Local insight
Advice built around the realities of Jamaican applicants, not a one-size-fits-all process.
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.
Jamaica-based guidanceThoughtful preparationGlobal experience
Placement supportKnow where you are going before departure
Pre-departure orientationPractical guidance for a confident start
Visa process guidanceClear document and interview preparation
In-program supportHelp when you need it abroad
Working with
One world. Every way in.
Programs.
Choose the experience that fits your current stage—student, graduate, skilled professional or cultural-care applicant.
6–12 months
J1 Intern & Trainee Program Hospitality
Work with prominent US hotel and travel employers as a chef, server or front desk agent, gaining hands-on experience and current industry practice while you earn.
Program cost$3,500 USD Program length6–12 monthsExplore the program
3 months
J1 Summer Camp Program
Spend up to three months of the US summer camp season working as a camp counselor alongside American staff, teaching campers and sharing your culture.
Program cost$750 USD Program length3 monthsExplore the program
12–18 months
Business and Logistics Intern and Trainee
For final-year students and graduates with at least a year of experience: hands-on training with US employers, plus a self-placement option if you secure your own role.
Program cost$3,800 USD Program length12–18 monthsExplore the program
4 months
J1 Summer Work and Travel
Temporary work and travel in the United States, open to students enrolled full-time at a university or college outside the US.
Program cost$1,880 USDProgram length4 monthsExplore the program
1 year
Au Pair
Live with an American host family for a year as a dependable caregiver, providing up to 45 hours of childcare a week while sharing your culture and language.
Program cost$900 USDProgram length1 yearExplore the program
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 monthsExplore 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.
Prepared, not pressured
Eligibility screening, document checklists and interview preparation before key decisions.
Experience beyond the job
We help participants understand cultural exchange, responsibilities and life abroad.
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.
- Step1
Start here
Choose and assess
Review the programs, submit your interest form and complete an initial eligibility assessment.
- Step2
Build your file
Apply and document
Complete the current online application and upload the requested passport, school, work and reference documents.
- Step3
Find your fit
Interview and placement
Prepare for required interviews. Eligible profiles move into sponsor and placement review.
- Step4
Make it official
Visa preparation
Once the required sponsor documentation is issued, complete the current visa application and prepare for the embassy interview.
- Step5
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.
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.
TravelSpain 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 →
ProgramsMore 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 →
HospitalityRoyalton 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 →Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions.
Still unsure which program fits? Start with an assessment and the team will point you in the right direction.
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.