Spend a summer working a seasonal job in the States, then travel. Here's the playbook.
USABy Maria · Mar 27, 2026 · 8 min read
Work & Travel is the classic first taste of living abroad: a seasonal job, new friends from a dozen countries, and a road trip to cap it off.
The J-1 in a nutshell
You apply, get matched with an employer, receive a DS-2019 form, and apply for the J-1 exchange visa. You work through the summer, then have time to travel before you head home.
Common jobs: national parks, resorts, amusement parks, camps
You're paid the local hourly wage
Housing is often arranged through the employer
Travel time is added at the end of the season
⚠️Start early — placements for the most popular summer roles fill months in advance, and visa appointments can be slow.
Money matters
You'll earn enough to cover your stay and fund some travel, but bring a buffer for your first couple of weeks before the first paycheck lands. Tips can make a real difference in hospitality roles.
Make the most of it
Say yes to shifts early on — it builds savings and goodwill
Plan your end-of-season road trip with the friends you make
Keep copies of your DS-2019 and visa documents safe
“Best summer of my life. I earned, I travelled, and I came back braver.”— Deniz, Work & Travel California
It's a low-risk way to test life abroad before a longer move — and a story you'll tell for years.
