J1 costs; planning...

ianofitz

Hey,

A few of my friends and I were talking about doing a J1 next year. At the moment its only a thought but I just wanna see whats out there in terms of jobs. We're probably going to go to Canada. I'm currently studying Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Do you reckon I should try get a job in that? Or what do you think? Any sites or contacts you know of please do send them on!

Thanks

Oregano_State

First thing anyway is that J1 visas are just for the states. There's a different name for the Canadian one.

As regards work, it depends on what you want from your summer.

If you and your friends are looking for the classic booze-up of a summer then I'd say go get a job in a bar or restaurant or something as opposed to an internship in a business.

However if that's not your style and you're OK with working a 9-5 then it could be great way to get some relevant experience while living abroad and enjoying yourself.

I'd be careful though if your mates want a piss-up and you have intentions of holding down a proper job then there's potential for friction when they come home at 4am for the third night in a row and make a racket with you having to get up for work in the morning.

ianofitz

Oregano_State wrote: »

First thing anyway is that J1 visas are just for the states. There's a different name for the Canadian one.

As regards work, it depends on what you want from your summer.

If you and your friends are looking for the classic booze-up of a summer then I'd say go get a job in a bar or restaurant or something as opposed to an internship in a business.

However if that's not your style and you're OK with working a 9-5 then it could be great way to get some relevant experience while living abroad and enjoying yourself.

I'd be careful though if your mates want a piss-up and you have intentions of holding down a proper job then there's potential for friction when they come home at 4am for the third night in a row and make a racket with you having to get up for work in the morning.

Cool thanks for that! Yeah true about the 2 different summers. I'll get talking to the guys and see what they say. Thanks!

Civilian_Target

If you're thinking about Canada, don't overlook the east side. Montreal's an amazing city - the size of Boston with the nightlife of New York. And if you want something smaller but still cool, St. John NB is also a great spot.

ianofitz

Civilian_Target wrote: »

If you're thinking about Canada, don't overlook the east side. Montreal's an amazing city - the size of Boston with the nightlife of New York. And if you want something smaller but still cool, St. John NB is also a great spot.

Cool thanks for that! I'll have a proper look at a few different cities. Whats Vancouver like does anyone know?

ianofitz

Civilian_Target wrote: »

If you're thinking about Canada, don't overlook the east side. Montreal's an amazing city - the size of Boston with the nightlife of New York. And if you want something smaller but still cool, St. John NB is also a great spot.

Cool thanks for that! I'll have a proper look at a few different cities. Whats Vancouver like does anyone know?

Oregano_State

ianofitz wrote: »

Cool thanks for that! I'll have a proper look at a few different cities. Whats Vancouver like does anyone know?

I haven't been there but have only heard good things. It's pretty expensive, but you'll be working so that shouldn't be too much of a problem.

ianofitz

Oregano_State wrote: »

I haven't been there but have only heard good things. It's pretty expensive, but you'll be working so that shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Yeah I've heard Canada is pretty expensive in general though so I'm prepared! Haha

Anonymou

Group of us thinking of doing the J1 next year also,will all be 20/21 next summer. Canada sounds interesting,is it any different as regards getting your visa to go there as opposed to the US?

Also wouldn't mind trying somewhere that is different to the typical spots where Irish J1 students flock to (Boston,San Francisco etc),anyone here been somewhere a bit more obscure in the States?

Leahmc94

Does anyone who has been in California (san diego/san francisco) know what its like work wise? Is there much difficulty in getting jobs? Also how do San Fran and San Diego compare to like Berkeley, Santa Barbara or Santa Monica? Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Oregano_State

Anonymou wrote: »

Group of us thinking of doing the J1 next year also,will all be 20/21 next summer. Canada sounds interesting,is it any different as regards getting your visa to go there as opposed to the US?

Also wouldn't mind trying somewhere that is different to the typical spots where Irish J1 students flock to (Boston,San Francisco etc),anyone here been somewhere a bit more obscure in the States?

I spent a J1 summer in Ocean City, MD. Had a ball, really great experience, but it was absolutely packed with Irish students.

I visited Washington DC as well, which was good, but it gets awfully hot and humid during the summer around that area, wouldn't fancy spending the whole summer there. I visited Annapolis as well which is a great little spot if you could land a job there, it would be a lot more upmarket, but still quite touristy. Has a lovely marina and a very picturesque town centre. It would be one of the older American cities as well as being the former capital of the US.

I stayed in New York also for a few days which again is amazing, but maybe not what you're looking for.

I've been to Detroit a few times, it's definitely not a typical J1 haunt but it's a very interesting place. I was staying in the suburbs and coming in for day trips, although I'm told it can be quite cheap to rent in even the nicer parts of the city. The area around the city centre is quite nice and modern, although surprisingly small, outside of that you would want to know where you are going as it can be dangerous. Something to think about maybe.

Canada-wise, I've only been to Toronto and again, I thought it was fantastic, I've a few friends that have been living there for nearly 2 years now and they love it. I'd compare it to NY in terms of it having a real 'Big-city' feeling and there's a great buzz about the place at the moment with the economic boom in Canada. It is expensive, but I'm sure there's loads of work. I'm not too sure what the application process is like for a working holiday visa, as I was only there for a week before heading over to Michigan.

Brego

Hi guys,

hoping to get over to San Francisco on a J1 in 2015. I'm wondering what are the actual costs of getting over there at the end of the day?

I'm talking flights, USIT fees and the embassy booking.

Thanks

Brego

Howye!

About 5 lads here heading to San Francisco in 2015. Anyone know anything about accommodation?

Dignity

highlydebased

About €800 at most for all of the above.

stephenamccann

You want a job that you dont care about so that you can enjoy the J1. Most american and canadian workers are considered lazy so as long as you work hard when youre there, youre given slack.

Chavways

highlydebased wrote: »

About €800 at most for all of the above.

Are you serious? For me to get flight to San Francisco return, all the USIT crap, the embassy visit, health insurance and all the small little costs that they don't tell you about until you have to pay them, I was coming close 1800 euro. It's a ridiculous money racket.

USIT charged me 1000 euro for flights and when I went to the British Airways website to check, the real flights were just over 600 euro so USIT took a nice chunk of that.

garycreaton

Well I'm on a j1 at the moment and it's great.
I'm in NYC for the j1.
A j1 is great and great way to make money if you know the right people.
A j1 for NYC all together cost me between €1350-€1500.
Flights are most expensive and make sure you get j1 fee for free when on promotion with usit.
Embassy fee isn't too bad only tip is when your interview is on, get there 30 mins early minimum.

It's well worth it. I'm only here 8 weeks and have made back my money and another 6 weeks to go.

Good luck

Young Blood

garycreaton wrote: »

Well I'm on a j1 at the moment and it's great.
I'm in NYC for the j1.
A j1 is great and great way to make money if you know the right people.
A j1 for NYC all together cost me between €1350-€1500.
Flights are most expensive and make sure you get j1 fee for free when on promotion with usit.
Embassy fee isn't too bad only tip is when your interview is on, get there 30 mins early minimum.

It's well worth it. I'm only here 8 weeks and have made back my money and another 6 weeks to go.

Good luck

j1 is a money racket. Your best off going without one. You're entitled to stay in the usa for 3 months anyway and most jobs students end up dping are without visas. Keep your money or better still go to SE Asia

Civilian_Target

If you just apply for a J1 through a regular agency that doesn't try to hide costs, a J1 of 6 months or less typically costs about $700-800.

The amount of money that goes to the US government varies from agency to agency - there's a per applicant costs for sure, but there's also a petition cost, licensing costs, and fines for when certain applicants break the rules. Obviously, the costs apply no-matter what though, so one that tries to hide the costs in flights or other parts of the package are just more painful to work with, because every little extra costs a fortune.

[EDIT]Of course, the the flights are extra, and that depends on where and when you' re going, and how small a seat you're willing to tolerate...

Orangejuicer

Myself and a few friends were considering going to Boulder, Colorado on a J1 next year. Has anyone here ever been there or have any suggestions on if it's a good place to go, jobs etc? Any help would be much appreciated!

Shanobadur

Hi guys,

I'm just wondering what recommendations you'd have for a student looking to do a J1 next Summer. My main questions concern places to go and employment.

First I want to know however, do the USIT offer the free J1 fee each year? I remember I was going to apply last year but due to my passport being out of date I put it off while there was a free booking fee. Does this offer happen every year?

Next I'm wondering about where to go. I was always interested in going to New York because it's such a change from Ireland and I wanted to experience that but I also considered Miami and San Francisco as just automatic destinations I'd love to work in. Yet I'm worried about employment as New York is such a densely populated state would I be likely to find a job? Or would a safer bet be to go to one of the other 2?

Also, would I be at a disadvantage by going on a J1 by myself? I know a couple of lads that were talking about going but whether they actually will or not is a different story! Since joining college I've made friends with loads of people very easily. Is it easy to get in with a group of young people on a J1 or would I be better off recruiting some lads to come with me?

I'm also wondering about accommodation in each of the 3 places that I mentioned above. Is it easy to find and how expensive is it?

Finally, would I be at a disadvantage for not having experience in bartending or other jobs that I would be looking for whilst in America? And finally how difficult is it to get a bartending job in America for somebody on a J1?

Finally ... How much does the J1 cost on average?
Thanks for your time guys!

Chavways

I went on a J1 to Sacramento, California by myself this year. I'm actually in the airport now waiting to go home so I have time to kill.

Going alone is tough. I'm not going to sugar coat it. If you know nobody where you are going, it is tough to get around and the first few days will feel like hell but it gets much better. I went to Sacramento because I had secured a job selling kayaks and I loved the job but Sacramento definitely isn't renowned as a J1 destination and as a result I met only 1 other Irish person all summer and didn't make many friends at all to be honest but it was a great experience.

If you go to one of the more popular destinations like New York or San Fran, you should find it much easier to meet people. There will be many others in your situation.

My biggest piece of advice would be to secure a job before you get out there. Once you have your destination figured out, hammer off as many CV's as you can to different places you think you'd like to work. Having a job when you arrive gives you a humongous advantage over 90% of people who go out and try and figure out a job when they arrive only to end up spending a lot of money and a lot of their initial few weeks there on a desperate job hunt.

Your employer should be able to point you in the direction of accommodation too. Its always good to have that figured out too and its one less major thing to worry about.

I don't think you're allowed to bar tend over here unless you're 21 or over but I could be wrong on that. I know for myself after flights, embassy fees and all of the crazy money that USIT charge to do very little for you, it came to around 1800 euro for me just to get to America. Granted I went to the west coast so it'll be that bit more. Rent can vary drastically depending on where you go and then how much you earn and spend will be entirely up to you.

I hope this was of some help!

Maggie Aljo

I'm thinking of going on a J1 as well and I'm thinking of going on my own too, not for any other reason but I want to travel with people other than those I've known forever in Dublin!

San Fran or Boston! Or Texas if I'm feeling crazy haha

corkoian

I'm looking at going on a J1 this summer too. Ill probably go it alone, everyone is cash strapped. Looking at California for most of it and then going exploring the west coast for the last 3 weeks or so depending on the money situation

sarahgrif93

Thinking of going to Boulder,CO myself it looks great. Would love to hear if anyone had any experiences there or anywhere in Colorado..

CiFlood

Myself and my girlfriend went to Berkeley this Summer. If you want to work you don't really have too many options other than going through one of the J1 companies; total costs for is about 1300euro all in before you go. Myself and my girlfriend only went for 8 weeks, and didn't get jobs, so we should've saved ourselves that money. We had about $4000 between us when we got there, so $2000 each, and managed to live fairly comfortably for our time in Berkeley, and could afford to rent a car for a week at the end, travelling down the coast to LA. It is possible to live on a tight budget, but we still managed to fit in Alcatraz, biking the bridge, a giants game in AT&T, and though I'm broke now, I'd do the same again in a heartbeat. If you are going for the full three months, I'd recommend the J1 as you will find a job - we did find jobs but by the time we got them it was almost time to leave so wasn't worth while; if you're going for two months or less save the money on the Visa for spending when you get there, and just go on a holiday visa.

sophiya1992

Hey guys just came across the thread and me and a friend of mine are going on the j1 this summer thinking of NYC or Boston.. anyone interested in headin that way and wanna join us your more than welcome. We are both 22 year old females in college in Waterford!

jaymcg91

I'm looking at New York with http://travelbuglimited.ie/. Significantly cheaper, and if you go through campus.ie they knock 10% off. Buying your own flights will save me a serious amount of money!

ColmBr

jaymcg91 wrote: »

Buying your own flights will save me a serious amount of money!

Is travelbug the only company that let you book you flights yourself do you know?

Swel

Me and a friend are also going on a J1 next summer, looking at santa monica / san diego. If anyone has any advice or wants to join, the more the merrier!
Both from waterford, 21/22

jaymcg91

ColmBr wrote: »

Is travelbug the only company that let you book you flights yourself do you know?

That I know of, yeah.

Rachel23

So myself and another girl are thinking of going on a J1 this year, I'll be 21 & she'll be 24. We were thinking of going to the west coast, maybe San Diego/San Fran. Becasue NY is way to expensive for rent and that ~ well so i heard!
We havent really looked into it too well, it will be our first time on a j1, and have no idea what to expect!

is it really hard to find a job, is it expensive?
oh, and if anyone would be upto it..we'd like to stay with other people to get the rent down & meet new people etc. D

Rachel23

So myself and another girl are thinking of going on a J1 this year, I'll be 21 & she'll be 24. We were thinking of going to the west coast, maybe San Diego/San Fran. We havent really looked into it too well, it will be our first time on a j1, and have no idea what to expect!
best places to go?

is it really hard to find a job, is it expensive? accommodation? i havent a clue!
oh, and if anyone would be upto it..we'd like to stay with other people to get the rent down & meet new people etc. D

hfallada

Rachel23 wrote: »

So myself and another girl are thinking of going on a J1 this year, I'll be 21 & she'll be 24. We were thinking of going to the west coast, maybe San Diego/San Fran. Becasue NY is way to expensive for rent and that ~ well so i heard!
We havent really looked into it too well, it will be our first time on a j1, and have no idea what to expect!

is it really hard to find a job, is it expensive?
oh, and if anyone would be upto it..we'd like to stay with other people to get the rent down & meet new people etc. D

San Fran is just as expensive for rent as NYC, as its silicon valley. At least NYC you can find places in some of the "hoods", which are kinda trendy to live like Bushwich.

ColmBr

jaymcg91 wrote: »

That I know of, yeah.

I got on to them about it and they said that you must book your flights with them when getting your visa with them. Took them two days to reply and the email did not seem very professional at all. I think I'll be staying away from them.

Pete123456

anyone know from this year what the job market is like for J1ers in the bay area of SF? are you better off on the outskirts or in the middle of the city?

Also, is it worth emailing smaller businesses/restaurants rather than the bigger chains seen as its only a 3-4 month gig?

Sound lads!

jaymcg91

ColmBr wrote: »

I got on to them about it and they said that you must book your flights with them when getting your visa with them. Took them two days to reply and the email did not seem very professional at all. I think I'll be staying away from them.

As did I, sticking with SAYIT www.j1.ie :pac:.

jaymcg91

Nobody I know has been able to live in SF, they've ended up in the neighboring city of Berkeley.

D_Ben

Planing on going New York, group of 3 possibly 4 of us hoping to go. Anyone else up for it welcome to join, keep rent low and that craic!

Pete123456

anyone know is it best to bring cash to the US to prove funds or would a bank statement or online banking do?

jaymcg91

I'm 99% sure a bank statement is fine. My mate showed them his online banking on his phone when he went through and they were happy enough.

Pete123456

jaymcg91 wrote: »

I'm 99% sure a bank statement is fine. My mate showed them his online banking on his phone when he went through and they were happy enough.

Sound for that... Sounds a lot easier than carrying a wad of cash!!

Then again, what's the best way to hold money/get paid when in the us? Is a bank account there a must have? Or can they pay you onto a prepaid card or something? What have other people used?

sophiya1992

D_Ben wrote: »

Planing on going New York, group of 3 possibly 4 of us hoping to go. Anyone else up for it welcome to join, keep rent low and that craic!

When you planning on going? me and a friend are going too. both 21 year old girls!

D_Ben

Hey Sophiya, planning on going over last week in may/first week in June! When yee thinking? We're all 20/21!

sophiya1992 wrote: »

When you planning on going? me and a friend are going too. both 21 year old girls!

Pete123456

For anyone who wants to book soon(ish) the "one week only" discount is on USITs website...

sophiya1992

D_Ben wrote: »

Hey Sophiya, planning on going over last week in may/first week in June! When yee thinking? We're all 20/21!

Same as us. We are thinking around the 22nd of may or so n come back the same date in august! You on facebook?

cianbooth

Rachel23 wrote: »

So myself and another girl are thinking of going on a J1 this year, I'll be 21 & she'll be 24. We were thinking of going to the west coast, maybe San Diego/San Fran. Becasue NY is way to expensive for rent and that ~ well so i heard!
We havent really looked into it too well, it will be our first time on a j1, and have no idea what to expect!

is it really hard to find a job, is it expensive?
oh, and if anyone would be upto it..we'd like to stay with other people to get the rent down & meet new people etc. D

I'm thinking of going to san fran as well. I've heard it's expensive enough but if you get accommodation out in Berkley it's not too bad. If you have any experience I can't imagine it's too difficult to get a job. Going over by myself so was debating whether or not to stay in a frat house as I want to meet people as well. What were u guys thinking?

cianbooth

ianofitz wrote: »

Cool thanks for that! I'll have a proper look at a few different cities. Whats Vancouver like does anyone know?

Vancouver is great, I spent a summer out there 2 years ago and had an amazing time. We were staying in UBC which is about 30 mins outside the city and were paying 1800$ for a nice 2 bed apartment. Its close to whistler which is an amazing spot and went sky diving up there. Would highly recommend it!

Eurovisionmad

Anyone booking with SAYIT do ye have any idea how long the answers to their questionnaire thing should be, it says 5 or 10 word answers aren't acceptable but apart from that do they want a short paragraph or a bloody essay on the virtues of the USA????

ConorM15

Heard it's not too hard finding a job in San Fran and should be helpful that your 21 and get work in a bar etc...berkley supposed to be fairly cheap for the summer to live...i think I could nearly be heading over myself to San Fran so il be looking for other Irish over there as well !