Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Where are the Work and Travel Program employers located?
Employers are located coast-to-coast including Alaska and Hawaii.
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 this program during time periods other than their summer vacations. Northern Hemisphere students typically come to work between the months of May through October. Southern Hemisphere students typically work between the months of November through April. Asian students come to work from March to June.
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We also ask that employers notify CETUSA immediately if changes to the job offer must be made, or if job offers must be rescinded.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 participants that do not apply to regular employees. Employers are not required to continue to employ a program participant who under-performs or does not comply with company policies.
Must the employer provide accident and health insurance for participants?
No. CETUSA provides accident and health insurance for all program participants.
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.
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 the purpose of door-to-door sales, or in any employment involving any type of patient care.
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 Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Publication 515, Withholding of Tax on Non-Resident Aliens and Foreign Corporations).
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.
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.
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