What is Work and Travel?
The Work and Travel program allows its participants to do 4 months of seasonal summer work in hospitality, tourism and services, which requires no special skills or previous experience. You can work in various positions in hotels, restaurants, fast-food chains, amusement parks and stores. These are just some of the job positions that NGB Consulting offers:
Banquet server – serving cocktails at hotels, restaurants, private parties, etc.;
Bartender – selling alcoholic drinks in a restaurant or bar. Age 21 and over;
Busser (assistant waiter) – clearing tables in a restaurant and taking away the plates;
Cashier – working at the register in a store;
Cook – preparing food in a restaurant kitchen;
Doorman / bellman – greeting guests/vacationers and helping them carry their luggage;
Front desk clerk – answering phone calls and making reservations at a hotel;
What kind of work will I do?
The Work and Travel program allows its participants to do 4 months of seasonal summer work in hospitality, tourism and services, which requires no special skills or previous experience. You can work in various positions in hotels, restaurants, fast-food chains, amusement parks and stores. These are just some of the job positions that NGB Consulting offers:
Banquet server – serving cocktails at hotels, restaurants, private parties, etc.;
Bartender – selling alcoholic drinks in a restaurant or bar. Age 21 and over;
Busser (assistant waiter) – clearing tables in a restaurant and taking away the plates;
Cashier – working at the register in a store;
Cook – preparing food in a restaurant kitchen;
Doorman / bellman – greeting guests/vacationers and helping them carry their luggage;
Front desk clerk – answering phone calls and making reservations at a hotel;
Who can take part in the Work and Travel program?
Any Bulgarian or international full-time student between the ages of 18 and 28.
When can I leave for the program?
Whenever you can. Every professor has a different view of WAT programs, and we know you have to take that into account so that you can sit your exams. Your departure can be anywhere from the beginning of May to the end of June.
What is a J1 visa?
Every participant in WAT programs must obtain a J1 visa. This is a non-immigrant visa for students that entitles you to work legally in the USA for up to 4 months. In addition, you are entitled to a 30-day legal tourist stay for the purpose of travel.
Remote enrollment in Work and Travel – myth or reality?
As long as you meet the program requirements, you can contact us in several ways:
- email;
- social media;
- the almost 24-hour chat on our website.
We will fully assist you with every question you have and at every stage of the Work and Travel program; enrolling is very easy.
If you wish, we can also set up a video call, and you won't even notice that you are not physically in our office.
Work and Travel is waiting for you, and we will be by your side all the way.
What documents do I need to apply for the Work and Travel program?
- International passport;
- Certificate from your university confirming that you are a full-time student;
- Student record book;
- CV in English;
- Two 5x5 printed photos and one in electronic form.
Visa denied? Consequences?
You can get back the full amount of the program fee, the plane ticket deposit, and the visa interview fee if you have taken out visa denial insurance in advance.
What is the DS-2019?
The DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status) is a work permit that entitles you to apply for a J1 visa. It also allows you to work and reside legally in the USA for a period of 4+1 months. The form shows the dates between which you are allowed to work.
Is there an enrollment deadline?
There is no set enrollment deadline, but if you enroll early, you will be able to choose from our best job offers.
How can I finance the program?
Like anything else, this requires a bit more income to be enjoyed.
But in the end, which student has that kind of money? Almost none.
If you are one of them, we at NGB have a solution for you.
We partner with 2 banks – Societe Generale Expressbank and Allianz. They offer very good terms for both the repayment plan and the interest rate.
Come to our office and find out how bank financing works, or go straight to them.
Everything is very easy and fast; you just have to ask for it!
How do I find accommodation?
Some employers provide housing, others don't. We will help you find accommodation while you are still in Bulgaria.
Where in America am I allowed to work?
Anywhere, as long as your job offer is seasonal.
How do I get from the airport to the city where I will work?
That depends on the employer and the city where you will work. Some of the employers we work with will pick you up directly from the airport, but if they are unable to, we will give you a full description of the cheapest and fastest route.
Who should I contact if I have problems during my stay in the USA?
If you have any problems, you can contact us or your sponsor organization.
What is a Social Security Number?
Every participant in WAT programs must obtain their own Social Security number. Immediately after arriving in America, every student is required to go and submit documents for the issuance of such a number. This number is issued once in a lifetime. It authorizes you to work, and it is used to track income and tax withholding. Many employers help with obtaining the number, but if they are unable to, they will give you detailed information on how to complete the procedure yourself.
How much pocket money will I need for the program?
There is no exact formula for determining how much pocket money you will need, but keep in mind that you may have to pay a deposit for housing. You will need money for food and transportation until you receive your first paychecks. You can bring any amount you like, but the sponsors recommend $1000.
What level should my English be?
Depending on the job position, a different level of English proficiency is required. There is nothing to worry about, because we will prepare you so that you feel confident at your interview.
Is the whole fee paid at once?
No. After signing the contract, you must pay $150 within 7 days; the rest of the program fee is paid after signing the job offer.
How do I find a second job?
The most important thing to remember is that it all depends on you. We offer you job positions in cities with very good opportunities for a second job, whether with the same employer or another one. You need to be persistent and search every day until you find a job.
Am I allowed to work during the extra month?
No. You can work only during the period indicated on your DS 2019 form. The extra month of the Work and Travel program is for tourism and travel.
What is the role of the sponsor organization in America?
We work with several sponsor organizations. They monitor the entire process – from signing the job offer to the student's return to Bulgaria. They are the link between the employer, the students and the U.S. Department of State. If any problems arise, you can turn to them.
Can I go to the USA with a group of friends?
Of course – we have many employers to whom we can send a group of more than 5 people.