internship or traineeship.

    Please make sure your passport meets these requirements. If not your application will be subject to delays as your legal paperwork (the DS-2019) can NOT be issued without a passport that meets these criteria.

  • Once your job has been verified and your application submitted to the teams in the USA, it normally takes 2-3 weeks for your paperwork to be approved and downloadable from your online account.

    After that you'll need to book your interview at the US Embassy - wait times for these get longer the closer you get to the summer so get your application in EARLY!

    See Embassy Interviews for more information (will open in a new tab)

2025 Programme Fee*

£749

Your programme fees cover the following:

  • Medical and liability insurance for the duration of your time in the USA

  • Your SEVIS Fee

  • Processing of all documentation and release to you of the DS-2019 Certificate (this is needed in order to book and attend a face to face interview at the US Embassy)

  • 24/7 support from a dedicated CIEE team during your time in the USA

  • Pre-Departure online Orientation

How much could you earn over the summer break?

On a wage of $15/ hour at 40 hours/ week, you can expect to earn over $8400 dollars over a 14 week period.
*If you’re in a tipped position, this can go up significantly!

Self-Placed £749

Includes Insurance and SEVIS Fee

  • Online Application and fast turnaround of legal documentation
  • Full Sponsorship for your time in the USA
  • Medical Insurance included
  • SEVIS Fee Included

Job Plan £1059

Includes Insurance and SEVIS Fee

  • Vetted Job Placement in the USA
  • Online Application and fast turnaround of legal documentation
  • Full Sponsorship for your time in the USA
  • Medical Insurance included
  • SEVIS Fee Included

Get your application started here

The classic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada sign at sunset with a colorful sky.

Supporting Documents you’ll need for your application

  • Work and Travel USA Fees Disclosure

    Every application need to have this signed and dated in their DOCUMENTS section

    This is a form you can complete and sign online - even on your phone or tablet.
    It will generate a PDF copy for you to download (a copy will also be emailed to you automatically).

    Please note this will open in a new tab in your browser.

    This will need to be uploaded into the DOCUMENTS section of your online application

    Open Fees Disclosure

  • Proof of Student Status

    You will need to give this document to your university to sign and stamp.

    This will need to be uploaded into the EDUCATION section of your online application

    Download here

  • Proof of English Language Ability

    Non UK or Irish passport holders only.

    Any member of staff at your university can complete and sign this for you

    *As you are at a UK university this does not need to be an English teacher!

    Download here
Already have your BEACON account? Log in here
  • Three people paddleboarding and kayaking on a calm river surrounded by lush green trees on a sunny day.

    Why Work and Travel USA?

    Summer jobs in the US benefit international students beyond earning money. They foster cultural exchange and enhance communication skills. Students gain real-world experience, strengthen their resumes, and explore new career options.

  • A lifeguard station on a beach with two people in inflatable rings, looking out over the ocean and sandy shoreline with beachgoers.

    Up to 4 months living and working in the USA

    With up to 30 days travel time at the end

  • Group of six friends outdoors celebrating and posing with arms outstretched on a grassy hillside with mountains and blue sky in the background.

    Time to learn and earn

    It’s not just a summer job - it’s an opportunity to see a new country, a new culture and really get to know the USA

  • A man standing on the Brooklyn Bridge with his arms raised, smiling, amidst other pedestrians walking on the bridge.

    Medical insurance is included

    We’ve got you covered the whole time you’re in the USA

  • A woman in an orange shirt and black shorts standing on a wooden platform near a water slide at an amusement park. The water slide is behind her, with a sign that reads 'WHITEWATER', and a blue tube slide with a few people riding down. Palm trees and a partly cloudy sky are visible in the background.

    Meet the world

    Summer brings students from across the world to the USA, so you’ll meet people from different countries and cultures

Cancellation and Refund Policy

There is a sliding scale of non-refundable charges based on the time you cancel your application and how far along in the process you are.

Please read these carefully to avoid confusion at a later date.

After application completed and submitted to CIEE: We will refund your programme fees minus £250

After application approved and legal documentation (DS-2019 Certificate) generated: We will refund your programme fees minus £450

Cancellation after approval of visa at the US Embassy: No refund

Cancellation after listed Program Start date: No refund

Cancellation or withdrawal from the programme for any reason after your arrival in the United States: No refund

Denial of Sponsorship by CIEE: We will refund your programme fees minus £200

If your visa is denied at the US Embassy: We will refund your programme fees minus £350

Any cancellation or delay as a result of decisions made by governments (either those of the United States or those of the participant’s home country) are beyond the control of either IST Plus or CIEE. In cases such as these, refunds will remain as listed above.

Looking for an Internship?

Check out our Placement Plus Programme.

Placement Plus