Work and Travel USA for International Exchange Students
GET READY FOR THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME
CHI Work & Travel Gives You a Head Start!
Get real world job skills in the U.S. during your school break, discover life in America, and make new friends with CHI Work & Travel.
Our flexible program dates work around your school schedule. Spend your winter, spring, or summer working at a popular U.S. resort, amusement park, sporting arena, or restaurant, and in your free time immerse yourself in American culture. Tour museums, sightsee, visit with American friends or just relax on the beach. The possibilities are endless. You’ve always wanted the experience of a lifetime – now’s your chance. #GetOutThere!
Work and Travel USA Highlights
- Spend up to four months working at a U.S. business
- Gain real-world job skills and career contacts
- Improve your English and your confidence
- Share your culture while discovering America
- Make new friends and have fun!
What CHI Offers
Every year CHI brings thousands of university students from around the world to the United States as participants in our prestigious Work & Travel program. CHI provides:
Sponsoring
CHI serves as your program sponsor.
Paperwork
We issue your Form DS 2019, to help you apply for your J-1 visa.
The Job
If desired, we arrange employment.
Support
Our professional staff support you every step of the way.
Work and Travel USA Program Options
There are two program options: Job Assisted and Self Placed
Job Assisted
CHI arranges your job, works with your employer and takes care of all paperwork and arrangements on your behalf.
Self-Placed
You communicate directly with potential employers and arrange your own job in the U.S. Once your job is secured you submit the written job offer with your full application to CHI for approval.
Work and Travel Requirements
This is a popular and prestigious program, and we value the maturity and professionalism of our participants. In order to be selected, you must submit a completed application through a CHI partner agency in your home country, as well as be:
- Between 18 and 30 years old
- A full-time university student
- Capable and comfortable in an English-only work environment
- Able to show you have sufficient funds to financially support yourself in the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Work and Travel program was designed to offer international students an opportunity to explore U.S. culture while gaining valuable work experience. Cultural enrichment for each participant is a mandatory part of the program and one that CHI takes seriously. By the end of this short program participants will not only have work experience but they will have had a chance to truly experience all that the U.S. has to offer.
Cultural events can be:
- A day trip to a nearby big city
- Going to a local sporting event
- Visiting a museum
- A barbecue with friends
- A trip to the beach
- Participate in an international potluck
- Each participant is required to fill out a monthly report located within their profile in SEVIS.
- The monthly report is a way for CHI to stay informed about any changes in student housing or employment, as well as to keep track of the cultural activities participants enjoy.
- Login to your SEVIS account and click on the “Monthly Report” section.
- If you have trouble accessing the monthly report form online, call CHI directly for assistance.
- SEVIS: Login to wt.chinet.org, go to “Cultural Guides” and choose your state. A number of resources are available to help you find cultural events in your area.
- CHI “Get Out There” Facebook Group: Active participants are able to join CHI’s private Facebook group. This lively group allows participants across the U.S. to communicate about cultural events and share information.
- Newsletters: CHI will send you weekly newsletters throughout your program with news, cultural information and program updates. We will also share contest opportunities and ways to get involved. Keep an eye out for them!
- Email: Participants are always encouraged to contact CHI directly for help in finding cultural events in their area. Just e-mail experienceusa@chinet.org and someone will be in touch. Check your e-mail often as CHI will be contacting you throughout your program with more information.
Are you a Work & Travel participant trying to access your program details?
find a chi partner in your home country
Follow the steps below to find a CHI partner agency close to you!
1. Select a continent
Latin America
Asia
Europe
Africa
