American Dream or American Nightmare? Things you need to know about the Work and Travel USA program

In the past few years Work and Travel USA became very a popular program amongst Romanian students. No wonder why, it is a very promising opportunity: one can visit the United States, get to know its culture by working and traveling, and there is the chance that one can make a decent living and bring home some money. Although it sounds great as everything this also has its downsides and problematic elements. Talking to people and reading reviews about the program I came to the conclusion that the experience varies for every individual. In this article I would like to briefly recap what I’ve learned about this program and would like to inform you, so you can make a good decision.

First of all there are several intermediary agencies that help you with the necessary paperwork, arrange you the job and also help you when you’re in America. The main services are the same at these agencies; usually the prices and some extra services differ. The price you have to pay if you are a first timer and want them to find you a job is in average around 1000 dollars, if you already have a job or you are a returnee it is cheaper. There are also some extra fees like the visa, pocket money and plane ticket. In the end you roughly have to pay 2000-3000 dollars. This includes the suggested pocket money which is better more than less; you should take around 500-900 dollars. You can find more information about the costs on the agency websites. If you don’t have the money you can get a special loan from BRD which created this especially for Work and Travel students. I suggest you look at different agencies, go to their webpage, visit their offices in your city and hear out their offer. You can choose which suits you. I also recommend you to talk to people who already participated this program and listen to what they suggest. You can find Facebook groups and also ask around your colleagues. Pick out an agency with a relatively good reputation.

Now let’s talk about some problems that might occur during the preparation phase and out in the States. There is a chance that you won’t get your visa. In this case some agencies give you back your money if you paid a fee, some don’t. There isn’t a pattern, all I can suggest that be honest, tell them everything about the work, the contact details and emphasize on the fact that you want to come home if it comes to that. Be kind and simple, don’t try to impress. It depends unfortunately on luck. Another problem that might occur is that the job isn’t okay and you have to look for a new one. This is hard and you will need a lot of courage but don’t give up and search for a job. Go into restaurants, hotels, anything and ask them if they can offer you a job. In most cases you will. In august many students go back to university so there will be more jobs available. Also there is a chance that you will have to look for a second job to be able to earn enough so be prepared for that. Lastly be careful, don’t get into accidents; look after your health because hospitals and medicine are very expensive there. It is best if you take some medicine with you. Oh, and of course be careful with your money, don’t keep big amounts of cash with you. There are different methods to keep your money safe like create a debit card or you can create a saving account.

Now let’s talk about the positive aspects of this program and experience. The agency will arrange you the important things so you will have every right to be there and work there, same rights that an American has. It doesn’t matter how things will turn out you will get a life changing experience and will learn something about yourself. It won’t be easy, you might have to look for a second or new job, there is the culture shock, and you probably will have to work at least 12 hours a day and sometimes you will moss home. But this experience will make you stronger. Also you will be able to visit at least some places because you most likely will have a month to travel. Another positive aspect is that you will get to know new people, get to know a different culture and this will make you a more experienced and rounded person. You also will have to learn to take care of yourself, to manage yourself in difficult situations, you will earn a living with hard work and this will make you appreciate yourself better. In the end this experience will hopefully change you for the better.

In conclusion this is a great opportunity but there can be several difficulties you have to prepare yourself for. Get as much information as you can before you make your decision. This has a risk like every important decision in your life. You will have to get out of your comport zone, and it will be hard. But besides this you have an opportunity to go to America, experience a new culture, push your limits, work, earn money and travel. I wish you good luck if you decide to go. In the end the decision is yours to make.

Writen by Eszter Duka