My name is Elke and I traveled to Hawley, Pennsylvania. I worked [at a resort] as a waitress. It was a wonderful experience where you can meet friends from all around the world. I definitely recommend it.

I take this opportunity to say thank you again. I really appreciated having a good sponsor and I hope to have you again for next time.

Elke (Chile)
Jobs America Participant Winter 2007/08

Jobs America - Participants

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

The Spirit Jobs America Program is a full-service program designed with the first time Work/Travel participant in mind. Our Premium program option provides a complete placement service including pre-arranged employment and housing placement, as well as an orientation upon arrival in the USA and 24-hour support services available from Spirit's experienced staff members. Because Spirit is focused on quality, you will receive the personal attention that you deserve!

What Kind of Jobs Are Available?

Jobs America Program participants are placed in entry-level, manual labor positions such as in housekeeping at a hotel or kitchen help at a restaurant. Positions last 2 - 4 months, depending on the applicant’s vacation schedule, and offer an average of 30 hours of work per week over the course of the program. Wages are often paid at or slightly above US federal minimum wage. We work with a variety of employers across the United States, including amusement parks, hotels, restaurants, factories, grocery stores or other companies seeking seasonal help. Special placement requests are accommodated when possible, but applicants must be open to considering a position in any industry across the United States.

May Participants Find Their Own Job?

Participants may choose to find their own job and housing in the United States through our Independent program option. Participants will receive a discount off of normal program fees for identifying their own placements. Independent applicants are also supported in their job search though Spirit’s on-line “Job Board ”, where they can research and contact seasonal employers in the United States independently.

Where Do Jobs America Participants Live?

Employers cooperating with Spirit on the Premium program option generally 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 often cost less than 40% 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 Kind of Additional Expenses Should Be Expected?

Participants should expect some additional expenses before and upon arrival in the USA. Housing deposit and rental fees, meals, international airfare, domestic transportation in the USA and airport transfers to the orientation site are not included in the program provided by Spirit Cultural Exchange. Generally, we recommend that participants have at least $1000 available upon arrival in the USA in traveler's checks or other means to cover initial "settling in" costs until the first paycheck. Students should budget for an additional $500-$800 per month to cover housing, meals, and personal expenses. These amounts may vary depending on spending habits and work location.

What is Included in the Jobs America Program?

One job offer lasting 2 - 4 months, an affordable housing option, DS2019 issued by Spirit to support the application for a J-1 Work/Travel visa, orientation session upon arrival in the USA, accommodations and meals in arrival city the night before the orientation session, comprehensive accident and medical insurance and 24-hour support from Spirit’s experienced staff.

What Qualifications Are Required to Participate?

To participate in the Jobs America Program, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

• Enrolled as a full-time student in a degree-granting, post-secondary study program in home country.
• 18–29 years old
• Able to demonstrate a high intermediate level of English through an in-person interview in home country
• Proof of one of English test scores (Premium program only)
• Able to participate during university’s "main" break between terms (Applicants may not participate during other secondary breaks from school)
• Willing to work in an entry-level job paying at or close to US federal minimum wage
• Interested in learning about the culture and people of the United States

When is the Application Deadline?

Applications are due at Spirit’s office in the USA approximately 12 weeks prior to the scheduled orientation date. Applicants should contact Spirit’s cooperating agent in their home country for information on current deadlines.

What is the Application Process?
If you are a qualified student and want to apply or receive more information about the Spirit Jobs America Program, you will need to contact one of our cooperating agents in your home country. Please complete the Participant Information Request and we will have one of our cooperating agents contact you.