Q: Do I have to be a student to go?
A: YES the program is open to Full-time Post Secondary study students who are returning and enrolled to study after they have completed the Work Experience USA program or Full-Time Post Secondary students who are in their final year of study.

Q: What are the age limits for participants?
A: The age range for the program is 18-29.

Q: Can I arrange a job before I go?
A: Yes, in fact we recommend to all participants that they locate their job before going to the US. If you are confident about finding your own job, then the Independent program is the right choice for you. If you are too busy to spend the time it will take or not confident about approaching a US employer, then you can choose the "Placement Program". Each of these programs has a very detailed website and links to employers throughout the USA.

If you choose the Placement Option, CCUSA will organize your job completely so before you go you will know when you are flying, what job you will be doing, how much you will earn, whether or not housing is included, etc. without so much as lifting a finger. These jobs include working in a National Park in California, Resorts in many states, Theme Parks, Bars, Shops and so on - depending upon the time of year you are eligible for the program.

If you choose the Independent Option, our comprehensive website will provide pointers and contacts for finding your own job. This is ideal if you want a job more specific to your degree or career ambitions.

Q: Can I work with friends?
A: Yes. A lot of students apply for jobs with their friends, especially on the independent option. On the Placement option, this is limited to one other friend and is not available at all employers.

Q: Can I extend my visa after these dates?
A: No. It is NOT possible to extend your visa. You are only able to work during the legal program dates as indicated on the Work Experience USA DS-2019 visa form, which is supplied to you by CCUSA. If you want to continue traveling, you may want to consider combining our US programs with one of our programs in another country. If you are interested in this, you should contact your CCUSA office for more information.

Q: Do I have to take the CCUSA insurance policy?
A: Yes. The CCUSA's insurance policy is specifically designed with young travelers in mind. There is no free health service in the US and all medical care must be paid for. Details of your policy will be available on the Footprints website.

Q: Do most participants cover their costs on Work Experience USA?
A: This depends on you. All our participants earn enough money to cover the costs they have outlaid to get to the USA, and live in the USA. Then, how much they party, buy or travel after work will affect the amount of money they have to take home. One thing for sure though, working in America is going to be a lot more fun than working in your local dreary supermarket; and traveling afterwards through the USA Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean will be a lot more fun than paying for a package holiday to Ibiza for 2 weeks!!

Q: Where will I live?
A: Many of the employers on our Placement program provide housing, so you'll know exactly where you'll be living. However, if you arrange your own job on the Independent program you will need to organize accommodation as well. Your employer will more than likely be able to advise you. If you choose the Independent program our website gives you suggestions on finding housing and also employers that do have employee housing, if you get in early!

Q: I may have to take re-sit / re-take/ re-do my exams. How will this affect my trip to the US?
A: Every year there are a number of people who receive the bad news that they have to re-take an exam. There are two options. If you need to return home and cut short your stay in the US, contact your airline to change your return flight. Another option is to jet home to take the exam and then return to the US to finish off the program. Having re-sits doesn't have to mean the end of the fun for everyone.

Q: Is there someone I can speak to about the program to find out what to expect?
A: Yes. In addition to being on campuses around the country, we will also be holding Work Experience USA Presentations. These will provide information about working, traveling, your visa, flights, insurance, etc.

Details about when and where we will be visiting your campus are available on the website. Click here to find out more.

The Work Experience USA presentations last approximately one hour and, even though they are optional, we strongly recommend you attend one. If you are unsure about what is involved, what you would do, or if you just want to find out more before applying, then attend!

Q: Should I be worried about traveling alone?
A: No, it is easy to meet people on a CCUSA group flight. So you won't be alone for long! Some people say it's better to be out on your own. It's often easier to meet Americans if you are not with a group of friends from home. Americans are really friendly so you won't be friendless for long. If you're worried, you might think of applying for a job that hires lots of CCUSA participants - you could meet people that way.

Don't worry! Traveling alone doesn't mean you will be lonely.

Q: What is the average price for accommodation?
A: The majority of Work Experience USA participants said that their rent was $50-$100 per week. Although rents can certainly be higher, many also found cheaper accommodations. If you are thinking about living in a large city (New York, Boston, Chicago, LA, San Francisco, Miami, Washington DC, etc) or posh resorts such as Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, the Hamptons in NY, then you can expect to pay quite a bit in rent. Let's hope you are part of the 19% that didn't pay anything for accommodations!!