Frequently Asked Questions

Paid positions are available in amusement parks, food and beverage retail concessions, retail stores/shops in tourist towns, hotels, ski resorts, national parks and many others. Types of jobs include but are not limited to: Ski lift operator, Hotel desk clerks, Lifeguards, Park services, Cooks, Dining room attendants, Game attendants, Fast food workers, etc.

AAG has long-standing relationships with host companies all over the United States for our Work & Travel Program participants. Most jobs can be found in areas that have seasonal employment needs, typically tourist areas.

The J-1 Work and Travel program is for a maximum of 4 months and must take place during your university’s official summer vacation period. You will need to provide proof of that summer vacation, and you cannot miss school before or after the program in order to stay longer.

AAG places participants in jobs that match their English levels - some require more advanced English than others. However, every participant must be able to speak English well enough to communicate and function in English-speaking work environment. This is so that you can do the jobs effectively, but also have a safe and enjoyable time in the United States.

There are several ways to participate on an AAG Work & Travel program, and if you choose our Full-Placement Program Option, it provides you with a guaranteed job before you arrive to the USA. If the circumstances of your job changes before you arrive, AAG will do whatever it can to assist you in locating a different position.

If you have a host company in mind or have already secured your own summer job, AAG can work with you through our local agency in your home country to assist you with your visa documentation and more!

All employers are required to pay the federal minimum wage in the United States. The average wage per hour is between $8-$10, but keep in mind that higher pay rates are usually in areas of the country that are more expensive to live. We want our participants to earn enough money to have an enjoyable time in the United States, but we encourage you to remember that this program is one of cultural exchange, and not the way to earn extra money to take back home. You will also have taxes withheld from your wages, although you are exempt from social security and medicare taxes. However, in most cases, you will be able to get most of those taxes back after filing your tax return (generally after you have returned home).

Yes, of course. We encourage you to travel abroad with your friends, but please remember that if you work at the same location, you may not work the same hours or days.

Our local agency in your home country will present an orientation to you before you leave for the United States. You will also receive an online orientation from AAG. After the orientations, and anytime during your program, you will have access to an Outreach Coordinator who will help you with any questions that you have. Finally, for emergencies, we have a 24/7 emergency line to help you with issues that cannot wait.

SEVIS stands for "Student Exchange Visitor Information System", and it has been set up by the U.S government in an effort to keep track of all the exchange visitors on J-1 visas and international students on F or M visas. Therefore, all of the participants on J-1 Work & Travel Program MUST check-in with SEVIS within 10 days of your arrival for program validation and if there is any change of your U.S address during the program, you need to update SEVIS about the changes within 10 days of the change to maintain a good visa status. If you forget this important rule required by the U.S Government, you are going to be in danger of losing your visa status. You can find more information about SEVIS in your orientation materials and participant handbook.

You have to arrive in the United States first before you may apply for your Social Security Card. After you register your home and work addresses in SEVIS via our website and wait 10 days, you will go to the closest social security office with your important documents, such as your visa, passport, DS-2019 Form (work certificate) and I-94 card (you will get this on the airplane) to apply for your social security card. All you have to do is fill out an application, give copies of your important documents, and then wait four to six weeks for your card to arrive at your work address.

Your Outreach Coordinator is reachable by phone or email during 8:30AM to 5:30PM, Monday to Friday. If you need help outside of the business hours, AAG offers an emergency & toll-free number (1-866-622-7023) for you to call to report problems or get answers to your questions after hours. You should receive an email from your Outreach Coordinator before your program begins that gives you their name and contact information. If you have not received this information, feel free to call AAG Headquarters (866-6ABROAD) to ask for this information. Please remember that you need to check your email often to be able to communicate with your Outreach Coordinator and others.

AAG provides you with traveler's insurance which will help you pay for medical costs if you become ill or are injured during your time in the United States. Your Outreach Coordinator can help you answer questions about the insurance and how to use it at a pre-approved doctor's office or hospital. ALWAYS call the insurance company before you go to the doctor or hospital (except in case of an emergency) to receive pre-approval. If you do not receive this pre-approval, you may be responsible for the cost of your care.

You are eligible to travel for up to 30 days after the latest end date on your DS-2019 form, unless the US Embassy in your home country has a strict return date. Don't forget that you must return to your country at the end of your 30-day travel period.

All participants are required to return home after their program. We would love to have you on another one of our visa programs in the future, but please return home first and apply for them properly. If you do not, you may have difficulty getting any visa to the United States in the future.