1. How are CETUSA Work and Travel (WAT) program participants selected?
Eligible program participants must be full-time university students in their home countries. Program applicants must also demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to function in an English speaking community.
2. Is there an age limit to my participation?
Yes. Program applicants must be between ages 18 and 30, be full-time university students, and have sufficient English to function effectively in an English-speaking work environment.
3. May I participate on the program if I've graduated from university?
A student graduating from university may participate on the program the summer immediately after graduation. (Australian participants may apply within one year of graduation).
4. I've already participated in one Work and Travel Program. Can I participate again?
Yes, as long as you still meet the applicant requirements.
5. Where are the Work and Travel Program employers located?
Employers are located coast-to-coast including Alaska and Hawaii.
6. Do I need medical insurance on the Work and Travel Program?
Yes. CETUSA provides Accident and Sickness Insurance coverage for all program participants for the duration of the program. Insurance costs are included in the program fee.
7. Am I on my own once I get to the United States?
No! CETUSA provides dependable, compassionate support to all program participants: a local CETUSA manager oversees placements, housing arrangements, and questions from students in a regional area. If you need support at any time, you may contact the Work and Travel Office
8. How do I get paid?
Employers pay participants directly. Participants receive the same pay and benefits as U.S. citizens in the same or similar positions.
9. How long does the Summer Work and Travel Program last?
The Program dates entered on the Form DS-2019 set the particular program duration, but no program can exceed four months. Participants may work only during the period indicated on the Form DS-2019. Program extensions are no…
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10. When may students participate in a Summer Work and Travel Program?
Participants who are full-time college or university students in their home countries may participate in the Summer Work and Travel program during their summer vacation. It is inappropriate for students to participate in th…
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11. What are my obligations as an employer for CETUSA program participants?
Employers must keep the terms of each job offered. We also ask that employers notify CETUSA immediately if changes to the job offer must be made, or if job offers must be rescinded. No special obligations apply to program p…
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12. Must the employer provide accident and health insurance for participants?
No. CETUSA provides accident and health insurance for all program participants.
13. Does CETUSA provide orientations for program participants?
Yes. All participants of the program will have attended an orientation session. The orientations are thorough and prepare participants well for their stay in the U.S.
14. Are there any restrictions on the kind of employment a program participant may hold?
Yes. Participants may not be employed as domestic employees in U.S. households (child care, chauffeurs, gardeners, etc.), in positions that require them to invest their own monies to provide themselves with inventory for th…
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15. Must participants pay taxes?
Summer Work and Travel participants are non-exempt from withholdings for federal, state and local income taxes. Participants are tax-exempt from Social Security, Medicare and Federal Unemployment taxes (Ref: Department of T…
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16. How are participants paid?
Summer Work and Travel participants receive the same pay and benefits as U.S. citizens in the same or similar positions. Program participants are to be informed about the Federal Minimum Wage requirements.
17. Do participants apply for Social Security Cards?
Yes. Each participant needs to apply for the Social Security Number at the local Social Security Office upon arrival unless he/she is a returning participant and already has the number.
18. How do I get started with my Work and Travel program application?
Apply Online to quick start your application process. CETUSA will put you in touch with a CETUSA Partner in your country. Our partner will guide you through your application process from start to finish.
With as…
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19. Is there an age limit to my participation?
Yes. Program applicants must be between ages 18 and 30, be full-time university students, and have sufficient English to function effectively in an English-speaking work environment.






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