Programs
Summer Work and Travel (SWT)
Summer Work and Travel
An initiative by the U.S. government that allows university students from various countries to work and travel in the United States during their summer vacation.
Programs
Summer Work and Travel
Summer Work and Travel
An initiative by the U.S. government that allows university students from various countries to work and travel in the United States during their summer vacation.
The goal of the program is to promote cross-cultural understanding and the exchange of experiences between young international participants and American society.
Key features of the program
Duration
The program typically lasts 3-4 months, during the summer months.
Work
Participants primarily work in seasonal positions in tourism and hospitality, such as at resorts, restaurants, and amusement parks.
Travel
After completing their work assignments, participants have the opportunity to travel and explore the U.S. for a period of up to 30 days, if they wish.
Life Experience
The SWT program provides students with the opportunity to improve their English, experience a new culture, and gain valuable work skills and experiences. They also get to meet new people from all around the world.
Requirements
Student status
The participant must be enrolled as a full-time student at a recognized university or educational institution in their home country, at all levels of study.
Age
The participant's age must be between 18 and 30 years old.
Knowledge of English
A basic level of English is required, allowing the participant to communicate effectively in daily and work-related situations.
Availability during the summer
The student must be available for the entire duration of the program, which is usually from two to four months during the summer period.
J-1 visa
Participants need to obtain a J-1 visa through the U.S. Embassy. Students must schedule an interview at the embassy with the assistance of the sponsoring organization.
Job Positions
Discover the opportunities offered by Summer Work and Travel program
Our program offers a wide variety of work placements in different sectors and regions of the United States. Each placement is designed to combine professional experience with fun and cultural exchange.
Some of the Job Categories
- Positions in Tourist Resorts and Hotels
- Housekeeping
- Support for events and organizations
- Booking management
- Customer reception
- Positions in Restaurants and Cafes
- Waiters/Waitresses
- Kitchen assistants/ Dishwasher/ Pre cook
- Barista
- Cashiers
- Places in Theme Parks and Entertainment Venues
- Games and activities mode
- Customer service support
- Sales in gift shops
- Cleaning and maintenance of premises
- Positions in Shopping Centers and Retail Stores
- Sales Department
- Customer service
- Cash support
- Product organization
- Seasonal Work in Coastal Areas
- Lifeguards
- Water sports activity assistants
- Customer service in seaside stores
The Program Summer Work and Travel is not exclusively aimed at hospitality students. On the contrary, it provides students from various fields of study with the opportunity to gain experience and develop skills that are valuable in any professional career.
Benefits
Students participating in the program work in approved positions in the United States and are paid a very competitive hourly wage. The wage depends on the position, location, and cost of living in each state, typically ranging from $13 to $18 per hour.
The program is designed so that participants can cover all their expenses and live comfortably, working 32 to 40 hours per week.
Participants who wish to save more money have the opportunity to work additional hours through overtime or seek a second part-time job, while always maintaining their primary position through which they participate in the program.
Accommodation
All students participating in the program have secured housing, either provided by the employer or by the official program sponsor. Accommodation is paid weekly, and in most cases, participants share it with other students — either with friends or with peers from around the world.
Accommodation options may include a hostel, shared house, apartment, or hotel accommodation, depending on the location and employer.
The weekly housing cost varies based on the state and the job placement, typically ranging from $80 to $180 per week. In areas where wages are higher, the cost of accommodation also tends to be higher accordingly.
Summer Work and Travel is not just a work program.
It is an experience that can change your life and help you discover new possibilities and goals!
Summer Work and Travel
Program cost
The price includes:
- Guaranteed work.
- Preparing the student for the interview.
- Skype interview with employers.
- Health insurance throughout the program.
- SEVIS (US Department of State electronic platform with student information).
- Guidance of the student on the necessary actions: for the interview, for the preparation of documents, the interview with the American embassy.
- Assistance in finding student accommodation.
- Before the student's departure for the USA, a special briefing is given with all the necessary information about his work and residence. He will receive all the information for his first steps.
- Continuous support for the student throughout the program. While the student is in Greece, he has the direct assistance of Workation USA, while in the USA, the respective sponsor is by the student's side.
The price does not include:
- The ticket to and from the USA.
- The costs of the American visa, type J-1.
- Accommodation expenses during his stay in the USA.
- Transportation costs from the airport to the accommodation/employer.
- Food. Some employers offer a meal. Depending on the type of work.