Types of Jobs
Jobs are available in industries such as: Hotels/Resorts; Fast Food Restaurants; Summer Camps; Amusement Parks; National and State Parks; Retail Stores/Shops; etc.
Types of Positions
Cashiers and Store Clerks, Housekeepers, Food and Beverage Servers, Camp Counselors, Front Desks Agents, Cooks, Fast Food workers, Ride Operators for Theme Parks, General Maintenance, Life Guards, etc.
Salaries/Work Schedule
You will not be paid less than the minimum wage set by the U.S. Department of Labour. Salaries are usually dependent on the type of job and chosen location; it could range from $8 – 13.00 an hour.
Please be reminded that the real purpose of the J1 Work and Travel Program is to experience the American culture by working and living in America and mainly to earn money to help offset the cost of your trip; not to earn lots of money. Extra money can be earned from second jobs and accepting overtime.
The average working hours will be 35-40 hours. Participants must be flexible and willing to work various shifts, including weekends.
Second Jobs
Under the J1 Work and Travel Guidelines, students are allowed to have a second job, which must first be approved by the J1 Sponsor, who will determine if the company meets the J1 Program requirements. Accepting a second job without prior approval will result in immediate dismissal.
The first commitment should always be focused on the primary job. It is always best to request as much overtime as possible rather than engage in a second job.
Housing
Students are responsible for all housing expenses, (i.e. rent, utilities, food, etc.). Most jobs are offered with pre-arranged housing; however, this is not mandatory by the employer. If there is no pre-arranged housing, the employers and/or sponsors will assist students in finding affordable housing.
Housing deposit will range from $100.00 - $300.00 and weekly rent from $90.00 - $125.00. It is a requirement that students bring a minimum of US$1,000.00 to cover these upfront expenses, prior to their first pay check. All housings are vetted and pre-approved by your J1 Sponsor.
Medical Insurance
Insurance is mandatory and included in your Program Fee. It is the minimum insurance required by US Federal regulations and arranged and purchased based on recommendation from the program sponsor. It covers the entire period stated on your DS-2019 form. For extra coverage than minimum insurance, it is recommended additional insurance taken out prior to leaving Jamaica.
Travel
Students are responsible for all travel expenses, airfare and ground transportation. Flight arrangements will be booked by e-JAM and require a US$400.00 deposit paid by March 30, 2020.
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)
This is the web-based system that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses to maintain information on all J1 Students in the United States. All participants on the Work and Travel Program are required to register their whereabouts electronically with the Depart of Homeland Security (DHS) through SEVIS. If students fail to comply they will be terminated from the program.
Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation
All applicants are required to attend a pre-departure orientation at e-JAM’s office in Ocho Rios.
