FAQ

The Work and Travel program offers a variety of seasonal jobs across the United States, including positions in popular tourist destinations, amusement and national parks, resorts, hotels, restaurants, and retail stores.

These are typical summer jobs also held by American students and international students participating in the Work and Travel program.

You can explore some of our current job opportunities here: Radne ponude

Don’t worry about not having previous work experience. We didn’t have any either when we first joined the program! Once you arrive in the United States, your employer will provide the training you need to learn the job and feel confident in your role.

It’s important to remember that Work and Travel is primarily a cultural exchange program, so the experience is about much more than earning money. It’s an opportunity to experience American culture, meet people from around the world, and broaden your horizons.

That said, hourly wages typically range from $13 to $25 per hour, with opportunities for overtime depending on the job and employer. Your total earnings will depend on factors such as your hourly rate, working hours, overtime availability, taxes, and living expenses.

Many students are able to cover their program expenses and use part of their earnings to travel during the grace period, while others choose to save the money for when they return home.

Yes. Overtime is paid when applicable. A standard workweek is typically 40 hours, and eligible overtime hours are generally paid at 1.5 times your regular hourly rate, in accordance with applicable U.S. labor laws.

If you’re not sure whether a particular job or location is right for you, don’t worry. It’s completely normal to have questions when making such a big decision. J1Connect is here to help you make a choice you feel confident about.

In addition to sharing our own experience from participating in the program multiple times, we also try to connect you with students who worked for the same employer or in the same location the previous summer, so you can hear about their experience firsthand.

If you choose the Placement option, you’ll get access to our web app, where you can explore available opportunities. We’ll help you find a job and location that match your preferences, expectations, and the type of experience you’re looking for.

If you choose the Self Placement option, you’ll find your own employer and provide us with the required Job Offer form, which you’ll receive from our team, along with any additional documents needed to verify the employer.

Yes. Once your interview with the employer is scheduled, you’ll have a preparation session with one of our coordinators. We’ll go through the most common interview questions, practice with a mock interview, and share tips to help you feel confident and prepared.

Our advice is simple: relax, be yourself, and communicate openly. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to make a great impression.

Yes. Every job opportunity we offer comes with prearranged accommodation, so you won’t have to worry about finding a place to stay.

Accommodation typically includes shared rooms with access to a bathroom and kitchen. And speaking from experience, your accommodation will probably be the place where you spend the least amount of time during your Work and Travel adventure. 😊

Accommodation costs vary depending on the employer and location, but typically range from $100 to $250 per week. There are also exceptions, with some employers in our job offer providing accommodation for as little as $25 to $70 per week.

Accommodation costs are typically deducted directly from your paycheck. Some employers may also require a refundable security deposit, which is returned at the end of the season, subject to the accommodation terms and conditions.

J1Connect coordinates your visa interview appointment with the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro. Before your interview, you’ll receive detailed instructions from our team about the documents you need to prepare.

Just like with your job interview, J1Connect will also organize a personal preparation session where we’ll walk you through the process, practice common visa interview questions, and make sure you feel confident and prepared.

To apply for a J-1 visa, you will need the following documents:

• Valid passport
• Proof of student status
• Academic transcript or proof of passed exams
• One 5 × 5 cm passport photo
• DS-2019 form
• DS-160 confirmation page
• SEVIS fee payment confirmation

A few days before your visa interview, J1Connect organizes personalized preparation sessions for all students. During the session, we’ll walk you through the entire interview process and cover the most common questions asked by consular officers during J-1 Summer Work and Travel visa interviews.

From our own experience, we know that the visa interview can be one of the most stressful parts of the process. That’s why our coordinators will make sure you know what to expect, how to prepare, and how to approach your interview with confidence.

The J-1 visa application fee is $185 and is paid separately in the euro equivalent before your visa interview.

Please note that the visa application fee is not included in the program fee.

You’re not required to book your flight through J1Connect. If you find a better deal elsewhere, you’re free to choose the option that works best for you.

However, booking through us can offer several benefits, including competitive fares, two checked bags of up to 23 kg each, and up to two free changes to the date or departure location of your return flight. That’s why many students choose to arrange their flights through J1Connect.

The cost of your flight depends on several factors, including your destination, airline, and travel dates. On average, students can expect to pay around €850, although the final price may be lower or higher depending on these factors.

If you’re not sure about your exact return date or departure airport, don’t worry. The flight options we offer include up to two free changes. Simply give us an approximate return date and the airport you expect to fly from.

Our recommendation is JFK in New York, especially if you’re planning to visit the city before heading home. If your plans change, just let us know a few days in advance and we’ll help you adjust your return date or departure airport.

Don’t worry about staying connected when you arrive. J1Connect provides a free SIM card with both of our program packages, which activates automatically when you arrive in the United States, so you can get online right away.

Your adventure can officially begin! Your first step is to get to your accommodation, settle in, and get some rest.

Once you arrive, don’t forget to complete your SEVIS check in and verify your I-94 record. You’ll receive detailed instructions on how to complete both steps during your pre departure orientation with J1Connect.

A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique identification number used for employment and tax purposes in the United States. As a Work and Travel participant, you’ll need an SSN to work legally and for employers to report your earnings.

To apply, you’ll need to visit a Social Security Administration office and submit the required documents. Before you leave for the United States, J1Connect will provide you with instructions on what documents you need and how to complete the application process.

Once you’re ready to open a U.S. bank account, you’ll need to visit a local bank and provide the required documentation. J1Connect will explain what documents you may need before you leave for the United States.

We recommend asking about student or other accounts with no monthly maintenance fees, as available options and requirements may vary from bank to bank.

Yes. While participating in the Work and Travel program, you can work more than one job, as long as your additional job does not interfere with your primary job arranged through the program.

Most importantly, any additional job must be reported to and approved by your sponsor organization before you start working.