Wzięcie udziału w tym programie było jedną z największych przygód moje życia, której nigdy nie zapomnę.Jeśli ktoś się jeszcze waha, niech pakuje walizki i jedzie!_____________________________________________________________________________ The one big dream I'd had for as long as I remember was travelling to USA. I did it during previous summer. If you have no idea how to go to USA, just take part in the "work and travel" programme. Firstly, I should explain you what is the point of the trip like that. "Work and Travel" is an international programme of travelling to the United States for students from different countries (there's also a possiblity to do it in England or Ireland). As the name shows, this programme is a trip and work. Students recieve visas for work from 3 weeks to 4 months and 1 month for trips. The main goal of the travel is to know the culture of the USA and improve English skills. I'd like to show you some important things about the programme based on my own experience.
1. Choosing the right agency.
I choose an agency which my friend choose when she took part in this programme.It is important to do a little research, because the agency helps us with application, option of the programme (self placement with a job choosing by participant or job placement with a job from agency), visa etc.
2. The price of the programme.
If you want to take part in "Work and Travel USA", you have to know that it costs a lot of money. The full price is about 3000 dollars, including a visa, plane tickects, insurance and money for life for the first days in USA. Remember- tickets are more exspensive when it's closer to summer, that's why the best way is go there on May. The longer you are in the United States, the more you earn, so you can get your money back. Of course it's depend on the goal and and your daily routine during your stay.
3. Type of jobs.
Students are employed as a waiters, cashiers, cleaning service etc. and salary for those jobs is quite low, but you have to remember that people in the USA earn more than in Poland for instance. The best way is to find a job with tips (in the application you can give your own preferences of jobs). I worked as a cleaning lady.
4. Place of work (state, city).
Theoretically paritcipants effect for where they want to work. Most of them choose New York, dreaming about work on Manhattan. Unfortunately, it never happens. Participants get their jobs in small cities, but there's a chance to have a job in "popular" state.I worked on Cape Cod (Massachussets) - 2 hours from Boston and 8 hours from New York. At the beggining I wasn't happy, but now I'm glad, because I had really nice summer in this place. Cleaning Matt Damon’s house was a pleasure!
5. Travels, entertainment.
I just want to tell you that you must do everything to pass your exam in first term or even earlier. I wasn't lucky and I couldn't travel a lot. I was in USA only for two months, that's why I didn't get my money back and I visited only Boston and New York. One month after work is enough to see many amazing places. The basic thing is a good plan of course. For example lot of my friends visited Washington or Las Vegas. The last important thing- entertainment. Make sure to take part in typical American things to know better the culture. For instance I took part in baseball game and I still have no idea what the rules are ;).
It was one of the best and unforgettable time in my life and I hope I come back to USA someday. Don't wait for a right moment, just go!