Its summer time! You will be reminded of a number of things come summer. One thing that comes to my mind is the ‘Summer Jobs Fanfare’. More than a requirement, it has become a culture. Finding a job or an internship is bit nervy these days more so if you are an International Students. With all the visa requirements and other knick knacks associated with being a foreign student is no doubt tedious.

What is a Summer Work and Travel Program?

Under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, an exchange visitor program also called Summer Work and Travel Program is organized by the government for exchange of educational and cultural ideologies among participating nations for building long lasting relationships.

A foreign national who is under the exchange visitor program is given J1 Visa under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). These programs are fully authorized by the US Government. These International Students are completely tested and covered under medical insurance.

International Students Participation In Summer Job Programs

• Students working under this Summer Work and Travel Program should possess all the documents required for working in the US.
• Speaking good English becomes an essential criterion for international students who want to opt for a summer job in the US.
• International or foreign students can work for duration longer than US students. They can work for upto 4 months. They are normally employed for a period starting from May or June every year.
• Should possess a valid J1 Visa in order to participate in this program.
• These students cannot enter the country 30 days before the start of employment and stay 30 days later to the completion of their summer job.
• Those students whose stay is intended for a temporary purpose alone are offered the visa under this program.
• In order to apply for this program, the student should have a designated sponsor.
• Students are allowed entry into this program provided they are assured of financial support required for meeting their expenses in the US.

What makes American Companies Offer Summer Jobs to International or Foreign Students?

• Deploying international students offers a chance to companies in US to cut down their costs.
• Seasonal exchange students can be deployed for a number of services like food servers, housekeeping, maintenance, wait and retail staff, movers and helpers, ride operators, food processors, life guards, tour guide and other internship program.
• These companies also save on tax as these seasonal employees are not subject to taxes such as Unemployment and Medical.
• Qualified foreign employees with complete medical coverage alone are preferred.
• These employees have high level of motivation and will also be interested in working overtime.
• Seasonal staffing helps in busy times.