Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re considering hiring international seasonal staff or are interested in working and traveling in the USA, you probably have a few questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from prospective employers and participants in InterExchange Work & Travel USA. For a more extensive list of questions, view our complete list of questions from employers and questions from participants.
Top 5 Employer Questions
- How much does the InterExchange Work & Travel USA program cost?
- What countries do Work & Travel USA students come from?
- When are they available?
- Can the students speak English?
- What types of positions can international students fill?
View all frequently asked questions from employers
Top 5 Participant Questions
- Am I eligible for the program?
- What kind of jobs are available?
- How much does it cost?
- How much will I earn?
- How do I apply?
View all frequently asked questions from participants
Top 5 Employer Questions
1. How much does the InterExchange Work & Travel USA program cost?
A. Nothing. Work & Travel USA is a free service to employers.
2. What countries do Work & Travel USA students come from?
A. Our students come from more than 65 countries. Summer staff generally comes from Northern Hemisphere countries and winter staff comes from Southern Hemisphere countries.
3. When are they available?
A. Summer staff arrive between May and July and can work until September or October. Winter staff arrive in December and can work until March or April. Students are legally authorized to work for a maximum of 4 months. See our Student Availability chart
4. Can the students speak English?
A. Yes. The level of English ability ranges from basic to fluent. You will receive an assessment of each student’s English abilities on his/her application before you hire them.
5. What types of positions can international students fill?
A. Our participants can fill a variety of entry-level, short-term positions, including retail staff, wait staff, kitchen staff, counter staff, maintenance, housekeeping, dishwashing, and ride operations.
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Top 5 Participant Questions
1. Am I eligible for the program?
A. To participate in Work & Travel USA, you must be a full-time college or university student between the ages of 18 to 28, proficient in English (both written and spoken), able to work for at least 3 months, enthusiastic, motivated, and mature.
2. What kind of jobs are available?
A. Our participants fill a variety of entry-level positions, including retail, wait staff, counter staff, maintenance staff, housekeeping, and amusement park positions.
3. How much does it cost?
A. Program fees vary from country to country. The representative in your home country will be able to provide you with details about the costs. You will also need to pay the cost of your transportation to the U.S., accident and sickness insurance (InterExchange will provide you with access to discounted insurance), housing, and personal expenses.
4. How much will I earn?
A. Employers in our program are required to pay you the same wage that they would pay employees from the U.S. Currently, the federal minimum wage in the U.S. is $7.25 per hour, but your pay rate may be higher, depending on where you work and the type of job you perform.
5. How do I apply?
Simply fill out an information request form to start the application process. A representative in your country will contact you with more information and a full application form.
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