This program has benefited me, not only financially but also it has helped me to be able to work in groups. Our employers were very nice to us and understanding.

Where we stayed in the The Dells was very entertaining it has so many things to do, a lot of attractions and some of the people working there are exchange students just like I was. Next year I am looking forward to going on this program again.

Angelo (Jamaica)
Jobs America Participant 2005

Jobs America - Employers

How Does the Jobs America Program Work?

Spirit’s complimentary placement service makes hiring seasonal staff easy, while still allowing the employer to maintain ultimate control of the hiring process. We start with a thorough assessment of the employer’s needs through an Employer Application , which includes job descriptions, special skill requirements, housing options and the desired employment dates for each position. Spirit then goes to work screening potential applicants based on the employer’s needs and presents profiles of qualified candidates. Once the employer approves a specific candidate, Spirit communicates the job offer to the applicant and obtains their written acceptance. Spirit then helps to coordinate the participant’s visa application and arrival arrangements. It’s that easy!

What Are the Employer’s Responsibilities?

Cooperating employers are responsible for providing international participant’s with full-time, paid positions lasting 2 - 4 months. Generally, the work offered to the participant is entry-level, but can vary according to the business’ needs and the participant’s qualifications. International employees must earn a minimum of $6/hour and should be treated and compensated as any American with the same qualifications and position.

Employers cooperating with Spirit on the full Jobs America program must also agree to identify housing that is both affordable and conveniently located to the work location or public transportation. Housing options vary from university dormitories to apartments to on-site housing at the employer, and should cost less than 35% of the participant’s expected monthly earnings. Usually, housing is shared with other international workers, which is more affordable and provides a great opportunity to socialize!

What if My Company Cannot Provide Housing?

Employers that cannot provide assistance in identifying housing before participant arrival may still participate via Spirit’s “Self-Placed” program option. In this option, Spirit will provide the employer name and contact information to participants who prefer to identify their own employment and housing. This information will be posted online at Spirit’s “Job-Bank”, where self-placed applicants can research and contact seasonal employers in the United States directly. Employers selecting this option should expect to receive numerous inquiries from participants via email.

What Distinguishes Spirit’s Jobs America Program from other Work/Travel Programs?

Spirit’s Jobs America Program provides the highest level of service and support to its employers and participants. The following are just a few of the reasons to participate in Spirit’s Work/Travel program:

• Spirit Cultural Exchange is designated by the U.S. Department of State as an Exchange Visitor Program Sponsor for the J-1 Work/Travel Program.
• Spirit provides “one stop shopping” for full program employers. Spirit screens all participants to find those that meet with the employer’s defined needs. There is no need to deal directly with hundreds of applicants.
• Spirit screens all applicants for English proficiency via standardized tests and personal interviews to obtain an objective measure of their English skills.
• Spirit participants receive pre-departure orientations in their home country about what to expect upon arrival in the United States. Spirit also invites them to attend an orientation session upon arrival in the USA. This orientation includes information on working in the USA, applying for a Social Security Number, income taxes, medical insurance and travel. This orientation ensures that the participants are “ready to go” when they arrive at the job site.
• Spirit provides all employers with an Employer Handbook designed to help manage a group of Work/Travel employees.
• Spirit provides all participants with comprehensive medical and accident insurance
• Spirit offers 24-hour emergency support throughout the program.
• Spirit’s services are COMPLIMENTARY to all American employers!

Who are Jobs America Participants?

Jobs America Program participants are college age international students (18-29 years) currently enrolled in post-secondary study in their home countries. Students come from all over the world, but the program is of most interest to students from Eastern Europe and South America. All students are screened for appropriate English language fluency, ability to function in a work environment and motivation. Participants enter the USA on J-1 Work/Travel visas, which allow them to legally work in the United States for a period of 2 - 4 months.

When is the Application Deadline?

Spirit accepts Employer Applications on a rolling basis. There is no set deadline. Contact us today at 1 800 390 0978 to find out if there are still participants available for the coming season!