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Working Holiday in the USA

Experience life in the United States with Global Work and Travel
Program

Working Holiday

Destination

United States

Duration

12 months

Ages

18 to 37 years

Program overview

The United States, a land of boundless opportunity and diversity, offers an experience unlike any other. Spanning vast landscapes, from bustling cities to serene national parks, this iconic country has long captivated the hearts of travellers. Now, imagine calling it home for up to 12 months, thanks to Global Work and Travel’s USA Hotel Professional programme.

Navigating the complexities of securing a work visa for the USA can be daunting. The process is time-consuming, costly, and riddled with uncertainty. However, with Global Work and Travel, you can sidestep the hassles and dive straight into a curated experience. A working holiday in the USA is your gateway to mastering the art of American hospitality. Whether you’re stationed at a boutique hotel in the picturesque Napa Valley or working in a vibrant city like New York, this experience is designed to enrich your professional skills and provide memories to last a lifetime.

This isn’t just a job; it’s a paid internship where you’ll be trained in various hotel divisions over your 12-month stay, gaining hands-on experience in your field.

There’s no need to worry about spending months abroad without income, as your paid internship, offering up to $20 per hour, will be arranged before you leave home.

When you’re not working, the adventure continues. With the financial freedom your internship provides, you can explore more of this vast country. Perhaps a cross-country road trip or immersing yourself in the vibrant festival scene appeals to you. To sweeten the deal, Global Work and Travel offers five nights at a hostel anywhere in America, giving you the perfect opportunity to travel and discover new places.

And if you’re concerned about being alone in a foreign land, fear not. You’ll be instantly connected with a network of fellow travellers through the gWorld app, ensuring you have friends to share your experiences with, whether you’re in the city or the mountains.

Global Work and Travel simplifies every aspect of your journey, from start to finish. But be warned—spaces are limited, and most travellers book their trip 6 to 12 months in advance. With their “Book Now, Decide Later” feature, you can secure your spot with a small deposit and take up to a year to finalise your plans. This is more than just a working holiday in the USA; it’s the ultimate opportunity to enhance your skills, make lifelong memories, and explore one of the most fascinating countries in the world, all with unwavering support from Global Work and Travel.

Smiling receptionist in a professional uniform standing behind a modern reception desk, with framed certificates and awards on the wall, representing a working holiday in the USA.
Gain hands-on experience with a 12-month paid hotel internship—your pathway to a successful career!

Requirements

To embark on this incredible journey, you must meet the following criteria:

You must also possess five years of experience in hospitality, tourism, or hotel management. Note: Experience at a local fast food chain or restaurant qualifies, provided you have five consecutive years in the same type of hospitality.

OR

Hold a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, tourism, or hotel management with at least one year of relevant experience.

OR

Be currently studying for a degree in hospitality, tourism, hotel, or business management, or have graduated within the last 12 months at the time of applying for the visa.

Inclusions

Details

Global Work and Travel’s USA Hotel Professional programme is meticulously designed to ensure your transition into a paid hospitality internship is as smooth as possible. Their mission is to save you time, money, and stress while minimising the risk of an early return home. Here’s how they do it:

From the moment you sign up, you’ll have a dedicated Trip Coordinator by your side. This knowledgeable guide will walk you through each step of the process, addressing any questions or concerns you might have along the way.

Securing a J-1 visa is often the most challenging part of planning a working holiday in the USA. It’s a process fraught with complexities and potential pitfalls. Fortunately, your Trip Coordinator, alongside Global Work and Travel’s extensive network of contacts in the United States, will assist you in navigating the application process, giving you the best chance of success.

In addition to visa support, Global Work and Travel offers a Personal Travel Concierge to help with your flights, travel insurance, and any additional arrangements you might need. These aren’t automated services; you’ll be dealing with real people who understand the nuances of international travel and are committed to ensuring your trip goes off without a hitch.

Upon arrival in the USA, you’ll either be greeted with arranged transportation or provided with detailed instructions on how to reach your accommodation. From there, your journey truly begins.

The nature of your first week will depend on your specific placement. In hotel positions, you can expect an orientation period where you’ll meet fellow exchange participants and new colleagues, giving you a chance to acclimate to your new environment. For restaurant placements, you might dive straight into your role, learning on the job and quickly becoming a part of the team.

Finding a paid internship at a top-rated establishment is no small feat, particularly as a foreigner. However, Global Work and Travel’s well-established relationships with a wide network of businesses across the USA mean they can confidently secure your placement before you even leave home. Their commitment to your success doesn’t end there; they remain in touch throughout your stay, offering support whenever needed. Whether it’s a quick question or an urgent matter, they’re just a message, email, or call away. In case of emergencies, their 24/7 support line is available to assist you.

With a team that’s well-travelled and experienced, you can trust that you’re in good hands from beginning to end.

Itinerary

This working holiday in the USA offers a perfect blend of professional development and personal exploration. Here’s what you can expect:
On arrival

Your journey begins with a flight to the airport nearest your placement. Depending on your arrangement, transport will either be waiting for you, or you’ll receive guidance on the best way to reach your new home.

Week 1

The first week will vary depending on your placement. If you’re in a hotel, you’ll likely start with an orientation, where you’ll meet fellow participants and new colleagues. This session will introduce you to the hotel, its operations, and what’s expected of you.

 

In restaurant placements, you might jump straight into your role with a brief introduction, followed by on-the-job training alongside some of the best professionals in the industry.

After that

The learning continues as you settle into your role. You’ll be working alongside seasoned professionals, absorbing valuable insights and honing your skills in real-world settings.

 

When you have time off, take advantage of the five complimentary nights at a hostel anywhere in the USA. You’re free to explore the vast landscapes of America, or even venture further afield to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean.

 

Throughout your stay, Global Work and Travel will be there to support you. Whether you need advice on local customs or help with travel plans, their team is just a call away.

Jobs & locations

Your journey begins as you fly into the airport closest to your assigned position in the United States. The USA is vast and varied, and your placement could be anywhere across this incredible country, from the sunny beaches of Miami to the snowy peaks of Aspen.

Global Work and Travel partners with some of the most prestigious hotels and restaurants in the hospitality industry, ensuring that your traineeship not only hones your skills but also looks impressive on your CV. You’ll gain valuable experience in various departments, including:

Whether you’re rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous in Aspen, fuelling the vibrant nightlife of New Orleans, or enjoying the musical heartbeat of Nashville, you’ll be placed in some of the most exciting locations the USA has to offer. Other potential destinations include:

These placements are more than just jobs; they are opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture while advancing your career in hospitality.

Collage of iconic US locations: Seattle's Space Needle at night, New Orleans' vibrant nightlife, and San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge by day.
A working holiday in the States could see you posted at various exciting destinations such as Seattle, New Orleans, San Francisco, and more!

Promo code

Unlock the adventure of a working holiday in the USA with our exclusive deal. Use the promo code “18TO35TRAVEL” to save £50 off any product or service from Global Work and Travel.

BRAND

Global Work and Travel

DEAL

Save £50

Use the promo code “18TO35TRAVEL” to save £50 off any Global Work & Travel package.

BRAND

Global Work and Travel

DEAL

Save $50

Use the promo code “18TO35TRAVEL” to save $50 off any Global Work & Travel package.

FAQ

Why Global Work and Travel

Choosing Global Work and Travel for your USA working holiday means opting for a seamless, expertly managed experience from start to finish. Here’s why this programme stands out:

  • Lifetime Deposit Guarantee: With Global Work and Travel, your investment is secure. If your plans change, you can swap dates, gift your trip, or save it for later with no hassle.
  • Paid Internship/Traineeship: You’ll be placed at a top-tier hotel or restaurant, earning up to $18 per hour (plus tips where applicable), while gaining invaluable skills that will boost your career.
  • J-1 Visa Sponsorship: Global Work and Travel will organise your J-1 visa sponsorship through their US partner office, authorised by the US Department of State.
  • J-1 Visa Guidance: Benefit from expert assistance throughout the visa application process, ensuring a smooth and successful experience.
  • Dedicated Trip Coordinator: From start to finish, your Trip Coordinator will be there to guide you, answer questions, and handle any issues that arise.
  • Personal Travel Concierge: Tailor your travel arrangements to perfection with the help of a real, experienced travel concierge.
  • Airport Transfer Assistance: Seamless arrival is guaranteed, with either pre-arranged transportation or detailed instructions on getting to your host company.
  • 5 Nights Hostel Accommodation: Enjoy five nights in a 4-bed hostel anywhere in the USA, courtesy of Global Work and Travel.
  • Medical Insurance: Rest easy knowing that you’re covered for medical care during your placement.
  • Local Life Essentials: Receive a prepaid US SIM card with unlimited national calls and texts, help with setting up a bank account, and assistance in obtaining a Social Security Number.
  • Online Orientation: Arrive in the USA fully prepared, having completed an online orientation that covers all the essentials of your new role and life abroad.
  • Permanent Accommodation Support: If your job doesn’t include accommodation, Global Work and Travel will assist you in finding the perfect place to live.
  • Ongoing Local Team Support: Think of them as your family away from home, offering unlimited support whenever you need it.
  • Global Emergency Line: A worldwide emergency team is on standby, 24/7, to assist with any urgent issues.
  • gWorld Access: Stay organised and connected with the gWorld app, where you can manage all your important documents and details in one place.
  • Social Network: Travel alone but never feel lonely, thanks to the exclusive social network within the gWorld app, where you can meet and connect with other Global Travellers in your area.
  • Global Academy: Access a range of skills and language courses before and during your travels.
  • Marketplace Deals: Save big with exclusive discounts and deals from Global Work and Travel’s brand partners worldwide.
  • £150 Off Your Next Trip: Once you’ve caught the travel bug, it’s hard to stop. Book another trip with Global Work and Travel later and enjoy a £150 discount.

In summary, Global Work and Travel offers more than just a working holiday in the USA. They provide a comprehensive, worry-free experience that allows you to focus on what truly matters: making the most of your time in the United States, advancing your career, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking to build your professional skills, explore new places, or meet like-minded travellers, Global Work and Travel has everything you need to make it happen.

Other working holiday programs

BRAND

Global Work and Travel

DEAL

Save £50

Use the promo code “18TO35TRAVEL” to save £50 off any Global Work & Travel package.

BRAND

Global Work and Travel

DEAL

Save $50

Use the promo code “18TO35TRAVEL” to save $50 off any Global Work & Travel package.

Logo of Global Work & Travel featuring stylised blue text and a green globe, symbolising international work and travel opportunities.

Reserve with a £1 deposit now

Reserve with a $1 deposit now

Secure your place today and pay later. Use our promo code “18TO35TRAVEL” and save £50 🎉

Secure your place today and pay later. Use our promo code “18TO35TRAVEL” and save $50 🎉

Save £50 off any Global Work & Travel package 🎉

Save $50 off any Global Work & Travel package 🎉

The official Global Work and Travel logo

Want £50 off?

Want $50 off?

Use the code “18TO35TRAVEL” and when booking any Global Work & Travel package.