Chefs and Servers NeededSee details

Your journey starts in Jamaica

Go further.
Grow everywhere.

International work, training and cultural exchange opportunities, guided by a Jamaican team that keeps every next step clear.

Explore programsSee how it works
Jamaica-based guidanceThoughtful preparationGlobal experience
Discover
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Placement supportKnow where you are going before departure

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Pre-departure orientationPractical guidance for a confident start

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Visa process guidanceClear document and interview preparation

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In-program supportHelp when you need it abroad

Find your pathway

One world.
Every way in.

Choose the experience that fits your current stage: student, graduate, skilled professional or cultural-care applicant.

01
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6–12 months

J1 Intern & Trainee Program Hospitality

This program is designed to allow recent graduates, and young skilled adults with 5 years of experience in the Hospitality Industry (Chefs, Servers and Front Desk Agents) to visit the United States. This visit will allow you to gain exposure to the U.S. culture and to receive hands-on experience while learning the latest industry trends and best practices from some of the most prominent hotel chains and branded Travel and tourism corporations, while earning.

Program cost$3,500 USD Program length6–12 months
Explore the program →
02
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3 months

J1 Summer Camp Program

The Camp Counselor program allows students, youth workers, teachers, nurse and other eligible candidates experienced in working with children professionally, the opportunity to work in the US as a camp counselor for up to 3 months during the US summer camp season. Camp counselors work alongside US staff members, provide additional skill sets to teach campers, and offer the benefits of a cultural exchange experience.

Program cost$750 USD Program length3 months
Explore the program →
03
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12–18 months

Business and Logistics Intern and Trainee

This program allows graduates with at least one year of experience or final-year university or college students to visit the United States, gain exposure to U.S. culture, and receive hands-on experience while learning the latest industry trends. The program also offers a self-placement option, where participants who secure their own jobs can receive assistance with placement.

Program cost$3,800 USD Program length12–18 months
Explore the program →
04
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4 months

J1 Summer Work and Travel

Must be enrolled full-time in a university/College pursuing studies at post-secondary accredited academic institutions located outside the United States. This opportunity is for you to visit the United States to share your culture and ideas through temporary work and travel opportunities.

Program cost$1,880 USDProgram length4 months
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05
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1 year

Au Pair

WHAT IS AN AU PAIR? Au Pairs are young people from around the world who join American host families, provide up to 45 hours of loving childcare per week while sharing their culture and language. Au Pairs live as members of their host families, embracing their role as a dependable caregiver.

Program cost$900 USDProgram length1 year
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06
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12 months

Agriculture

This program allows graduates with at least one year of experience or final-year university or college students to visit the United States, gain exposure to U.S. culture, and receive hands-on experience while learning the latest industry trends.

Program cost$3,800 USDProgram length12 months
Explore the program →

Program availability, fees and eligibility can change. Polaris confirms the current requirements during your assessment. Visa issuance is determined solely by the relevant government authority.

Why Polaris

Big journeys need a grounded guide.

We make international opportunities feel less overwhelming. From your first assessment to pre-departure preparation, our role is to keep your next step clear and your expectations realistic.

Meet your support team →
01

Local insight

Advice built around the realities of Jamaican applicants, not a one-size-fits-all process.

02

Prepared, not pressured

Eligibility screening, document checklists and interview preparation before key decisions.

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Experience beyond the job

We help participants understand cultural exchange, responsibilities and life abroad.

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Support that travels

Orientation and guidance connect you with the right help throughout the program.

Your application roadmap

From interested
to ready.

Every program has different requirements, but your Polaris journey follows a clear, guided path.

  1. Start here

    Choose and assess

    Review the programs, submit your interest form and complete an initial eligibility assessment.

  2. Build your file

    Apply and document

    Complete the current online application and upload the requested passport, school, work and reference documents.

  3. Find your fit

    Interview and placement

    Prepare for required interviews. Eligible profiles move into sponsor and placement review.

  4. Make it official

    Visa preparation

    Once the required sponsor documentation is issued, complete the current visa application and prepare for the embassy interview.

  5. Ready to go

    Orient and depart

    Attend pre-departure orientation, confirm travel arrangements and keep all emergency contacts accessible.

Apply with current information

Use a working email address and mobile number, upload clear documents and check your inbox regularly. Video interviews are arranged through current online meeting tools when required. No Skype ID is needed.

Start your assessment

Fees & payments

Clear before
you commit.

Know what each payment is for, confirm the amount with Polaris and keep your receipt.

View payment information
01

Starting payment

JMD $6,000

$2,500 registration + $3,500 mandatory orientation. Paid together and non-refundable.
02

Visa application service

JMD $45,000

Covers application-form support, appointment scheduling and interview orientation.
03

Program payments

By program

First deposit, second deposit, SEVIS, visa and insurance amounts are confirmed in your agreement.

How to pay

Get your payment instructions

Account details are provided directly by Polaris. Contact the office to get current payment instructions before sending any transfer.

ImportantOnline transfers to the USD accounts are not accepted. Contact Polaris before sending any payment and submit your receipt for verification.
Get payment instructions

Always verify the account and latest fee schedule directly with Polaris before making a transfer.

Polaris community

Open a door.
Hold it open.

Our Scholarship Awardee and Seasonal Ambassador opportunities recognize promising participants and alumni who are ready to lead, communicate and support the next generation of travellers.

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Scholarship Awardee

For eligible applicants who demonstrate potential, preparation and community-minded leadership.

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Seasonal Ambassador

For confident storytellers who can represent Polaris online, at events and among prospective applicants.

Meet our ambassadors

Stories in motion

See where courage can take you.

Polaris participants together abroad
CommunityThe people you meet become part of the story.
ExperienceA team behind every application.

Every Polaris application is handled by the same team in Mandeville, from your first enquiry to the day you fly.

“I am on the Intern and Trainee program in New York City at Mohonk Mountain House, and I have just been promoted to the first-ever Junior Sous Chef. Thank you for this opportunity. It has been a life-changing experience for me here.”— Sadian Stone, Intern & Trainee, New York

What’s on

Upcoming events.

Camps, intakes and open days. Select a flyer to see it full size.

Latest from Polaris

Plan smarter.
Leave ready.

Get updates →
Spain names nine Caribbean countries for visa-free entryTravel

Jamaica Gleaner

Spain names nine Caribbean countries for visa-free entry

Spain has designated nine CARICOM nations for visa-free travel to Spain and the wider Schengen Area for stays of up to 90 days. Jamaica is not among them, so Jamaican travellers still apply for a Schengen visa in the usual way, which is worth knowing before you plan any onward travel.

Read more →
More Jamaicans join the Overseas Employment ProgrammePrograms

Jamaica Observer

More Jamaicans join the Overseas Employment Programme

Participation in the government Overseas Employment Programme rose 4.8 per cent to 15,169 people in 2025, with the US hospitality programme up 16.2 per cent and female participation up 18.2 per cent. Demand for Jamaican workers abroad continues to grow.

Read more →
Royalton reopens its five Jamaica resorts after post-hurricane refreshHospitality

Jamaica Gleaner

Royalton reopens its five Jamaica resorts after post-hurricane refresh

All five Royalton properties in Jamaica are trading again following Hurricane Melissa renovations. Resorts coming back on line is what drives the seasonal hiring our participants are placed into, at home and with partner properties in the US.

Read more →

Good to know

Your questions, clearly answered.

Still unsure which program fits? Start with an assessment and the team will point you in the right direction.

Ask a question
Will I make back my money?

All applicants can make back their money, but there is no guarantee. Remember, the purpose of working overseas is to cover your living expenses during your stay. How much you make depends on your own efforts, your ability to hold a second job, your ability to work overtime, and similar factors.

Is there an age limit?

Yes. Eligible applicants should be between 18 and 30 years old.

Can I stay with relatives?

Yes. Applicants are free to stay with relatives while on the program. However, Polaris cannot guarantee that we will find you a job in the area where you choose to stay. You are free to source your own job there.

How much is rent?

Rent varies depending on the state you live in. For example, rent is higher in New York than in Florida, so some students pay around US$65 per week while others pay closer to US$100.

Are we allowed to have more than one job?

Certainly. Polaris is responsible for sourcing one job for the applicant on request. Applicants are free to source other jobs, provided they do not conflict with the hours of the first job. Please note that all second jobs must be approved by the sponsor before you begin working.

Can I choose the state where I want to work?

You can choose the state where you would like to work, provided you are sourcing your own employment. If you are sourcing a job through Polaris, you will need to select from the list of employers we have contracts with.

What kind of jobs do you offer?

We offer job opportunities in the following areas: cashiers, servers, ride attendants, housekeepers, hosts and hostesses, park attendants, cooks and lifeguards, among others. Our list keeps growing as we negotiate additional contracts with new employers each summer.

Can I find my own job?

Yes. You may arrange your own job if you wish.

Will I have to work on weekends?

Yes. You will be required to work on weekends because of the nature of the program. Weekends are the busiest period for most employers, so unfortunately this program cannot accommodate applicants who are unable to work then because of religious commitments.

How do I register for the program?

Apply online and complete the registration form. You may also visit our office or a registration booth on campus visit days and pay the JA$2,500 registration fee. Once you have registered, you will be given online access to complete the remaining forms.

Start your journey

Let’s find your next horizon.

Tell us where you are in your education or career. We’ll help you identify the most suitable pathway and the next documents to prepare.

876-677-0709info@polarisja.com2 Perth Road
Brumalia Town Center, Shop 19
Mandeville, Manchester