How to Get a Job and Travel for a Summer in the USA

If you’re ready for an international adventure, consider a J-1 visa work and travel program. 

Through the program, you’ll receive a J-1 visa to temporarily work in the United States for up to four months, allowing you to work a seasonal job and explore in your downtime. 

By working with a J-1 visa sponsor, the process can become a breeze. An organization like CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange can help you: 

• Find an opportunity you’d enjoy and succeed at
• Ensure the job is with a reputable business that can offer you a once-in-a-lifetime experience
• Obtain the necessary documents for the visa appointment
• Feel supported throughout the entire process 

Learn more about how you can make this opportunity happen for yourself. 

What is the CIEE BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel Program? 

The CIEE BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program offers international college students the opportunity to engage in a meaningful cultural exchange experience, combining work and travel in the United States over their summer break. 

More specifically: 

• CIEE is a nonprofit organization that, since 1947, has helped people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world.
• BridgeUSA is overseen by the U.S. Department of State and its Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Until 2020, it was known as the J-1 visa Exchange Visitor Program. (Other popular programs include BridgeUSA High School, Intern, and Trainee.)
• Summer Work Travel is the largest BridgeUSA program. It allows university students to come to the United States for up to four months, working three of the months and traveling for one month. 

The CIEE BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program was the first of its kind: In 1969, when the Summer Work Travel program was established, the State Department enlisted CIEE as its first J-1 sponsor. 

And despite the Summer Work Travel name of the program, participants may also consider a job and travel abroad role in the winter or spring (your summer or fall if you live in the southern hemisphere), as well. For example, if you’re from Argentina, the program is available to you during your summer holiday, which is winter in the U.S. 

Who is Eligible to Join? 

CIEE’s job and travel program requires that you: 

• Are at least 18 years old, though you’ll want to check with your local international representative for specific rules
• Are registered as a full-time university student
• Be able to function in English, both at work and in a community
• Have a pre-arranged placement, which CIEE can help you with
• Have at least $1,500 to support yourself upon arrival in the United States 

Should you enjoy your work and travel program so much that you’d like to return the following year, you can reach out to CIEE for details to find out if you’re a candidate for a second visit. 

[H2] What It's Like to Live, Work, and Travel Over the Summer with CIEE 

With more than 20,000 college students arriving in the U.S. each year through CIEE BridgeUSA, there’s so much for each participant to learn and experience during their time here. 

“I am a four-time work and travel participant in Martha’s Vineyard,” said Ketevan Chincharadze of the country Georgia. “Participating in the work and travel program was the best decision I made in my life at the age of 18. It has made me so much stronger, resilient, and hard working." 

Why Employers Love CIEE's Summer Work Travel Program 

Employers enjoy turning to the work and travel USA program for seasonal staffing needs. But it’s not just about business. Many employers enjoy hosting international talent so they can offer a unique experience for their guests and even their domestic staff. 

“We provide three cultural trips each month,” said Brandy Weiler, director of human resources for IAM Old Forge. “They vary from cool things throughout our region, from famous castles, landmarks, other area theme parks. And malls – they love to shop. That's a big one. We have tons of hiking trails and swimming lakes and boat rides. We try to think of things that they may have never done before.” 

Why Employers Partner With CIEE 

Many businesses turn to CIEE every year when it’s time to start hiring seasonal staff. Because CIEE is the largest and oldest J-1 sponsor in the country, it’s become known as a trustworthy resource for business owners. 

They gain access to a variety of candidates who’ve been pre-vetted before they’re interviewed, saving employers time in their own hiring processes. CIEE is also able to help with large hiring needs – into the hundreds and even thousands of temporary staff members, if need be. 

How CIEE Supports Employers and Participants 

Some of the Gold Standard Service that the CIEE BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program offers to both participants and employers include: 

• Candidate and employer vetting: CIEE vets both participants and hosts to ensure program eligibility and compatibility – matching the right talent with the right opportunities.
• Online platform: Participants post profiles and employers list positions on CIEE's secure hiring portal, making it easy to explore mutual fit.
• Hiring services: In-person and virtual job fairs connect candidates and employers to discuss opportunities face to face.
• Visa facilitation: CIEE partners with global representatives who handle the J-1 visa process from start to finish, leveraging 50+ years of expertise to make it seamless.
• 24/7 multilingual support: Emergency assistance is available around the clock in multiple languages.
• And more! 

How Do I Apply? 

Join the thousands of international students who arrive in the U.S. each year for this unique work and travel program through CIEE BridgeUSA. Start the process by connecting with a CIEE international representative in your country. 

Learn more about the CIEE BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program.