Santa monica on my own

faithy

hi I'm 23 and was thinking of going to Santa monica to work on a j1 visa in the summer. I'm going on my own so I'm looking for advice on ways to meet people while there. I know a job is the first way. Is there any tours were alot of loner traverlers go on to meet people.

Any advice in general about doing it alone/ decent accomadation? I'd really appreciate it

Valmont

I did a J1 by myself last summer and it was grand, made friends with most of my workmates and it was great. Going off again this summer too. There's more of a stigma about travelling alone in Ireland than in America. Most of the people I met were travelling/working by themselves. They were all Americans. The job I had organised accomodation so that was a real help, maybe something along these lines might help you network when you're over there. Are you dead set on Santa Monica? There are a lot of really cool places in the states that are more suited to the solo j1'er in my opinion. I'm sure it'll be nice though.

faithy

Valmont wrote: »

I did a J1 by myself last summer and it was grand, made friends with most of my workmates and it was great. Going off again this summer too. There's more of a stigma about travelling alone in Ireland than in America. Most of the people I met were travelling/working by themselves. They were all Americans. The job I had organised accomodation so that was a real help, maybe something along these lines might help you network when you're over there. Are you dead set on Santa Monica? There are a lot of really cool places in the states that are more suited to the solo j1'er in my opinion. I'm sure it'll be nice though.

No im not set on santa monica,but would like somewhere in california. Did u get a job before or after you went?

Valmont

Before. You should look online for jobs in the tourist industry, a good deal of these positions will house all their employees together especially if you're not near a big city. I was in this position and it worked out perfectly, I got to know all my workmates pretty quick and made some great friends.

Penguinssmell

Just out of interest Valmont, where did u go too? And where are u going this summer? I'm considering a j1 alone myself, and somewhere off the beaten track..

sadhbhc15

Spent some time in Los Angeles 2 summers ago, Santa Monica included. It's gorgeous - warm, sunny, huge clean beach, etc. Santa Monica is always very busy in summer so I'd imagine you'd get a job easily enough there, once you're not too fussy! I saw loads of foreigners waitressing, working in bars / clubs, as bike rental agents, etc.
It's well worth the trip but you might get bored there for the whole summer - if you can, travel around California a bit.

Best of luck!

griff10

Hey,

Group of us heading to Santa Monica for the summer too, would anybody recommend places to live there or have any contacts regarding accomadation. Also, any help with jobs would be appreciated

Cheers