summer work and travel usa program

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• U.S. Citizens

J-1 Visa Summer Work Travel Program

• At-a-Glance

College and University students enrolled full time and pursuing studies at post-secondary accredited academic institutions located outside the United States come to the United States to share their culture and ideas with people of the United States through temporary work and travel opportunities.

The Summer Work Travel program provides foreign students with an opportunity to live and work in the United States during their summer vacation from college or university to experience and to be exposed to the people and way of life in the United States.

Program Length

Eligibility and application overview.

• Sufficiently proficient in English to successfully interact in an English speaking environment;
• Post-secondary school students enrolled in and actively pursuing a degree or other full-time course of study at an accredited classroom based, post-secondary educational institution outside the United States;
• Have successfully completed at least one semester or equivalent of post-secondary academic study; and
• Pre-placed in a job prior to entry unless from a visa waiver country.

Participants must first find a  Summer Work Travel Designated Sponsor .

Visit the   J1Visa website  for information on how to apply.  

Program Profile

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• American Summers

Summer Work & Travel Program

Expand your horizons — live and work in the us over your university break.

IENA’s Summer Work and Travel program provides the opportunity for university students to live, work and travel for up to 4-months in the US.

Living and working among Americans is a great opportunity to gain great insight into life and culture in the US, make friends, and improve your English skills. At the end of your program you’ll have the opportunity to travel around the US for up to 30 days. Summer Work and Travel programs last up to four months, with an opportunity for up to one month of travel after your job ends, depending upon your university schedule. IENA will be your program sponsor and provide support before and during your stay in the US.

Create lasting memories with Work & Travel!

In the US summer, you might work…

• At the beach
• In amusement or water parks
• In hospitality

In the US winter, you might work…

• At a ski resort
• In a restaurant

Application and Fees

Application information.

To apply to the Summer, Work and Travel Program, you must be:

• Proficient in English (oral and written)
• Enrolled full time in a college or university course
• Excited about experiencing American culture

What your program includes

• High quality service and support from start to finish
• Optional job placement
• 24/7 emergency line
• Visa assistance
• Insurance for your entire stay in the US

IENA works with certified international partners around   the world.   Please e-mail us at [email protected] to connect you with one of our partners who will guide you through the process in your home country

Travel Information

On the move in the us.

Aim to live close to where you work. Walking and biking allows you to get to know your neighborhood and city. You will stay physically active and save on transportation costs.

For longer trips, try public transportation in your area or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Local taxi services offer direct service.

Pre-arrival

Participants will arrange their own transportation to and from the US, and to their housing/destination Check with your recruiter for information on flight deals.

If your employer doesn’t have a shuttle, you may be able to arrange public transportation to/from the airport to your destination. Ask IENA or your recruiter for help in identifying public transportation options.

Participant Resources

What to see in the usa.

• Sporting events
• Historical sites
• Oceans, lakes, and rivers
• National/state/local parks and recreation areas
• Major cities/nearby cities
• Amusement/water parks

The following SEVIS Validation Information is for Exchange Visitors who are sponsored by IENA ONLY and participating in our Summer Work and Travel Program, including Summer Camp Support Staff.

If the Sponsor listed on your DS-2019 is not IENA, please STOP and contact your sponsor.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know traveling to a new country for work can raise a lot of questions. Check out our useful FAQs or reach out with questions

You are going to hear several terms for different forms etc. during the process. Here is our IENAipedia to those forms:

The J-1 Summer Work and Travel Visa:  This J-1 Visa is a government program that allows qualified full time students to share their cultures and ideas with the people of the United States. The J-1 Summer Work and Travel Visa is for individuals approved to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs. This program is run by the US Department of State .

DS-2019 Form:  This form can only be issued by a US Department of State designated visa sponsor. IENA is one of those. It certifies that you are eligible to take part in the cultural exchange program and is a vital part of the application process. In essence, it is evidence that you have a bona-fide job offer in the USA. You will need it for your embassy appointment AND you will need it when you enter into the USA. Guard it as you would guard your passport.

SEVIS Receipt (or SEVIS I-901 Receipt):  SEVIS stands for “Student Exchange Visitor Information System”. It is a system by which the US Department of State keeps track of you on the program. You will need this form when you visit the embassy for your interview

WHAT PAPERWORK WILL THE EMPLOYER REQUIRE? Social Security:  The US Government requires all employees to apply for a Social Security Number. Your employer will help you do this upon your arrival, however, you MUST validate your arrival via your IENA account BEFORE you can apply. Once done, you will need to visit the local Social Security office. You must obtain a Social Security Card. If you already have one, then that’s yours for life.

Form I-9: All employees, foreign and domestic, are required to complete this form for each employer. It is a straightforward form and you will need your passport (including J-1 Visa) and your DS-2019. Your employer will help you complete this.

Form I-94: This is your arrival and departure record. It is a good idea to print this when you get settled and keep it with you. You cannot print it until after you have arrived in the USA. It can be printed here

W-4:  This form is for tax purposes. Your employer may withhold a small amount of taxes from your salary. You ARE entitled to claim some of this back because you are not a resident of the USA. IENA partner with taxback.com to make claiming back the taxes as simple as possible DO I HAVE HEALTHCARE IN AMERICA?

As you may be aware, health care is not free in the USA. You must have medical insurance. We have that covered for you. There are however some terminology and procedures it is handy to know:

Co-payment:  This is like your car insurance excess. Its an amount you always have to pay when you have treatment. For non-Emergency Room Visits, the Co-pay is $50. Whenever possible. You should always call the 800 number (free call) on the back of your insurance and discuss your symptoms before visiting a doctor. They can best advise you whether to visit a doctor and if so, where the closest clinic is.

Workers Compensation:  Whilst you are at work and carrying out your duties at work, you are covered by this insurance. This means if you have an injury/illness caused by or related to your work, you are covered by this insurance which is held by your employer. Our insurance is for non-work related cases, or injuries/illnesses that occur while on days off and while you are traveling.

Emergency Room: It’s the same thing as the A & E and is for serious injury or illness that requires immediate attention.  There is no co-pay or deductible for this if the injury/illness is deemed life threatening or requires an overnight stay. In all other cases, there will be a $350 Copay, so you should go to a walk-in clinic whenever possible.

Pre-Existing Conditions:  If you have a condition that has been treated, or you take regular medication for, in the past 6 months, it will NOT be covered by this insurance.

Here you can find more details on your insurance policy .

SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE

When it comes to social media and American culture, there are a few things you need to be aware of. Employers have withdrawn job offers to participants before they have even arrived in the USA due to things they have found on social media. Please be aware of how you portray yourself. You are going to America to be professionally employed and your public presence should reflect that. We highly recommend you make all your social media private.

Remember, even something someone else tags you in or photos someone else posts of you can have an impact on someone’s impression of you. As a general rule of thumb, think “Would I want my parents or grandparents to see this?”

Each employer will have their own set of rules with regards to social media once you arrive.

CAN I LEAVE MY EMPLOYER OR SWITCH JOBS

IENA recognizes there are several reasons why you may leave your job.

Getting Fired

Break the rules and you may be fired. This is a job just like a job at home.  As with any job you take, there are rules that need to be followed.

If you have been fired, the first thing you must do is call IENA.  (888)724-4292 . Your employer are also instructed to call us.  Our goal is:

• For you to understand why you have been fired
• Get your version of events
• Ensure you are paid up to date
• To make a plan with you as to where you will go, if we can place you elsewhere or how you will get home

Just because you have been terminated from employment does not mean you are not part of our program. We want to make sure you are safe and taken care of.

You Decide to Leave

We understand there are a few reasons why you may decide to leave. All we ask is that if you have any problems at your place of employment, you follow the following steps:

• Please make sure you have given the job a chance – at least 2 weeks
• Speak with your supervisor about any problems first and give him or her the chance to resolve
• If this has not worked, call IENA who will advocate on your behalf

Remember as with any job, there are good days at work and bad days.  There are people you like working with, and people you don’t like working with.  Just as the employer has made a commitment to you via you job offer, you have made a commitment to the employer in acknowledging and agreeing to the terms of your job offer.

If you do decide to leave early, you MUST call IENA before you leave on (888) 724 4292 ext 4. We will want to help you make a plan to get home or find other employment.

CAN I GET A SECOND JOB

If you have the opportunity for a second job, please contact the IENA office and we will go through the process and contact your new employer. You  MUST  do this  BEFORE  you accept and begin working for your 2 nd  job employer.

ABOUT THE USA

The USA is a vast country.  People say that every state is almost like a country with its own culture and compare it to Europe.  Here are some handy tools to help you:

• Time Zones and Local Times
• US Public Holidays
• US Customs, Habits, and Etiquette
• Cost of Living

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Work and Travel USA

International Cultural Exchange Program

Summer Work and Travel USA Program

The Summer Work Travel program provides foreign students with an opportunity to live and work in the United States during their summer vacation from college or university to experience and to be exposed to the people and way of life in the United States.

Participants in the program must be post-secondary school students in an educational institution outside the United States who have completed at least one semester or equivalent of post-secondary academic study. Additionally they must possess sufficient proficiency in English and must be pre-placed in a job prior to entry unless from a visa waiver country. Applicants must be pre-placed in a job prior to entry. U.S. based exchange visitor sponsors will issue form DS-2019 once they accept applicants into their program.

Participants are allowed to work up to four months during their summer break and are generally allowed a grace period (usually 30 days) to travel in the United States after the end of the exchange program. The Summer Work Travel is not for visitors who only want to travel in the United States; to enter the United States as a tourist only the correct visa category is B-2.

See  j1visa.state.gov  or  FAQ  for further information.

HISTORY OF Summer Work&Travel

The Summer Work Travel program was created by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Senator J. William Fulbright’s legislation to increase mutual understanding between Americans and the people of other countries.

This legislation created such important academic exchanges as the Fulbright Program, among many others.

In that legislation, Senator Fulbright also saw the need for work-based exchange programs like Summer Work Travel. 

Over 50+ years, Summer Work Travel has become the U.S.’ largest student exchange program. It is privately funded and costs nothing to the U.S. taxpayer. In addition to its diplomatic and foreign policy benefits, the program has evolved to provide important economic benefits to U.S. host businesses and seasonal communities. 

Summer Work Travel Program

Welcome! From all of us at CSB are very excited have you in our program

International Partners

CSB continues to build a strong network worldwide.

Host Employers

Make a difference in your business by culturally enriching your work environment.

Program Trips

Trips are organized upon student requests.

Program Participants

Students participating on the CSB Summer Work Travel Program should expect the best.

We have established relationships with hundreds of reliable international representatives.

The purpose is to provide foreign full-time university students, with the opportunity to interact with United States citizens, experience the United States culture while sharing their own culture with Americans they meet, travel in the United States and work in jobs that require minimal training and are seasonal or temporary, in order to earn funds to help cover a part of their expenses.

The participants are authorized to join the program for up to a maximum of 4 (four) months, within the limits of their official long break between academic years, also known as the summer vacation. Extensions of program participation are not permitted.

Welcome to the Summer Work Travel Program

Making a difference in exchange programs.

CSB is designated by the United States Department of State as a sponsor of the Summer Work Travel Program (SWT). The SWT Program is a cultural exchange visitor program .

Explore the United States as an exchange visitor!

All participants will have the unique, yet dynamic, opportunity to experience the daily life in the United States by embracing its traditions, history, and culture through short-term work opportunities; an experience that is very different from that of a tourist. The CSB team is devoted to help start and unfold an American summer adventure, one dream at the time.

Join the global network as a host employer!

The program is also open to hundreds of United States based businesses who wish to provide a unique answer to their seasonal or peak staffing needs, while also embracing workplace diversity. The SWT Program matches highly motivated international university students eager to become a part of an American host site team with businesses across the United States who have the ability to hire extra staff for their peak load and enrich their work environment.

At-a-Glance

The program promotes mutual global understanding through cultural exchanges.

Participants obtain the J-1 visa from the US Consulate in their home country, based on specific documentation that includes the Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status), which identifies CSB as the sponsor. The Form DS-2019 defines the purpose of the program and states the program period, which is the time the participant can legally live, work, and travel in the United States.

All participants are expected to return to their home country upon completion of their program in order to share their exchange experiences.

America Culture Guide

Our guide is valuable for researching American cultures regarding weather, time zone, parks and must do's. You can search American cultural ideas by month or by state.

Culture Guide by States

Learn about weather, time-zone, activities by states in the US.

About Your State:

Holidays and festivals.

Find out about national and state holidays and festivals throughout the US.

US Holidays

Federal holidays:.

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Day
• Presidents' Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day

Other Holidays:

• Valentine's Day
• Mother's Day
• Father's Day
• St. Patrick's Day
• April's Fools Day
• Cinco De Mayo

National Parks and Weather

National Parks are throughout the US and a great adventure

National Parks:

The U.S. has 60 protected areas known as national parks that are operated by the National Park Service. Twenty-eight states have national parks. California has the most (nine), followed by Alaska (eight), Utah (five), and Colorado (four). The largest national park is Wrangell–St. Elias in Alaska: at over 8 million acres (32,375 km2), it is larger than each of the nine smallest states.

What is BridgeUSA?

• It's experiencing the American Dream firsthand.
• It's appreciating the many backgrounds, races, ethnicities, and faiths that make this country unique.
• It's discovering endless opportunities that ignite an aspiration to achieve.
• It's exploring the breadth and scope of American culture.
• It's learning about a government unlike any other in the world—one of the people, by the people, for the people.
• It's finding yourself and becoming the global leader you've always been.

This is BridgeUSA.

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Summer Work Travel Resource Page

The BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel Program enables college and university students enrolled full time and pursuing studies at post-secondary accredited academic institutions, located outside the United States to come to the United States to share their culture and ideas with people of the United States through temporary work and travel opportunities. Summer Work Travel participants are authorized to participate in the program for up to four months during the long break between academic years as determined by the Department of State. Extensions of program participation are not permitted.

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J-1 Summer Work Travel Program

Starting in 2016, the two largest sponsors of the j-1 summer work travel program in ireland are requiring irish students to have a summer job vetted and approved before traveling to the u.s.  , what the change means.

ACT NOW! Irish J-1 Summer Work Travel participants working through CIEE and InterExchange in the U.S. and USIT and SAYIT Travel in Ireland now must receive a suitable offer of employment by a U.S. employer before they will be issued the documents they need to apply for a visa.

Who Benefits from the Change

By securing a job in advance, you can travel to the U.S. assured you may start working immediately upon arrival, and will be able to focus on experiencing America to its fullest.

How to Find a Job

Talk to friends and family who have already been to the U.S. Many employers in the U.S. are familiar with the J-1 program and are keen to hire students from Ireland. Or sign up for a job fair. USIT or SAYIT Travel and CIEE or InterExchange will offer job fairs in Ireland over the winter months. These jobs are pre-approved by the sponsor and simplify the process even more.

Keep Your Word

You are expected to report to the site of activity listed on your DS-2019 form. Failure to report to your pre-approved job and make a good faith effort to work at the position and honor your work commitment may result in program termination. You must contact your U.S. sponsor before leaving a job. All additional and subsequent jobs must also be vetted by your U.S. sponsor before you begin work.

Acceptable Types of Jobs

All employers hiring J-1 Summer Work Travel participants must demonstrate a seasonal or temporary need for additional staff during the summer season. The positions must be entry level, unskilled, and require minimal training.

Unacceptable Types of Jobs

Certain types of jobs are expressly prohibited. They include:

• Construction/general labor jobs
• Pedi-cab jobs and those requiring operating a motor vehicl
•  Jobs requiring work hours between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.
• Jobs in a private home (childcare, cleaning, and so on)
• Jobs requiring purchasing of inventory for sale
• Jobs requiring work as an independent contractor.

Please be sure to review the requirements and list of prohibited positions before submitting a job offer.

For Help Finding a Job

For more information and help in identifying potential J-1 summer job opportunities, please contact USIT or SAYIT Travel .

Follow These 4 Simple Steps To Get A Job Approved!

1. Collect a job offer from an employer Once an employer has offered you a position at his or her business, a job offer must be completed.

2. Submit the job offer for review Submit the job offer to your J-1 Agency (USIT or SAYIT Travel). The J-1 Agency will send the job offer to CIEE or InterExchange for vetting.

3. Sponsor verifies position Your U.S. Sponsor will contact the employer to review the job offer details. The employer will need to provide the following documents before the sponsor can approve the position:

• Employer Identification Number (Federal Tax Identification Number)
• Business License
• Workers’ compensation information

Note: Please let potential employers know that your sponsor will be contacting them.

4. Interview for a J-1 visa and travel to the USA If the job offer is approved, your U.S. sponsor will issue a DS-2019 form and a J-1 visa interview can be scheduled with the U.S. embassy. If the job offer is not approved, the sponsor will notify your J-1 Agency.

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Summer Work & Travel

• Up to 4 months

Ever thought about turning your summer vacation into an unforgettable adventure? Pack your bags and head to the United States with this exciting program! You’ll have the opportunity to work with some of the biggest brands in the U.S.; imagine working in famous theme parks, 5-star hotels, bustling restaurants, waterparks, or sunny beachside spots. Whether you’re experienced or a total newbie, we’ve got the perfect job for you!

But it’s not all work and no play! You’ll experience authentic American culture, make friends from around the globe, improve your English, and have a blast experiencing everyday life in the U.S. Get ready for more than just a job – it’s a chance to grow, learn, and have some serious fun along the way. The opportunities are as diverse as they are exciting.

Why settle for an ordinary summer? Join us for a taste of the American dream, meet tons of new people, and return home with memories, skills, and a fresh view of the world. Let’s make this summer one to remember!

It has been the best decision in my life

I had the opportunity to partake in exhilarating activities .

I really recommend this program.

I enjoy getting to know their culture and talking to them.

It’s inspiring - I love to explore the city...

If I had to choose my favorite, it would be barbecue!

I really like it here. I feel comfortable in America.

Waterpark attendant, galveston, tx, wisconsin dells, wi, what the program includes, guaranteed job.

Secured placement before you arrive so you know exactly where you're going and start earning immediately.

Orientation

We work with you in advance to prepare you for your adventure and provide guidance on what to expect.

Health insurance coverage

Health insurance coverage for the duration of your program to assist in emergencies.

International Requirements

Guidance on visa requirements and program regulations

Emergency Support

24/7 emergency support from our U.S. based support teams

Fees & Eligibility

• Flights & Accom
• You are at least 18 years of age.
• A full-time university student
• Able to speak conversational English

Submit Your Application

Our team will reach out to you, and together, we’ll review your eligibility, answer your questions, and see what positions you are interested in.

Choose Your Position

Explore available jobs that suit your interests. Participate in a host company interview to find your perfect match for the summer.

Complete Your Application

If you’re hired, congrats! Now you’ll need to submit the full application and program fee.

Schedule Your Visa Appointment

Take your Alliance Abroad Visa paperwork to the U.S. Embassy at your scheduled time for your J1 visa appointment. It’s an important step, and we’re here to help if you need it!

Start Planning Your Summer

Once your visa is approved, it’s time to book your flight and start planning. Our pre-departure orientation will tell you everything you need to know. You’re set for an enjoyable and unforgettable summer!

The Summer Work Travel program may last up to four months. The time you participate must fall within the official summer vacation dates of your university, as well as within dates set by the Ministry of Education in your country. Most seasonal employers request a period of at least 2.5 months of eligibility to work to ensure time for training and support for their peak season.

We understand the wish to have a friend join you for the program. All candidates must meet the eligibility requirements and secure a job with the same employer in the same location. If hired by the same company, you can absolutely travel together and participate in the program together. Most employers cannot guarantee the same position or the same shifts, but you still would have the opportunity to share housing and your time off together.

We recommend starting the process as soon as possible to ensure enough time to move through the process and arrive on time. We are usually ready to start recruitment for the next season at the end of the current one- for example, recruitment for the next summer season starts in September when current participants are ending their programs and returning home. On average, the application and placement process can take a minimum of two months, not including the time you may have to wait for visa appointments to be available at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.

Yes. If you budget wisely, you should earn enough money to cover your rent and living expenses while in the U.S. We look at the rates of pay and housing costs when approving host employers to ensure participants can afford the local cost of living. Second jobs are also allowed with permission on the program.

Ready to take a leap?

Your next adventure starts now…

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Paid Working Holiday Opportunities in the USA

Wonderful opportunity to gain your first work experience and experience life in america at the same time.

ICCE offers international students an amazing opportunity to live and work in the U.S. during their official university summer break. While working for an American company, you will have the chance to earn money, learn the American culture and customs, meet new people, and establish long lasting relationships with Americans as well as with other program participants from countries all over the world. As an official U.S. Department of State designated sponsor for the BridgeUSA Programs , ICCE is authorized to issue the DS-2019 Form that is necessary for you to apply for the J-1 Visa in the Summer Work Travel category.

Program Purpose

The Summer Work Travel Program allows college and university students who are enrolled and pursuing studies outside the United States to come to the U.S. to share their culture and ideas with the American people through temporary work and travel opportunities.

Our Service Includes:

• Issuance of Form DS-2019
• Program orientation and information for both you and your employer
• Eligibility screening of your employer
• Coordination of your health insurance
• Preparation for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy
• Pre-departure orientation packet
• Post arrival orientation
• 24 hours emergency hotline
• Program evaluation and monitoring throughout your program in the U.S.

Program Options

• Self-arranged Placement: for prospective participants who have already found a U.S. based employer and have a job offer ready
• Full Placement: for prospective participants who need ICCE’s assistance with searching for an employer that is eligible to hire Summer Work Travel participants

Program Length

This program is 3 to 4 months long depending on the country you are from and the length of your university semester break.

Program Requirements

Summer work travel students must be foreign nationals:.

• Who are 18 years old or older;
• Who are students enrolled in and actively pursuing a degree or other full-time course of study at an accredited, classroom based, post-secondary educational institution outside the United States;
• Who have successfully completed at least one semester or equivalent of post-secondary academic study;
• Who are able to demonstrate sufficient funding to cover their travel and living expenses;
• Who have sufficient English skills to train in an English speaking environment;
• Who understand the program purpose and have no intention to change their visa status while in the United States; and
• Who agree to apply for the J-1 Visa in their home country. ICCE does not allow applicants to change status to the J-1 visa.

Get Started

Interested in applying for this program as a participant? Please submit the participant inquiry form here.

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SUMMER W&T USA

CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS

WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL

If a student does not get the visa we keep 0$!

The program price includes health insurance for the fifth month

Payment is possible in five installments, the last one you pay after getting the visa

Possibility to attend the world recognized course in catering SERVSAFE (www.servsafe.com)

Free English language course with native speaker!

Job fairs and live interviews with employers!

Over 100 authentic student experience videos!

What is Work and Travel program?

“Summer Work and Travel USA” program is a cultural exchange program exclusively for students. The program has been approved and supported by the American government and it enables students to work in the USA during the summer break within a period of 4 months and after that, if they want, to use the fifth month for traveling. The aim of the program is to gain great experience, improve English language, meet the culture, customs and lifestyle, as well as, to get new friends.

What do we offer?

Summer Work and Travel Program is a complex program. Therefore, it is important that you have safety and all the program segments organized.

1. Safe job – interviews with the employers 2. Meeting the representative of the sponsor companies in the USA authorized by the State Department before departure to the USA. 3. Transport to the location of the employer or accommodation 4. Organization and help with getting SSN number in the USA which you cannot work without 5. Continuous support during your stay in the USA

See the necessary documentation

JOB LOCATIONS

See the full offer of jobs across the USA

For more student experiences visit

WORK AND TRAVEL GROUP APP

Find fellow travelers!

START YOUR ADVENTURE TODAY

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Molimo prvo omogućite strogo neophodne kolačiće da bismo sačuvali vaše postavke!

Summer Work and Travel

Work and Explore the United States Culture this summer for up to 4 Months !

The J-1 Summer Work and Travel (SWT) program provides University/College students with an opportunity to live and work in the United States during their summer vacation from college or university and also to share their culture and ideas with people in the United States through temporary work and travel experiences.

Eligibility :

• Currently enrolled on a FULL-TIME basis in a College or University . 
• Between the ages of 18 and 30
• Able to speak and understand conversational English
• Minimum Semester GPA of 2.0
• Willing to work and explore the United States for up to 4 Months.
• Clean Police Record
• Your Institution /Courses must be accredited by the University Council of Jamaica

Program Package includes:

• J1 Visa Sponsorship ( Full OR Self-Placement )
• Medical Insurance Coverage
• Job Placement (For Full-Placement)
• Visa Application “Assistance”
• On-Going Guidance while in the U.S.A
• 24 Hr Support While in the USA
• Pre-Departure Orientation
• Embassy Date Monitoring

Documents Required :

• Valid Passport
• Three (3) Passport Size Photo
• School Enrollment Verification (We provide the Template)
• Copy of previous J1 Visas
• Updated Resume
• School Identification
• Police Record- Conditional
• Additional Documents may be required upon request *

EXPLORE BIG CITIES

On your days off from work; you can take trips with your friends to different tourist attractions and explore different parts of the area your placed.

MEET LOCALS

With your J1 Visa which you will receive before entering the United States, will give you the ability to travel and explore the entire USA. So you can have a trip to Las Vegas , then down to Miami , then Back up to the Big Apply New York City !

Even if your J1 Visa is expired you have a 30 days “grace period” to explore some additional places!

GET AN EXPERIENCE

All Participants will recieve pre-arranged Jobs to help with their expenses while in the United States. We fully understand that there are many Individuals who have saved a portion of their Income over the months during their program and return home with huge savings , however this program is not to maximize on earning/profit but rather gain cultural experience in the United States.

Share your culture with other Americans or J1 participants and learn more about their cultures as well !

Can I have a second job ? Yes, you can ! Second Jobs are allowed once approved by the Sponsor.

As a J-1 visa holders ,you are deemed as “non-resident aliens” during your stay in the United States and you are typically required to pay federal, state and local taxes. The Good thing is : You are also expected to file annual reports (also known as tax returns) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

SWT Program Packages 2023/2024

Self-placement.

Find your own job placement

• SIGNATURE SERVICES- $1755
• CIEE – $1 545

* Self placement means that the applicant will be responsible in sourcing their own job before visa sponsorship.

Full-Placement

Agency/Sponsor Job support .

• IEE – $1895
• CIEE – $1925

* Full placement means that we (the Agency) will be providing you with a Job offer and visa sponsorship.

Apply Online

Registration Fee : JMD$2,500

Screening/Evaluation Fee: USD $50

• Other Fees to consider :
• – Flight Cost
• – Housing/Rent Deposit ( $0- $1,200)
• – Visa Appointment Fee (USD$160)
• – Adequate savings to support yourself before receiving your first paycheck. (You cannot travel empty pocket)

Book your flight!

After all payments are completed ,and your Job/DS2019 has been confirmed ; You will be required to attend a “Pre-Departure Orientation” in Apri l.

  days

  hours   minutes   seconds

Deadline 2024

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Work and travel open , contact form.

The Summer Work Travel (SWT) Program, a category of the U.S. Department of State’s BridgeUSA , brings foreign post-secondary (college or university) students to the United States to work and travel for a maximum of four months during their summer vacations. Summer Work Travel, like all exchange programs, is intended to provide participants with broad exposure to U.S. culture and society, and to foster greater appreciation among Americans of the participants’ home countries. Specifically, Summer Work Travel is designed to allow participants to become directly involved in the daily life of the people of the United States through travel and temporary work.

See more information on the Summer Work Travel Program on the Department of State website.

The following Alliance member organizations sponsor summer work/travel programs:

• Alliance Abroad Group
• American Journey Cultural Exchange (AJ1)
• American Work Adventures
• AIFS (American Institute for Foreign Study)
• Cultural Exchange Network (CENET)
• Cultural Homestay International (CHI)
• Greenheart International
• Global Educational Concepts (GEC)
• InterExchange Work & Travel USA
• International Culture & Career Exchange (ICCE)
• International Cultural Exchange Organization (ICEO)
• International Exchange of North America (IENA)
• Intrax Cultural Exchange
• Janus International Hospitality Student Exchange
• LifeTRAVELED
• Spirit Cultural Exchange
• United Work and Travel, a division of APEI

A list of all inbound Summer Work Travel sponsors designated by the Department of State can be found on the Department’s website .

MEET... New Friends!

ACHIEVE... New Goals!

TRAVEL... And Gain Work Experience!

WORK... And EARN!

EXPLORE... Opportunities For The Future!

NETWORK... With Other International Students!

EXPERIENCE... The World Beyond The Classroom!

DEVELOP... Your Global Capacity!

Our goal is to provide you as a student, all the educational travel opportunities..

We make provisions available for personal development from out-of-classroom education through educational travel opportunities; exchange, work and learn programs and cultural immersion that will promote mutual understanding, respect for individual abilities irrespective of their background and peaceful co-existence globally. Education gained through travel is experiential, holistic in defining your outlook to versatile issues and becomes a part of you. Unlike certificates and diplomas, it cannot be taken away from you, it is your experience and has become a part of you. The work and travel programs are focused on empowering and giving individuals the necessary out-of the-classroom experience for long term personal development. The Summer Work & Travel Program provides international students currently attending university in their home country the opportunity to live and work in the United States for up to four months during the student's summer holiday. The summer break is generally during the months of May to September for countries in the Northern Hemisphere and during the months of November to March from countries in the Southern Hemisphere. By providing this opportunity to international university students, it is expected that they will gain knowledge and experience of America and other cultures through daily living experiences. It is also expected that you, as an international exchange visitor will share your culture with the Americans you come into contact with. The work component of this program does not necessarily cover the students' expenses; students should understand that this is a cultural exchange program, not a way of making "big" money for the summer. Application is open to bonafide international students currently enrolled in post secondary academic programs in their home countries, and who will be available for up to 4 months during the summer.

Are You Ready To Experience A Life-Changing Summer?

Start the journey with a few clicks...

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Tourism & Visit

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Other Visa Categories

U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country

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Temporary Worker Visas

Visas for Members of the Foreign Media, Press, and Radio

Treaty Trader & Treaty Investor and Australians in Specialty Occupations

Visas for Canadian and Mexican USMCA Professional Workers

A citizen of a foreign country who wishes to work in the United States must first get the right visa.  If the employment is for a fixed period, the applicant can apply for a temporary employment visa.  There are 11 temporary worker visa categories.  Most applicants for temporary worker visas must have an approved petition.  The prospective employer must file the petition on behalf of the applicant.  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews the petition. 

Temporary worker visa categories

Labor certification.

Certain visa categories need an approved labor certification. First, the prospective employer must apply for the labor certification with the Department of Labor .  Then, the prospective employer can file the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, with USCIS.  Please refer to the Instructions for Form I-129   on the USCIS website to confirm if you need  the labor certification.

Petition Approval

Some temporary worker categories are limited in the total number of petitions which can be approved on a yearly basis. Before an applicant can apply for a temporary worker visa, USCIS must first approve the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129 .    For more information about the petition process, see Working in the U.S. and Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Workers on the USCIS website.  Once USCIS approves the petition, it will send the prospective employer a Notice of Action, Form I-797. 

Important Notice: Same-sex Marriage

Effective immediately, U.S. Embassies and Consulates will adjudicate visa applications that are based on a same-sex marriage in the same way that we adjudicate applications for opposite gender spouses. Please reference the specific guidance on the visa category for which you are applying for more details on documentation required for derivative spouses. For further information, please see our  FAQ’s .

How to Apply

You may apply for a visa when USCIS has approved your petition. There are several steps in the visa application process. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply. Please visit the embassy or consulate website for instructions on how to apply.

Complete The Online Visa ApplicationComplete The Online Visa Application

• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160 . You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
• Photo –You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Schedule an Interview

Applpicants of a certain age may not need to have an interview. Consular officers have the discretion to  interview any applicant, regardless of age.

You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you live.  However, it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of your place of permanent residence.

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category.  You should apply for your visa early.  Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply:

Appointment Wait Time

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment as a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 

Note:  Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

You will need to provide the receipt number to schedule an interview.  The receipt number is printed on your approved Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, or Notice of Action, Form I-797.

Prepare for your Interview

• Fees - Pay the non-refundable visa application fee , if you are required to pay it before your interview. When your visa is approved, you may also pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Fee information is provided below:

Select your nationality to see Issuance Fee

Reciprocity Fees

Nonimmigrant visa applicants from certain countries*/areas of authority may be required to pay a visa issuance fee after their application is approved. These fees are based on the principle of reciprocity:  when a foreign government imposes fees on U.S. citizens for certain types of visas, the United States will impose a reciprocal fee on citizens of that country*/area of authority for similar types of visas. 

Check the Reciprocity Fees

• Fee payment information is available on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.
• L visa applicants included in a L blanket petition : must also pay the Fraud Prevention and Detection fee and may need to pay the Border Security Act fee. Select  All Fees  to learn more.

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

• Passport  valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).  Each person included in a single passport needs a separate visa application.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page .
• Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements . 
• Petition Receipt Number as it appears on your Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129, or Notice of Action, Form I-797.
• L Visa Applicants  included in an L blanket petition, must bring Form I-129S to the interview.

Legal Rights and Protections

H-1B, H-2A, and H-2B visa applicants should read the Legal Rights and Protections pamphlet before applying for a visa.  The pamphlet includes information on your rights in the United States and protection available to you.

Additional Documentation May Be Required

Review the instructions on how to apply for a visa on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified.  

Most visa applicants, except H-1B and L, need to show their intent to return to their home country after their temporary stay in the United States. They can do so by showing proof of compelling ties to the home country, which may include:

• A residence abroad which you do not intend to abandon
• Your family relationships
• Your economic situation
• Your long term plans

Attend your Visa Interview

During the visa interview, a consular officer will determine if you are eligible for the visa.  The consular officer will also determine if the visa category is appropriate for your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, your application may need further administrative processing . A consular officer will inform you if further processing is necessary for your application.

Depending on your nationality, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee.  You must pay this fee when the visa is approved.  The embassy will explain how your passport with visa will be returned to you.  Review the visa processing time , to learn how soon your passport with visa will generally be ready for pick-up or delivery by the courier.

Entering the United States

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport).  A visa also allows you to request permission to enter the United States.  A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States.  When admitted, you may get an admission stamp or  Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Review the CBP website to learn more about entry requirements and customs restrictions.

Extending Your Stay

You must leave the United States on or before the date indicated on your admission stamp or Form I-94.  You can request to extend your stay by contacting USCIS.  Visit USCIS's Extend Your Stay website for more information.

Failure to leave the United States on time will result in you being out of status . Under U.S. law, visas of travelers who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ). If you had a multiple-entry visa and it was voided due to you being out of status, it will not be valid for future entries into the United States.

Failure to leave the United States on time may also result in you being ineligible for visas you may apply for in the future. Review Visa Denials and Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws to learn more.

Change of Status

While in the United States, you may be able to request a change to another nonimmigrant category.  See Change My Nonimmigrant Status on the USCIS website to learn more.

Requesting a change of status does not require that you apply for a new visa, as long as you remain in status. If you cannot remain in status while USCIS processes your change of status request, you must apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Additional Information

• The approval of a petition does not guarantee that you will get a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
• Spouse and Children –
• Your spouse and unmarried, minor children may also apply for the same visa category as you to accompany or join you.  The only exception is for Cultural Exchange Visitor Q-1 visa applicants.  You must be able to show that you will be able to financially support your family in the United States.
• For more information, visit USCIS’s Temporary Workers information and Employment Authorization website.
• Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date.  Therefore, a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.

Visa Denial and Ineligibility

Review Visa Denials  for detailed information about visa ineligibilities, denials and waivers.

Visa Renewal

The same visa application process applies for first-time applicants and renewals. Please review How to Apply for more information.  Some applicants may be eligible for interview waiver.  Interview waiver allows eligible individuals to renew their visa without an in-person interview. To determine if you are eligible for interview waiver, please review the instructions on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply.

I was refused a visa under section 214(b). May I reapply?

Yes, if you feel circumstances have changed regarding your application. Review  Visa Denials  to learn more.

Misrepresentation or Fraud

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States. 

Review  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws .

Citizen of Canada and Bermuda

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not need visas to enter the United States as temporary workers.  These applicants do need a temporary worker petition approved by USCIS. For more information see the  U.S. Embassy Ottawa website , the  U.S. Consulate Hamilton website  and the  CBP website .

Additional resources for Canadian temporary workers to the United States can be found on the U.S. Embassy Ottawa website in Canada.

Further Questions

• Case-Specific Questions  - Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your visa application for status information. Select  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  for contact information.
• General Questions  - review  Contact Us .

More Information

A-Z Index Legal Rights & Protections Lost/Stolen Travel Documents Denials Temporary Workers-USCIS Fraud Warning Border Security/Safety Visa Expiration Date Automatic Revalidation Nonimmigrants in the United States–Applying for Visas in Canada or Mexico Visa Applicants - State Sponsors of Terrorism Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Customer Service Statement

External Link

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

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Action News Jax Now

Jacksonville ranked the worst city for summer travel according to new Forbes Advisor study

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In a recent Forbes Advisor study ranking cities that would be the worst for summer travel, Jacksonville, Florida, emerged as the least favorable destination.

READ: Jacksonville ranked No. 16 best place to live in the country by U.S. News & World Report

The study assessed 50 of the most populated cities in the U.S. across 16 metrics, including crime rate, median hotel price during the summer travel season, seasonal temperatures, transit score, and number of restaurants. The study revealed that potential vacationers might face significant challenges in our River City.

Jacksonville was rated the worst city to visit in the United States for summer travel, scoring the lowest score of 100 out of 100.

• It scored the lowest for walkability and had the third lowest access to public transportation.
• Jacksonville International Airport has the second-highest percentage of disrupted summer flights, with an average of 28.9%.
• The city has the sixth-fewest parking lots and garages, with just 1.49 per 100,000 residents.
• Jacksonville has the eighth highest crime rate, at 63.99 crimes per 1,000 residents.
• It ranks eighth for the fewest restaurants with four or more stars on Tripadvisor, tallying 728 such establishments.

The other top five worst cities for summer vacation were:

• 2: Colorado Springs, Colorado
• 3: Fresno, Califonia
• 4: Memphis, Tennessee
• 5: Albuquerque, New Mexico

With over half of Americans planning a vacation before the end of September, these rankings stress the need to consider potential travel complications.

For the complete list of city rankings, you can find it HERE .

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Jennifer Lopez Is Making Summer Travel Plans amid Marriage Strain with Ben Affleck

The 'Atlas' star is planning next steps for her summer after canceling her concert tour, according to a source

Mackenzie Schmidt is the Home and Travel Editor for PEOPLE. She's worked at PEOPLE for over five years as a writer and editor on the Lifestyle team.

Jennifer Lopez is planning her summer vacation! 

The  Atlas  star, 54, has been making plans to travel, a source tells PEOPLE. Lopez is taking time this summer "to be with her children, family and close friends," Live Nation announced on May 31 when she canceled her planned concert tour amid what sources have called strain in her marriage to Ben Affleck,

Lopez has previously taken some epic summer vacations, both with friends and with Affleck.

In years past, the couple enjoyed trips to France and Italy over the summer, including during their 2022 honeymoon in Milan and Lake Como and a birthday trip to the celeb-favorite island of Capri .

Monica Schipper/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images; Lumeimages/Shutterstock 

Lopez has said she's "not a big vacation person" in general, but has spoken about her love for Italy. "When I finally went to spend a couple of summers in a row in the south of Italy, I really, really loved it," she shared in a 2023 interview with  Travel + Leisure .

She elaborated that her life has typically “always been work, work, work,” but her trips to Italy have changed her mindset. “I was like, 'Oh my God, is this what I’ve been missing my whole life,'" she joked.

The singer's favorite feature of the boot doesn't quite narrow down where she might be eyeing for a vacation this year, but it may hint at her accommodations.

Jennifer Lopez/Instagram

“I just love being on the water, to be honest. I feel like the water is really something that calms me. I can actually sit still and stare at the ocean and at the sky,” she told T+L. “I like just being right there on the coast it's beautiful and eating outside and enjoying the fresh air.”

In 2021, Lopez and Affleck celebrated her 52nd birthday on a yacht off the Amalfi Coast and docked at St. Tropez, another favorite haunt of A-listers in the summer.

"They are having a beautiful trip," a source told PEOPLE at the time.

While Affleck and Lopez's current marriage troubles are shaping their vacation plans, the stars have remained friendly.

The singer posted a heartfelt message to her husband on Father's Day on June 16, calling him "our hero."

The actor shares children Violet , 18, and  Seraphina , 15, and Samuel, 12, with ex-wife Jennifer Garner, 52; and is stepdad to Lopez's 16-year-old twins,  Max and Emme , whom she shares with ex  Marc Anthony .

MediaPunch / BACKGRID; Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / BACKGRID; MediaPunch / BACKGRID

They recently attended a graduation party for Samuel alongside Garner at a rental home in Brentwood, Calif. and wore their wedding rings at the event.

The pair are quietly trying to sell the $61 million Beverly Hills home they bought together in 2023 . Lopez has been living at the house while Affleck is staying at a rental home  a few miles away, according to sources, but they "see each other every few days," a source said.

Related Articles

Try this pro trick for an affordable and stress-free summer vacation

• Travelers are facing high prices and crowds this summer.
• The best way to get around the high prices and crowds: Be flexible.
• There are ways to become flexible during the busiest travel season of the year, from planning your trip to the tools that get you there.

Life is full of compromises, and that will never be more true than when you're traveling this summer.

Flights will be packed. Just before Memorial Day, the Transportation Security Administration set a new record for most air travelers screened. It checked nearly 3 million passengers on May 24, surpassing the previous record set last Thanksgiving. U.S. airlines are projecting a record summer . They expect to fly 271 million passengers in June, July and August, up 6% from last summer.

Roads will be jammed. GasBuddy’s latest summer travel survey predicts 76% of Americans plan to take a road trip sometime between Memorial Day and Labor Day – up 18% from last summer.

Check out   Elliott Confidential , the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone!

Hotels are full, too. Average hotel occupancy will rise to 63.4%, the highest level since 2019, according to the consulting firm HVS .

Learn more: Best travel insurance

There's only one way to get around the high prices and crowds: Be flexible.

"With peak season prices, crowds, flight delays and more, your itinerary should be in pencil − not pen," said Bill Smith, CEO of Landing , a company that offers flexible rentals. "Being flexible can help to minimize your travel spend while maximizing your adventure this summer."

There are ways to become flexible during the busiest travel season of the year, from planning your trip to the tools that get you there. Being a more flexible traveler also means thinking about travel a little differently − bending but not breaking.

Should you repeat your vacation? Let's settle this once and for all.

Junk fees: Travelers are drowning in junk fees during the summer of surcharges

Ways to become more flexible this summer

So, how do you become more flexible? Here are a few examples:

• Fly to another city. Sometimes, the place you're trying to visit is too popular − and expensive. That's what happened to Phil Strazzulla when he tried to visit Milan last summer. Airline ticket prices were more than $1,000. But he could fly to nearby Zurich for less. So he did. "Not only did this save us more than $300 for each ticket, but the drive over the mountains was spectacular," said Strazzulla, who runs a software review company. "Travel flexibility can result in cost savings − and a unique experience."
• Go off the beaten path. Being truly flexible can mean getting outside your comfort zone. "Instead of Rome, Italy, go to the Puglia region," said Lynna Goldsby, a cruise planner with Travel With Lynna. "Instead of London, try Normandy or Bath." Trying these alternate destinations can still satisfy your travel itch but also reduce your expenses for lodging, restaurants, tours and transfers, she said.
• Take a detour. Airfares are often less expensive if you fly out of the way through an airline's hub. Don't waste that opportunity, said Linda Robert, a travel coach with Back in the Groove Again. Airlines such as Icelandair, Qatar Airways and Copa have stopover programs that allow you to enjoy a day or two at their hubs before continuing to your vacation destination, often at no extra cost. "This strategy enriches your travel experience and offers a cost-effective way to see more places," she said. 

Here are a few useful flexibility tools

There are a few new ways to be flexible. 

For example, Landing, which is a favorite of digital nomads and location-independent workers, rolled out a new tool this week. Its 12-month Flex Stay program offers renters the opportunity to save up to 30% on monthly rates by committing to living with Landing for a year, which has locations in more than 375 cities.

"This new offering gives members the freedom to roam throughout our nationwide network of fully furnished apartments as much − or as little − as they’d like throughout the year," Smith said.

Another newish feature is Airbnb's flexible dates search , which lets you select a period of time rather than a specific date, to see more options. Airbnb introduced the feature during the pandemic, and it can help you save as much as 20% on vacation rental accommodations.

One of my all-time favorite tools is available on almost every self-respecting online travel site. It's the ability to search for airfares or hotel rates based on a more flexible schedule. Google Flights and Kayak are great at showing you more flexible options. Pro tip: Don't limit your flexibility to dates; select a region you want to visit, which may include an alternate airport.

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You can also be flexible when it comes to the rate you pay, said Virginia Tech hospitality and tourism professor Mahmood Khan. Hotels cut their rates by about 20% if you pay upfront. (But you have to be sure you're going because those lower rates are usually nonrefundable.)

"At times, selecting a hotel away from busy destinations, yet comfortable for commuting, helps in finding an economical deal," he said.

But how do you put it all together this summer, including the flexible itinerary and the tools? Funny you should ask.

What are some more ways to increase your travel flexibility?

There are also new strategies to increase your travel flexibility, which can help you save money and a big headache when you're on the road. 

"A critical skill is knowing how and when to put white space into your itinerary," said Stephanie Chastain, owner of Infinite Ireland Travel, a boutique travel consultancy. "A too-rigid schedule leaves travelers vulnerable to travel hiccups that disrupt well-intended plans."

What is white space? It's literally that − a blank page on your itinerary. An empty afternoon with free time. A leisurely breakfast instead of getting up at the crack of dawn for an all-day tour. It's a rest day every two or three days, to prevent yourself from vacation burnout and to give your schedule some wiggle room.

Even the experts keep relearning the lesson of flexibility. For example, I had to fly from Anguilla to Miami at the last minute recently, and the flights were crazy expensive − around $800 for a one-way ticket. Just as I got ready to book, I realized that Anguilla is a short ferry ride from St. Martin, which has more flights. 

Total savings: $200. 

Being flexible means thinking about travel differently from everyone else. It's the belief that there are many ways to get to your destination and that if you don't get there on the exact day your vacation starts, it's not the end of the world. Travel companies love sticking it to you when you absolutely must be in one place at a fixed time. Be a contrarian. But don't go too far.

Bend so you don't break

Some of the best travel advice for people who want to be flexible comes from veteran travel adviser Susan Sherren, who runs Couture Trips , a travel agency. She told me lowering your expectations is one of the best ways to stay flexible.

"Life isn't perfect," she said. "Your trip will likely involve unforeseen and unpredictable events."

One more thing: Being too rigid is a recipe for a terrible trip. I've made that mistake before, and believe me, it's no fun.

You don't want to take it too far. By all means, schedule your flight on a weekday to avoid high fares. Try booking your flight by using one of the flexible fare features on Google Flights or Kayak, or check out Landing's new flex program. 

But if you make too many compromises, it won't be much of a vacation. You'll end up staying in a motel in the suburbs, far away from all the attractions, and missing all the fun. Be flexible, but be smart. 

Bend − but don't break.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

Assembly Rooftop Lounge now offers a sky-high summer brunch experience

Aside from the views of Logan Circle that lead all the way to the Art Museum and a fan-favorite cocktail program, Assembly Rooftop Lounge is now offering a summer-time brunch program on select dates this season to entice Philadelphians.

The Logan Hotel’s year-round chic rooftop cocktail bar and lounge is kicking off the occasion this weekend (on June 22), and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., locals can enjoy seasonal cocktails, elevated brunch dishes, DIY Mimosa kits, and more with live music and a DJ there weekly to set the scene.

“What better way to celebrate the summer solstice than with a brunch party on a rooftop?” said Hannah Boothman, Food and Beverage Sales and Marketing Manager at The Logan in a statement.   “It’s been several years since we’ve offered brunch at Assembly, so we’re excited to bring it back for the summer months and remind our guests that the views are just as amazing during the day – and so are the cocktails. Guests at our first brunch on June 22 will get a first taste of the new brunch food menu.”

The cocktail program for the brunches span a Sunset Spritz ($18) with Stoli Citrus Vodka, Aperol, wild berry tea, fresh lemon and prosecco; Classic White Sangria ($16) mixing white rum, Giffard Peche liqueur, and white wine infused with fresh fruits and citrus; and a Mezcu Me ($18) with Bahnez mezcal, giffard d’espelette liqueur, cucumber, and fresh lime.

The Yogurt Punch ($19) is another choice with Ford’s Gin, Campari, dry vermouth, port wine and fresh lemon, and to finish it all off, Assembly’s signature Frosé ($16) crafted with rosé wine, dry vermouth, Cocchi Rosa aperitif, strawberry, and fresh lemon will also be on the menu. A selection of red, white, sparkling wine and beer round out the beverage list, the release notes.

Mimosa Kits, on the other hand, come in three options with a selection of juices, and price points range from $14-$126 depending on what you get. 

Food-wise, Philadelphians can find eggs and caviar ($17); a strawberry salad ($15), cheese ($18) and charcuterie ($17); crab and avocado toast ($18), a smoked salmon bagel ($17), plus, a selection of flatbreads, including a bacon, egg and cheese flatbread ($16) and the bianca flatbread ($15) with garlic ricotta, broccoli rabe, crushed red pepper, mozzarella and parmesan.

Brunches will be held on June 22, July 27 and Aug. 17. Reservations are live and can be made online. For more information on Assembly Rooftop Lounge (1840 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy,) and its brunches, visit assemblyrooftop.com

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