Summer Work & Travel USA
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REGISTRATION IS OPEN!! SCROLL DOWN TO POINT 5 TO SEE THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURES AND THE EMPLOYERS DETAILS FOR SUMMER 2011!
1. About the Program/ Program Overview
The YMCA Summer Work & Travel Program was established as an educational exchange program, and is recognized by the United States State Department.
The intent of our program is to give university students from around the world, who might otherwise not be able to afford to participate in an exchange program to the United States, the opportunity to experience living and working in the U.S. during their official summer school break.
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The goals of the YMCA Summer Work & Travel program are to:
· Facilitate peace, tolerance and understanding through international exchange, global adventure and intercultural interaction.
· Provide an opportunity for young people from around the world to challenge themselves through learning to work, grow and live in another country and culture.
· Enable young people an affordable option to participate in a quality summer work & travel program.
2. When Is The Program Available
YMCA of Singapore usually commences recruitment from August to October and organizes school talks in local universities such as Singapore Management University (SMU), National Technology University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS) and Singapore Institute of Management (SIM).
Participants may work in the U.S. from 2 to 4 months during their official summer break (April to September). Participants are expected to return home in time for the new semester.
3. Eligibility Requirement
Participants must:
- Be between 18 - 28 years old
- Be a full-time student in recognized tertiary institutes in Singapore
- Be any nationality
- Have good English skills
- Undergo an interview before you can be accepted into the program
4. What Is Included In The Program
Before Departure
· Pre-selection orientation & interview in Singapore
· A guaranteed and secured work placement before arrival
· Legal documentation (Issuing of DS- 2019 form necessary for visa application, SEVIS payment)
· Housing arrangement assistance of your stay in U.S.
· A comprehensive participant handbook, packed with useful information and tips for your work and travel experience
· Pre- Departure Orientation
· Orientation package
During your stay in the U.S.
· Medical insurance coverage for the duration of stay in the U.S.
· Assistance in Social Security application
· 24 hours assistance and support from International YMCA staff to contact for emergencies
· Continued assistance and support from YMCA of Singapore
5. How to apply
Please click on the following link to download the application form for YMCA Summer Work & Travel USA; you can also obtain it at YMCA Members Service Counter. Kindly make your deposit payment of S$50 (non-refunable) and you will be given an interview slot with your U.S. employer at our Job Fair on 4th December 2010. For more information about the programme fee, please email joyceyu@ymca.org.sg
Recruitment drives will also be held in our scheduled talks in various local universities. Do check your school email or on our website for the details to catch us in your school!
Details of programme fee, please click here.
Application Procedure
1. Download & complete the application form. It is also available at the membership counter of YMCA of Singapore, which is open from 9am - 830pm, Monday to Saturday, closed on Sunday and Public Holiday.
Click on the employers below for more information of the jobs for summer 2011!
(i) Kings Dominion - Virginia
(ii) Hardees (aka Carl's Jr) - Virginia
(iii) Nathan's Famous - New York
2. Submit the application with a S$50 non-refundable deposit via the followiong mode of payment:
(i) Pay by Cash/Nets/Credit Card: Proceed to member services counter
(ii) Online Bank Transfer:
(please print screen the transaction completion message -Alt/Ctrl/print Scrn- & email to joyceyu@ymca.org.sg)
Account name: YMCA of Singapore
Account No: 0 666098 005
SWIFT Code: CITISGSG GCB
Beneficiary Bank: CITIBANK SINGAPORE LTD
Bank Address: 23 Church Street, Capital Square #02-01
Singapore 049481
Bank Code: 7214
Branch Code: 011
3. Upon receipt of the application form and deposit, an interview slot will be allocated to you with your indicated US employer (choices will be filled based on first come first served basis)
4. Attend the Job Fair on 4th Decemeber to meet and interview with your US employer
5. Balance payment is to be made within 1 week after the job fair to secure the job
Application closes on 31st November 2010
6. FAQ
Q What are the typical jobs?
A Many participants work in customer service positions in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and amusement parks.
Q How long must/can I work?
A You must be able to work a minimum of 2 months and to a maximum of 4 months. You must return back to school on time for the new semester.
Q How much is the wage rate?
A The minimum wage rate in US ranges from US$5.15 to US$8 per hour.
Q When is the payroll?
A Students are usually paid every 2 weeks.
Q What are the working hours like?
A Students typically work for 30 – 40 hours per week.
Q Will my accommodation be provided by the US employer?
A Housing arrangements are usually arranged by the US employer; if not, housing assistance will be provided. The rental can range from US$45 to US$105 per week, depending on the location you are staying.
Q Are meals and laundry also provided?
A It depends on the location you are working at and the employer you are working for. If you are working in a remote area, meals and laundry services will usually be provided by the employer at a small fee; in locations where facilities and supermarkets are easily accessible, such services will unlikely be provided.
Q Will I be able to break even or earn a profit at the end of this program?
A This depends on you- how much you work; how much you spent; how much you intend to travel. Most students earn enough to cover the program fee. Students who work for 4 months were able to earn enough to cover the costs they have outlaid to get to the USA. However, it depends on what you want to achieve at the end of this program. While some students aim to work maximum hours to at least break even, others may choose to treat this as an opportunity to work and travel and play in the U.S.
Q Will I be covered by insurance?
A Yes. You are covered by medical and health insurance while you are a participant in the program (dates stated on your DS- 2019), which covers bulk of your medical expenses. Students are also encouraged to purchase your own travel insurance.
7. Contact Us
Can’t find your question in our FAQ? We have a staff stand-by for you to answer all your questions or queries! Just drop an email to Joyce at joyceyu@ymca.org.sg or call her at 6586 2332.