Work USA
Cost and inclusions
Make your summer work for you. Earn over USD $8,000*, make friends from all over the world, and experience living and working in the United States.
What’s included Book now pay later
Book now with a deposit and start applying for summer jobs and planning your American adventure.
Program cost What you'll pay
Deposit
£100
Pay once you've been hired
£650
Total:
£750
INCLUSIONS
- 1-on-1 assistance and support obtaining your J-1 visa
- Certificate of Eligibility (DS2019) to work in America
- A summer job before you go with one of our US employers
- Included, subsidised or support finding accommodation
- US medical insurance for the duration of your visa
- Pre-departure online orientation and 24/7 support in the USA
OTHER COSTS
- US Embassy interview fee paid directly to US Embassy and other costs on this page
Typical salaries What you'll earn
Working as a server at the West Chop Club, Massachusetts
Salary per week (USD $8 per hr x 40 hrs):
$320
Average tips per week:
$400
Staff accommodation per week:
Included
Total earned over 12 weeks:
$8,640*
Give the idea of working at home this summer the chop and apply to work at this country club instead. Check out more of our summer employers here or book now with a deposit.
Typical salaries What you'll earn
Working as a server at the Ausable Club, New York State
Salary per week (USD $13.20 per hr x 40 hrs):
$528
Staff accommodation per week:
Included
Total earned over 12 weeks:
$6,336*
How do you like them apples! Spend your summer working in this country club, four hours from the Big Apple. Check out more of our summer employers here or book now with a deposit.
Typical salaries What you'll earn
Working as a retail assistant at Scoops, California
Salary per week (USD $15 per hr x 40 hrs):
$600
Staff accommodation per week:
$125
Total earned over 12 weeks:
$5,700*
Plus, who doesn’t want to work in an ice-cream shop? Exactly. Get the inside scoop on life on California’s Catalina Island and check out more of our summer employers here.
*All figures are based on the available jobs, advertised salary and accommodation costs for our Work USA 2022 program. Calculations are based on working 40 hours a week over the 12-week summer period. Contracts are usually 9-12 weeks, contracted hours are usually 35-40 hours a week, and tips can vary. BUNAC is not liable for any differences in these salaries, directly or indirectly related to your performance. This should be used as a guide only.
Other costs
USD $160
As a requirement of your visa, you’ll need to show proof that you have the following funds: USD $800.
You can usually book flights up to 11 months in advance. The cost will depend on when you book and the date you leave your home country. Travelling on a J-1 visa, you must have a return ticket booked.
Many of our US employers offer included or subsidised staff accommodation (usually costing between USD $50-$125 per week). If accommodation isn't provided, your employer or BUNAC can assist you with your search. Find out more in our FAQs.
Don’t forget to factor in living costs and spending money while you’re working. As well as free accommodation, some of our employers may also include free staff meals.
Medical cover is included for the duration of your visa, but all travellers should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance.
From the blog
I worked in the USA with BUNAC in 1969
Working at a theme park in the USA with BUNAC
Working in Yosemite National Park with BUNAC
I worked in the USA with BUNAC in 1969
Working at a theme park in the USA with BUNAC
Working in Yosemite National Park with BUNAC
