Work and Travel USA Part I: Before and after signing up

This summer, something special happened. I have spent my summer working and travelling in the USA. So, I am here to share about my journey back there and how I made it to America!

I will be sharing on:

- What is Work and Travel (WAT) USA Program?

- Requirements to consider before signing up

- Where to sign up?

- Process of WAT

- Tips on booking flight

- Tips on packing

P.S This post will be very long just to warn the readers. ;)

Work and Travel USA Program
This is a program where you work for 3-4 months in the US, and travel for 1 month after working.

Why should you participate?
1) To increase your exposure, especially in country that has the highest productivity in the world.
2) To try something new in a new environment, be in working or living in the US.
3) To travel and explore USA with your own earning and hard work.;)

Requirements of the program:
1) The participant has to be over 18 and able to communicate with English.

2) It's only open for students:
 - who are still studying or
 - who will be flying off to the US within the 6 months of course completion.
E.g According to your university's student verification letter, your student status is until Jan'17. So you can still take part in the program where you will fly off in May/June' 17.

There are cases where you have graduated from university one year, and some graduates actually made appeal or special applications to the university in giving them the student status. By US law, it is a must to have a Student Status to join this exchange program.

3) There are only 2 intakes a year: Summer (May - Sept)/ Winter (Nov - Mar). You must make yourself free for at least 3-4 months (3-4 months working + 1 month travelling).

4) To participate in this program, you need to prepare at least RM12k beforehand.

Registration - RM300-400

Sponsorship fee to the US sponsor (USD 1,000) - RM4,300

SEVIS & Visa (USD 200) - RM 860

Flight ticket - RM 3,000 to RM 5,000

Cash to bring there (USD 800) - RM 3, 440

Assume 1 USD = RM 4.30

Total: RM12 k - RM14 k

Where to sign up?
You must go through an agency in joining this program. In Malaysia, there are 3 agencies that you can approach, which are:

- Out of The Box

https://www.facebook.com/workandtravelusa.ootb.my/

http://www.workandtravelusa.com.my/

- Speedwing

http://www.speedwing.org/

- Infinity Abroad

http://www.infinity-abroad.com/programs-2/work-travel/ 

These are some of the important criteria to consider before joining the program. For more details, you will get to know more when you register for the program.

If you're all in to join the program, then below is the overall picture of the process and some tips for you. :)

Process of WAT
Registration (with an agency) --> Choose an employer (The agency will provide a list of employers) --> Interview with employer --> Visa application --> Flight ticket booking --> Departure to the US

* Process is subject to change.
** You will get a job employment from the list sponsored by a US sponsor. The sponsor and agency will list down all the important information such as employment location, hourly wage rate, accommodation costs, job start & end dates etc. 

Example:

Tips in choosing your ideal employer:
1) Register fast!
Check out the agencies in Oct- Nov & Apr - May. When you have made your registration payment to the agency, you'll get to choose your employer first, on top of the early bird discount.

2) Screen down your employer locations and positions.
There are national parks, theme parks, restaurants all sort of employers. For job positions, there are theme park operators, lifeguards, F&B etc. Choose a working environment you would fall in love with, eg nature lovers for Yellowstone National Park. Then, look for the job that suits you with good pay, accommodation etc.

3) Do research.
Find out your working environment, attractions nearby and testimonials from past exchange participants if possible. Rural areas tend to have lower housing costs but urban areas with higher housing costs are easier for you to travel during your 1-2 days break during work period. Second job opportunities are also vital in case if your working hours and earning are not as expected when you are in the US.

4) Do budgeting.
Put 10-20% income taxes into consideration. You will be taxed on Federal & State level. Each state will have different tax rates and federal taxes are the section that will take the most. Therefore, you have to minus off 10-20% of your gross income before deducting your housing costs etc in the budget.

Budget Template:
Income: Minimum / usual weekly hours* hourly wage
             Minus 10-20% income taxes
 Minus Fixed Expense: weekly housing costs
                  Net income
           Minus: Livings cost   
                 Net Savings           

5) To save your living costs in the US, choose Food &Beverage.
Usually, working in F&B provides free food for employees. Plus, you get tips (10-20% of the total bills) as a waiter/waitress. Key point is that you have to be very attentive, patient, polite and quick witted. In the US, good service is extremely important and it ultimately determines your tips (= income). On the other hand, working in the kitchen would also be physically challenging and your efficiency in preparing food and ability to work long hours are crucial.

6) Choose fast!
It's based on first come first serve basis. So, get the list from the agencies and choose fast.


Tips for choosing flight tickets:
1) China Southern Airline has the lowest fares of all. The official website offers the lowest costs than through agencies or other websites.

2) China Eastern Airline has bad reviews according to some people. So, don't take the risk for that.

3) Choose a multiple cities flight. Start with an end destination on mind.
For instance, I know I will work in East Coast and fly to New York JFK airport and I plan that my last destination would be in West Coast - California, eg LA. It doesn't matter if you have not planned your itinerary in between for the 30 days travelling, but choose a big city (more flight choices) as your last stop.

Tips for luggage packing:
1) Please pack light as you will carry all your luggage with you for one month travelling.

2) Bring only sufficient clothing (7-8 days) as you will be wearing working attire @ work and you will definitely go shopping in the US.

3) Bring a lot of FOOD cause you will miss Asian food and the supermarket offers limited choices (e.g. vege- only salad type; sauce- mostly Western & sweet sauces). Food is a good souvenir too, to share with people there and make friends.

Your agency will guide you more what to bring and what not to pack.

This is all for preparation, and there will be more sharing coming on working experience and travelling. :)

Top of the rock @ NYC :)