ABOUT WAT PROGRAM
Work and Travel USA (WAT) is a worldwide known and one of the most popular cultural exchange programs where students are given the opportunity to Work and Travel in the USA during their summer holidays. The program is supported by the US State Department and students from all over the world participate in it – from Europe, Latin America and Asia. WAT participants benefit from the support of Sponsor Organizations that have the authority to administer J1 exchange programs. It is impossible to participate in the program without them. Staracademy officially cooperates with the largest sponsor organizations: INTRAX and CIEE (Council of International Educational Exchange). The main responsibility of the sponsors is to verify the documents required for participation, verify employment, issue a work permit (form DS-2019), medical insurance, provide 24/7 support and assistance to participants while in the USA.
- 4 months in the USA
- English level-up
- 3 months guaranteed legal job in hospitality field
- Permission to find an additional Job (Supported only by Sponsor)
- Monthly salary from $1,200 – ∞
- Employer pre-arranged accommodation/meals
- Experience of working in an international environment
- Independent living experience
- Lots of friends around the world
- An unforgettable travel experience around the USA
- Age limit from 18 to 26 years (26 included)
- Active student status of any Georgian high education institution (Universities – BA/MA)
- Knowledge of English at least at Intermediate level (B1 – C1)
Filling the registration form
Attend WAT – Online Presentation
Interview in English
Signing a contract with Staracademy and paying a WAT registration fee
Finding a job
Filling out all the necessary forms, questionnaires, applications and submitting required documents to obtain a work permit (DS-2019)
Covering WAT program total cost
Filling out the US Embassy Application (DS-160)
Visa interview at the US Embassy
Air ticket purchase
An unforgettable trip to the USA!
REGISTRATION FORM
AFTER SUBMITING THIS FORM OUR REPRESENTATIVE WILL CONTACT YOU AND PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT NEXT STEPS
WORK LOCATIONS
Work and Travelers are hired in hospitality/customer service field, in such vacancies where work experience and possession of specific skills are not required. For some participants, this may even be their first job. WAT includes the following work locations:
FAST FOODS & RESTAURANTS
THEME & WATER PARKS
NATIONAL PARKS & RESORTS
RETAIL SHOPS & SUPERMARKETS
WHILE IN USA
HOUSING/ACCOMMODATION
99% of employers reserve shared housing for participants ($100-$500 per month, which is mostly deducted from the participant’s paycheck). Here, students of different nationalities and cultures have the opportunity to get to know each other and make friends, as well as the convenience of living close to work.
If the employer does not/cannot organize accommodation, then participant must find it independently to stay for the first 1-2 weeks, and then look for another option if necessary.
FOOD
The meal plan is individual and depends on the work location and the employer’s offer.
The following options may be available within the program:
One free daily meal, discount vouchers, if the location is remote, then 3 daily meals are organized. Meals may also not be included, although WAT participants don’t find it to be a problematic issue.
SALARY
In general, the pay of the participants is variable ($9-15 per hour). It depends on the cost of living in the state, the employer’s offer, the specifics of the position, and more. A higher salary does not necessarily mean more income. The financial gain of all participants is approximately the same. However, there are also ways to earn more by:
1. Tips
2. Bonuses
3. Working overtime (40+ hours)
STARACADEMY FEE
700 GEL
In 1 day after signing a contract
WAT PROGRAM FEE
$ 2100
(+ Payment schedule option)
Payment 1 – $ 600
Payment 2 – $ 750
Payment 3 – $ 750
VISA FEE
$ 185
During the program process, after receiving documents from USA
TICKETS PRICE
$ Varies
Two way ticket will be purchased Only after getting Positive Visa result. Depends on such factors as Avia company, State and period of purchase
3 Ateni street, Tbilisi, Georgia
