USA
One unforgettable summer: work, earn, and road-trip the States.
The overview
The USA is the home of the classic Work & Travel summer. On the J-1 exchange visa you spend your university break in a paid seasonal job — beach resorts, national parks, city hotels — make friends from all over the world, and travel afterwards. It's the easiest first taste of living abroad.
Cities to call home
- New York
The city that never stops.
- Boston
A student town through and through.
- Los Angeles
Sunshine, film, and innovation.
- Chicago
Lakefront skyline, deep-dish, and great universities.
- San Francisco
Tech heartland on a foggy, photogenic bay.
- Austin
Live music, sunshine, and a booming tech scene.
Quick facts
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
- Language
- English
- Currency
- US Dollar ($)
- Season
- May – September (+ travel time)
- Visa
- J-1 Exchange (Work & Travel)
Life there, in pictures
Life & culture
- Lifestyle
Seasonal jobs drop you into the middle of American life: resort towns, national parks and buzzing cities. Expect road trips, diners, campfires and friends from a dozen countries.
- Culture
Friendly, fast-paced and endlessly diverse. Small talk is an art, tipping is expected, and every town has its own tradition to share.
- Food
A melting pot on a plate — diners, food trucks, every world cuisine, and brunch culture that takes itself seriously.
- Weather
Hugely varied by region: sunny California, breezy New England coast, humid South. Pick your season's climate as carefully as your job.
- Language
English everywhere. A confident working level is enough to start — your season will boost it faster than any classroom.
- Getting around
Big cities have good transit, but much of the US loves the car. Many seasonal employers are walkable resorts, and travel after the season is road-trip heaven.
- Healthcare
Health insurance for your season is mandatory and arranged through your J-1 sponsor. We make sure you're covered from day one.
- Accommodation
Most seasonal employers arrange staff housing or help you find a shared place near work — sorted before you fly.
- Visa guide
Work & Travel runs on the J-1 exchange visa with a sponsor organisation. We handle the paperwork with you, step by step.
- Cost of living
The program is sold as an all-in package (roughly €2,400 including fees); you earn a wage throughout your season, and most students come home having covered their costs.
- Salaries & work
Seasonal jobs typically pay US minimum wage or above, plus tips in many roles — enough to fund your travels after the season.
- Work & career
You work full-time at your registered seasonal placement during the program, then get a travel window to explore before flying home.
Postcards from students
“Work & Travel in California was the best summer of my life. Met friends from 12 countries.”
Deniz, 21 · USA
“From application chaos to a calm, clear plan. Globie even made the waiting fun.”
Ines, 24 · USA
Programs you can participate here
Good questions
What is Work & Travel?
A J-1 summer program where you work a seasonal job in the US and travel afterwards — a fantastic first taste of living abroad.
Who can join?
Enrolled university students, usually 18–28, who can work during their official summer break. We confirm your eligibility for free.
How long can I stay?
The work season typically runs up to four months, followed by a travel window to explore before you fly home.
Will I earn money?
Yes — placements pay US minimum wage or above, plus tips in many roles. Most students cover their program costs by the end of the season.
Do I need perfect English?
No — a confident working level is enough for most placements, and your English will improve enormously over the summer.
Where will I live?
Most seasonal employers arrange staff housing or help you find a shared place near work — it's sorted before you fly.
Can I study a degree in the USA with you?
Right now our USA program is Work & Travel. For Bachelor's, Master's and paid vocational training (Ausbildung) we place students in Germany.
Ready to explore USA?
Book a free consultation and we'll map out your route together.
Book Free Consultation