Placement Option

You will have guaranteed position before you leave!
No jobhunting required! You will have subsidised housing confirmed! American Cultural Exchanges (ACE) finds one job offer and helps find one living arrangement in the United States. Housing can be very expensive especially in resort areas. For this reason we support you and provide you with quality subsidised housing that will cost between $100 and $300 per month !
American Cultural Exchanges (ACE) will arrange a basic, entry level job for you, much like one that a student in the U.S. would have during a school break.
You will not normally be able to have a position that offers training for your future career, but you will certainly be able learn a lot through your job if you are open to new people and experiences. The Work & Travel USA Program does not require that participants have special training or professional skills, we just ask that you have a positive attitude about hard work! Earn money while you get to know the country as no tourist can.
Relax and let American Cultural Exchanges (ACE) do all the hardwork and provide you with a job opportunity before you depart for the USA! You will know in advance your job position, wages, benefits, any job requirements that your employer has and whether accommodation or housing is provided. The location of these positions are in many States across the US.

Students can work in a wide variety of unskilled, unqualified jobs including : amusement park attendant, busser, housekeeper, parking attendant, security guard, banquet server, tour guide, fast food server.

Placement areas :
• Amusement parks
• Food and beverage retail concessions
• Retail stores/shops in tourist towns
• Hotels
• Ski resorts
• National parks

This option is perfect for those who want peace of mind and can work for three to four months.
We interview you on behalf of the employers to be sure you get the right job. Our USA placement staff gets to know you through your application form and interview report. This personal contact enables us to find you a great job based on the information in your job preference form.

You will not have to worry about securing your own position, simply sit back and let American Cultural Exchanges (ACE) do the work for you! Once American Cultural Exchanges (ACE) has arranged your placement you will receive a formalized job offer detailing the location and nature of the position as well as salary and travel information. You will be asked to confirm your job offer and you will receive your J-1 documentation. All applicants to the Placement Option will be notified whether or not a placement has been arranged.
Anyone who opts for the Placement Option will have full access to all American Cultural Exchanges (ACE)services and benefits. Placement Option participants must attend an interview with the American Cultural Exchanges (ACE) local representative / overseas partner organisation who will confirm suitability for the program. Applicants returning to the same employer do not need to attend an interview.
To find out how to apply for the Placement Option click on Apply Now.

When American Cultural Exchanges (ACE) receives your application through one of our local representatives / overseas partners, we will review your interests and coordinate the available employers that best fits your interests and skills to arrange for an offer. Please note that not all first choices can be met, and the most popular locations and positions are filled first so applying early is very important.

Independent Option

Independent Option Participants find their own employment and residence! Our Independent Option gives you freedom and flexibility as it is designed for those who would like the flexibility to find the job of their choice. This program is ideal if you wish to arrange your own job independently or have family or friends in the USA who can help connect you with an employer. Also people who have participated on a J-1 program in the past and are returning to the same employer should use the Independent Option.If you would rather determine the specific type of job and location on your own, you are a good candidate for our Independent Option Program. The level of responsibility and rules or regulations of the program are the same for American Cultural Exchanges (ACE) Placement and Independent Option candidates.

Independent Option participants must attend an interview with an American Cultural Exchanges (ACE) local representative / partner organisation who will confirm suitability for the program. American Cultural Exchanges (ACE) applicants returning to the same employer do not need to attend an interview but must submit application and all required documents to the local representative / partner organisation .
If you decided to participate on this option you'll be required to send a written verifiable job offer once you have arranged your employment. All applicants to the Independent Option must confirm their employment before J-1 documentation will be issued. All employers who hire American Cultural Exchanges (ACE)) participants are asked to complete an Employment Agreement that must be returned to the American Cultural Exchanges (ACE) prior to the start of your assignment. This employment agreement can be obtained from our Local Representative / Partner Organisation. To find out how to apply for the Independent Option, click on Apply Now.

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Eligibility

Program Requirements :

• From 18 to 30 years old
• Capable and comfortable functioning in an English speaking work environment in order to succeed with the Host Company and to pass the visa interview at the US Consulate
• Full-time university students at an institution in their native country (proof required)
• Willingness to participate in an unskilled or service sector job
• Practical experience is not required but is recommended
• Able to function in an English speaking work environment
• Able to demonstrate flexibility, self-motivation and sincere interest in learning about and exploring the lifestyle and culture in the U.S.

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Features and benefits

Earning money during your summer break from school !
Visiting the United States !
Making new friends !
Improving your English !
Learning about the people and culture of the United States!
Experiencing the adventure of living in another country !
Wages paid directly to each program participant by the U.S. employer !


American Cultural Exchanges (ACE) provides you:

• Carring & Experienced Staff
• American Cultural Exchanges (ACE) local representative / overseas partner organisation support.
• Assistance during application process
• Guaranteed Job Placement prior to arrival (available for placement option only )
• Housing arrangements assistance ( available for premium placement option only )
• American Cultural Exchanges (ACE) Placement Confirmation . (available for independent option only)
• J-1 Visa paperwork coordination & documentation
• DS 2019 form allowing to obtain a J-1 visa
• Outstanding Affordable Comprehensive Health Insurance –no deductible
• Pre-Departure Orientation
• Inexpensive travel information: listings of airfares, trips within the U.S.
• Help with purchasing affordable airfare
• Post-Arrival Orientation .
• Upon arrival logistical support including complete travel directions to job site.
• Assistance in obtaining Social Security Card
• Provisions for obtaining work authorization in the U.S.
• Tax return services and advice

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Program cost

1. Fees

Program fee

In order to enroll in the program you will be required to pay the Program Fee. This fee will depend on whether you prefer to go on an Placement Option
or a Independent Option . Please inquire with your American Cultural Exchanges (ACE) local representative / overseas partner organisation about the amount of the Program Fee.

NOTE: All American Cultural Exchanges (ACE) programs are subject to change or cancellation.

Application fee

Upon application, participants must submit the non-refundable application fee, which will be applied to the total program fee.

Final payments of the program fee must be made before documents will be mailed. The cost of the program is determined by your American Cultural Exchanges (ACE) Local Representative / Partner Organisation. Please contact their office for more information.

American Cultural Exchanges (ACE) refund policy:

• Your Application Fee is non-refundable.
• In the event your visa is denied, you will receive a refund of your Program Fee with the exception of any applicable wire fees.
In order to collect your refund, you will need to return the complete DS-2019 form, along with proof from the United States Embassy or Consulate that your visa was denied.
• Cancellations prior to receiving the J-1 visa will be subject to a US$200 cancellation fee and any applicable wire fees.
• There are no refunds for cancellations after the student has received the J-1 visa, and there are no refunds for early departures.

Please contact your local American Cultural Exchanges (ACE) Local Representative / Overseas Partner organisation for more detailed information !

2. Insurance:
You must purchase an emergency medical insurance before obtaining a J-1 visa. There are strict criteria set forth by the United States government with respect to the coverage of such insurance and the ratings of the insuring company. You must purchase insurance for the entire period of your stay in America.

cost: (about) $40 per month

3. International Airfare:
You will need to pay for a round-trip flight to the United States.

4. Consular Collections:
The US Embassy will charge you for your visa application,
You will be charged $100 at a U.S. Consulate for visa processing.

5. Housing & Meals:
You will be responsible for the costs of your housing and meals.

Note : You should plan to arrive in the U.S. with enough money to pay for your first month of housing and meals ( approximately $1000 ).

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Participant earnings

In accordance with the United States Labor Laws, employers must not discriminate against employees based on their ethnicity, religious belief or gender!

You will have the opportunity to work and earn from a minimum of $1000 per month to as much as $3000 per month!
Participants working in a basic job may expect to earn an average hourly wage of $8. Some positions might pay as high as $18 per hour.Some employers will offer overtime pay for longer workdays and weekends. Overtime is usually compensated at a wage higher than the base wage. As a full-time employee, participants will work approximately 35-40 hours per week or 7-9 hours per day. Many students who have participated in Summer Work & Travel have undertaken second jobs or worked extra hours. Laws also set a minimum wage, which must be paid to any employee.

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