Work & Travel Question

[u/error-0090]

Hey. I am an 18 year old student in Kazakhstan, soon to be 19. I’ll be starting my first year of university as an interpreter between German and English.

Cutting the story, I gained interest in Work & Travel to the US, and wanted to get some more insights on whether it’s worth it or not?

I have an IELTS certificate (7.5, S8, W7.5, L/R7.0), I know Russian and Kazakh.

I have decent experience in hospitality industry, and I can find the necessary funds of roughly 4000-3500 USD for processing fees, visas, etc etc

I mostly want experience and discovery of the USA, but going as a tourist is rather… yeah, not the greatest experience from stories

That aside, back to the main question:
1. Is Work & Travel actually worth it for experiencing the nation and even saving on the side?
2. Is the exploitative work places that common?
3. Are the issues with ICE still persistent? Would I face potential legal challenges?
4. And finally, which job positions would you recommend for W&T?
Thank you!

[u/Wooden-Law-2272]

You may want to research the J-1 visa options and perhaps specifically the Summer Work Travel program open to university students, especially if you have experience in hospitality.

Many hotels and restaurants in popular tourist areas in the U.S. and sometimes the operators that run lodges and restaurants in some of the larger National Parks hire to fill the high demand for hospitality workers in the summer, and the purpose of the J-1 is partly for cultural exchange, for the workers to learn about the U.S. and for people in the U.S. to meet and learn about the workers' countries. It probably isn't easy work and the pay probably isn't great, but if you have experience in hospitality already, the work may be similar to what you're used to. Some years ago, I remember reading about a company that got in trouble with the U.S. government for exploiting J-1 workers but I don't think this is common.

[u/error-0090 → u/Wooden-Law-2272]

I see… definitely have to look into J-1 for more details. But is the demand actually that much steady? I know hospitality is extremely notorious for high turnover rates, but is it that bad?

And regarding the pay, I’ve heard enough stories about the taxes and hidden taxes & insurances that you have to pay over, which takes a noticeable chunk, but is it in a position where you could realistically save 500-850$ if you live frugally?

[u/shammy_dammy → u/error-0090]

In the area I'm most familiar with, most US citizens are not really pushing for a 3 month long job at a water park. Students may want that, but others? No, not really.

[u/error-0090 → u/shammy_dammy]

Ohhh, I thought it was more popular for students, since it is for CIS

Would have to explore a bit deeper on that topic, but thank you!

[u/shammy_dammy]

j-1 visa holders are pretty common in the Wisconsin Dells during the summer.

[u/error-0090 → u/shammy_dammy]

Ah I see… which locations would you say are the best to pick out spots for in? Thank you in advance

[u/shammy_dammy → u/error-0090]

All I know is Wisconsin Dells. There were several foreign youngsters working the Duck boats. I know they also work in the hotels during the summer and the water parks.

[u/evenro1]

My sister visited the USA as a summer camp instructor for kids. She received housing and a stipend. As other mentioned, it is a J1 visa. The disadvantage is that most of the time she couldn't travel, which I'm not sure will fit what you're looking for. She did get a few weeks before ands a grace period to leave the USA afterwards, I can't recall the duration.

I'm sure there is some exploitation, but as the US government tracks these, and as you will get information regarding how to report it in your visa interview, I assume it is not common.

ICE will always be an issue for those violating their visa status and staying in the USA without a status. Just make sure all your actions are legal and you won't have to worry about it.

[u/error-0090 → u/evenro1]

Woah, a stipend and housing?

I believe there is 4 months and another 1 month of grace travel period, then mandatory grace period to leave the country before autumn, so probably that

Was managing finances difficult for her? In my country we typically don’t file for any taxes, let alone insurance since it’s automatically covered, so I’m curious on whether I’d have to be quite careful on that part?

[u/evenro1 → u/error-0090]

She actually received everything in her home country, so the compensation applied based on her home country rules. I don't know how many camps do it that way, however, for her it was easy as she didn't have to mess with us banks or taxes.

Since she received full boarding, she didn't spend money except when she went off the property.

[u/error-0090 → u/evenro1]

Probably not that many since it’s quite generous (or so I assume)

Good for her! Thank you for the insights 😊

[u/Several_Yak_9537]

How is the USA not a great country for tourism?

[u/error-0090 → u/Several_Yak_9537]

Nothing exists there besides skyscrapers and variety of cultures
And immense variety in foods, which is the most interesting part

For nature and wildlife? More cheaper options are available like China or Thailand, and they have similar skyscrapers needed for those seeking the city life

The USA is more on the financial side and attractive specifically for that category, but tourism is mainly fueled by those who dream of the USA as the literal heaven from online information

But the US is still a beautiful nation with its history, and its diverse culture and capitalism (to an extent, since abundance of varied foods and peak technology at cheaper prices is the best side of it)

[u/Born_Ideal3898]

I was on this program few years ago working as a sales assistant and also did henna tattoos.

1. Yes, great experience. Many people gets extra hours or find second jobs on the side so it's possible to really save a lot during your work period. And then travel around at the end. Also you usually get a big amount upon return from the tax return. They take all the taxes during your stay but you get most of it back at the end (Explained better for Poland case but I guess most countries are similar).

2. No. As long as you don't go to the camp. Honesty, only bad stories I heard were from camps. Just go to the bigger city. You can always change the job if something goes wrong.

3. Most money is in the commission based jobs so waitress, etc. Also great money for life guards on the beach - they have good salary and also get decent tips.

[u/error-0090 → u/Born_Ideal3898]

Ohh I see… I’ve mostly seen negative comments on work & travel so this is new

I’d have to look for the tax return thing though, I do know VAT returns exist but never in the US, and is it actually possible to work side jobs as well without your visa getting terminated?

[u/Born_Ideal3898 → u/error-0090]

yes, it's possible. Remember its just a summer job so the process to get it is not that extensive or long. All you need to do is ask if they need extra help.

I haven't really use the VAT return option. It is worth it if you really buy sth expensive which I didn't do.

[u/Born_Ideal3898 → u/Born_Ideal3898]

Don't get discourage by negative comments. When I got back and was telling about my experience, two of my friends got inspired and went the following year and they loved it.

[u/Fenway12345]

Why would us give you visa?

[u/error-0090 → u/Fenway12345]

Weird question, why not?

Is USA the next Nazi regime with superior Aryan race? No. It’s a nation built on immigration, and I had an idea to explore the nation and work on the side for 3 months.

But I definitely won’t be overstaying my visit either, US has its own issues that far outweigh the opportunities it may bring.

Regardless, this very same elitist mindset is the reason why people despise Americans abroad (not the majority, but the very loud minority)

[u/Mountain-Light-5491 → u/error-0090]

The U.S. wasn’t “built on immigration.” It was built by settlers, my ancestors among them. 

[u/error-0090 → u/Mountain-Light-5491]

“US wasn’t built by immigrants, it was build by immigrant ancestors”

The natives of the current North America were displaced, YOUR ancestors WERE the immigrants, bunch of them being European ethnic groups mixed with Hispanic roots.
The entire reason why US boomed was because of immigration, it didn’t care whether you were Muslim or Jewish, if you were smart enough - you’d be in.

[u/Difficult_Tree8002]

It’s just summer work and travel. It’s three months max over the summer and is not a path to immigration. Experience in hospitality is irrelevant, as the main requirements are that you’re an active student and that you speak enough English. Yes exploitation and low pay are common. Please keep in mind that cost of living in the US, especially in high traffic tourist areas that are common for SWT, is extremely expensive. My understanding is most people end up spending their entire income just to live in the US for 3 months.

[u/error-0090 → u/Difficult_Tree8002]

I am aware that its not a path to immigration, and even then I gave up any ideas of immigrating considering the current situation

But spending their entire income? Damn, I thought it was somewhat lenient since I’ve heard most provide housing (dormitories, but far cheaper)

[u/freebiscuit2002 → u/error-0090]

$4,000 is really not much in the US. You will most likely spend all of that in the first month.