J-1 cultural exchange · United States

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.

Duration
4 Months
Programme cost
Program Fee $1,880 USD | Other Fees: SEVIS Fee, Insurance Fee and Visa Fee Fee
Guidance
Before departure and while abroad

Overview

Summer Work and Travel places full-time university and college students in seasonal jobs across the United States for up to four months — in resorts, hotels, parks, retail and hospitality.

This opportunity is for you to visit the United States to share your culture and ideas through temporary work and travel opportunities.

Who can apply

  • Be proficient in English to successfully interact in an English-speaking environment.
  • Be a post-secondary school student enrolled in and actively pursuing a degree or other full-time course of study at an accredited classroom based, a post-secondary educational institution outside the United States.
  • Have completed at least one semester or the equivalent of post-secondary academic study.
  • Must be 18-30

What you’ll be doing

Working and earning in a seasonal role alongside American colleagues — the day-to-day of a real US workplace, not a tour.

Outside your hours the season is yours: travel, meet participants from other countries on the same programme, and see parts of the country most visitors never reach. You come home with US work experience on your CV.

What’s included

  • Guaranteed PlacementPosition secured before arriving so you know exactly where you are going and you begin earning right away.
  • Medical Insurance CoverageMedical insurance coverage for the duration of your program
  • Emergency Support24/7 emergency support from our U.S. based support teams
  • OrientationWe work with you in advance to prepare you for your adventure and provide you with an orientation about what to expect.

How to apply

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

  1. Step1

    Start here

    Choose and assess

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

  2. Step2

    Build your file

    Apply and document

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

  3. Step3

    Find your fit

    Interview and placement

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

  4. Step4

    Make it official

    Visa preparation

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

  5. Step5

    Ready to go

    Orient and depart

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

Frequently asked

Questions

Contact us
1. Apart from the Program Fee are there other fees?

Yes. Insurance Fee – covers the duration of your program. SEVIS Fee U.S. Visa Fee The insurance fee may vary depending on the program sponsor and the duration of your program.

2. Do I have to pay all the fees at one time?

No. Payments are made in stages as your application is being processed. You are not required to pay all program-related fees at once.

3. What is the first payment required to begin my process?

After registration and once you are ready to proceed, your payments will be made according to the payment schedule outlined in your Program Agreement.

4. Will I receive a breakdown of all my fees?

Yes. You will receive a Program Agreement that clearly outlines your Program Fee and the additional fees applicable to your program and sponsor.

5. What does the program fee cover?

The Program Fee covers the services associated with processing and facilitating your participation in the Intern & Trainee Program, including your program placement and sponsor processing for your work permit.

6. When do I make payments?

Payments are made at different stages of your application process. Your Polaris representative will advise you when each payment is due.

7. Will I know my fees before making my program payments?

Yes. Applicants are provided with the applicable program information and agreement outlining their fees and payment requirements.

8. Who can I contact if I have questions about my fees or payments?

If you have questions about your Program Fee, insurance, SEVIS, visa fee, or payment schedule, please contact your assigned agent or customer service before making your payment. Phone: 876-677-0709 Mobile: 876-517-5074

9. Do I have to be taking 12 credits to participate as a university or college student?

Yes, you must be a full-time student taking 12 credits or more.

Ready to apply?

Start your assessment and Polaris will confirm current availability, the requirements and the documents you need.

Eligibility, availability, fees and visa requirements can change. Polaris confirms current information during your assessment. Visa decisions are made solely by the relevant government authority.