89,314+ dreams turned into reality

Global Exclusive

USA Hotel Professional

5(2 reviews)
Experience
Working Holiday
Destination
United States
Duration
12 months
Ages
18 to 37

155 others looking at this too. Next opening is Jul 2024, with limited spots.

Book now, pay later. Cancel anytime.

Trip overview

The United States – as big and diverse a country as they come, loaded with must-tick bucket list items. And this iconic country can be your home for up to 12 months on our USA Hotel Professional trip. 

You can wing it and do everything yourself. The visa alone will be confusing, expensive, and time-consuming with no guarantees. Not to mention all the other logistics. Or you can:

  • Secure a guaranteed paid internship with a 4 or 5 star hotel or upmarket restaurant before you leave home.
  • Get help securing your elusive J-1 visa. As well as help with flights, travel, insurance, accommodation, & more.
  • Save time, money, and stress with your Dedicated Trip Coordinator taking care of all your logistics.
  • gWorld app to meet up with other travellers, organise your trip, and save big on your next trip!

This is the ultimate way to learn some of that famous American hospitality. A stint at a top-rated hotel or restaurant in America will look smashing on your resume. And a year in the States will give you enough adventure for a lifetime. 

Can you picture it? You’re working the front desk at a boutique hotel in Napa Valley. Not only are you learning how to serve the elite with a smile, but you’re also enjoying the perks of working at this high-class venue and living in the famous Napa Valley. 

All this without spending months – and a whole lot of dollars – agonising over your J-1 Visa. 

Because our expert team will take care of the stressful essentials while you apply – including a US-Government-approved visa sponsorship and J-1 visa application advice.

This is a paid internship and training program in hospitality. You’ll be trained up in dedicated divisions of the hotel during the 12 months you’re there, learning anything and everything about your position. 

This could be you, without spending months – in a foreign country with no income – hunting for a job. 

Because you’ll have a paid internship (up to USD $20/hr) and accommodation assistance  before you leave home.

When you have time off, you’ll have the freedom (and savings $) to hit the road and explore more of the country. Rent a van for a cross-country road trip or stock up on body glitter for the summer festival season.

To help, we’re offering 5 nights at a hostel anywhere in America as you explore this huge country. 

Nervous about being there alone? 

Don’t be! You’ll have an instant friend group wherever you end up – even if you decide to take a position at a fancy lodge way out in the mountains

Because our social network app – gWorld – connects you with other Global Travellers in your area. So you can go on a hike, meet at the pub, or just talk to someone with the same accent as you. 

We take care of pretty much everything so you don’t have to. 

BUT! There’s a catch….

Most travellers book their trip 6-12 months in advance. Dates are flexible, but spaces are limited. So if you’re serious about levelling up your hospitality skills in the USA, don’t delay. 

With our Book Now, Decide Later feature, you can get started with a small deposit today, and take a full year to choose your dates. 

We’ll take over from there, helping you with visas, flights, accommodation, and finding you a paid position before you go. This is the trip for you if you’re after the ultimate working holiday experience. Complete with everything you need and round-the-clock support.

Inclusions

Tap to expand

Paid internship/traineeship
J-1 visa sponsorship
J-1 visa guidance
Dedicated Trip Coordinator
Personal Travel Concierge
Airport Transfer Assistance
5 nights hostel accommodation
Medical insurance
Local life essentials
Online orientation
Permanent accommodation support
Ongoing local team support
Global Emergency Line
gWorld access
SocialNEW
Global AcademyNEW
Marketplace dealsNEW
$250 off your next trip

Just in case it’s not clear already, we’re not an employment or recruitment agency. Read more

Qualification

To qualify for this trip you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be between 18-37 years of age
  • Be a citizen of an eligible country
  • Have no criminal convictions in the past 5 years

Ask a question

Chat with us online now, or we can call you back for free, 24 hours Mon-Fri.

Meet your very first travel buddy, gWorld

Trip details

Our USA Hotel Professional Trip is designed to help you get set up in your paid hospitality internship as smoothly as possible. Our goal is to save you time, money, and stress while eliminating the risk of returning home early. Here’s how we do it: 

We’re on your side from the moment you get started. 

You’ll be assigned a Dedicated Trip Coordinator. They’ll guide you through the next steps and answer all your questions. 

The J-1 visa – a requirement for this trip – is notoriously difficult to get. Your Dedicated Trip Coordinator – and our contacts in the USA – will guide you through your application and give you the best chance at getting your visa approved. 

Your Personal Travel Concierge will help with flights, insurance, and any add-ons you’d like for your trip. These are real humans too – no robots here. 

Once you arrive at the airport closest to your placement there’ll either be transport waiting for you or we’ll guide you through how to get to your host. 

What happens next depends entirely on your placement position. Most hotels will give you a few orientation sessions with fellow exchange participants and new employees before you get to work. 

Whereas at restaurant placements you might be given a bit of a crash-course before diving right in, learning on the job. 

Finding a paid internship at a top-rated establishment is one of your main challenges. Not all establishments offer paid internships and even fewer accept foreigners. 

Which is why we maintain relationships with a huge network of local businesses who want foreign interns just like you! It’s how we can confidently guarantee that you’ll have a placement lined up before you leave home. 

Our support doesn’t end there. We’ll be in touch during your trip to make sure everything is going smoothly. If you have any questions or concerns we’re one quick message, DM, email, or carrier pigeon away. 

And if there’s an emergency, you can use our 24/7 emergency support lines for anything urgent. 

Our team is well travelled so you can rely on our experience.

We’re with you every step of the way.

Requirements

To qualify for this trip you must:

  • Have 5 years experience in hospitality/tourism/hotel management (a job at local fast food chain or restaurant qualifies, but 5 years must be in the same type of hospitality), OR
  • Have a Bachelors degree in hospitality/tourism/hotel and 1 year or more of hospitality/tourism/hotel experience (fast food counts), OR
  • Be currently studying a degree in hospitality/tourism/hotel/business management or have graduated within the last 12 months at the time of applying for the visa.

What extra costs will I have?

Flights, travel insurance, visa, criminal background check, souvenirs & spending money.

Trip itinerary

Arrival

You’ll be advised which airport to fly into depending on where you’re placed. There’ll either be transport waiting for you at the airport or you’ll be told the easiest way to get to your placement.

Week 1

This depends greatly on where you’re placed, so there’s not much of a ‘norm’ we can give you here.  Hotel placements often start with an orientation class with the other exchange participants and new employees.  You’ll learn all about the hotel and what’s expected of you before you dive in.  Restaurant placements usually get straight to business. You’ll be provided a course of what’s expected of you and then it’ll be a learn-on-the-job-from-the-best kinda situation.

Ongoing

You’ll do most of your learning by doing this trip. Although you’ll be working alongside some of the best people in the hospitality world – so there's plenty for you to learn.  When you have some time off, don’t forget to take us up on your 5 nights at a hostel anywhere in America.  You also have Canada to the north, Mexico to the south, and the Caribbean and The Bahamas to the west if you’re interested in travelling after your placement. Whatever you choose to do, we can help make it easy.  We’ll be in touch with you throughout your stay. If you ever need advice or support our team is available to answer your questions.  Don’t go alone. Go with Global.

Traveller placements & locations 

Land a paid traineeship learning everything there is to know around your speciality in the hospitality industry. You’ll improve your skills while also making a great wage and great friends in the process! Located all across the country, here’s a list of the departments within our Partner Organisations you could find yourself working between. 

  • Culinary
  • Food & Beverage
  • Front Office
  • Rooms Division
  • + More

From rubbing elbows with the rich and famous in Aspen, being the fuel behind the party in New Orleans to toe-tapping the night away in Nashville. We’ve got host companies dotted in the best spots around the USA, so you could find yourself in any of these destinations.  

  • New Orleans
  • Orlando
  • Miami
  • Napa Valley
  • San Diego
  • Aspen
  • Nashville
  • Dallas
  • Santa Barbara
  • Seattle
  • San Francisco
  • + More

New on the 'gram

amiesadventures_
fernierni123
fernierni123
payt.on.the.go
fernierni123
fernierni123
ilhamchew_
chloegill30
oliviajury_
fernierni123

Frequently asked questions

Why are you the best company to choose?

As the world’s leading gap-year and "work & travel" company, we pride ourselves on providing a premium service for Global Travellers. Choose from a variety of awesome experiences worldwide, and let us assist you with visas, pre-departure preparations, flights, insurance, and tours. Throughout your journey, our cool tech features will support you every step of the way. As a Global Traveller, gain access to gWorld, our personalised app designed to enhance your travel experience. Keep important documents and trip details handy, and take advantage of exclusive Marketplace deals, a vibrant social network, language learning resources, side trips, meet-ups, and more. It's like having all your favorite travel apps merged into one, but even better! But our support doesn't end there. With four international offices, over 100 dedicated staff members, a 24/5 emergency team, and the backing of over 90,000 Global Travellers who have turned their travel dreams into reality with us, rest assured you're in good hands. We also proudly boast the most and best reviews in the biz, and maintain a massive following on our social channels including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Embark on your next adventure with confidence and ease. Join us and discover the world in a meaningful way!

Are flights & insurance included?

While we would love to include flights and insurance in our trip packages, it is not feasible to have a fixed price due to the diverse destinations, trip durations, and individual coverage needs of our travellers from around the globe. However, once you register for the trip, we will assign you a dedicated Travel Concierge. They will work closely with you to arrange the ideal flights and insurance tailored to your specific adventure. Rest assured, our team is here to ensure you have a smooth and hassle-free travel experience from start to finish!

How does accommodation work?

When it comes to accommodation, we have some great options available for you. Many of our partner organisations offer staff accommodation as a fantastic perk. This usually entails a shared apartment or house with other like-minded travelers, conveniently located near your job. The best part is that these accommodations are often available at a subsidised rate, allowing you to save more toward side trips and fun! In the event that staff accommodation is not included with your job match, don't worry. Your Arrival Coordinator will be there to provide you with valuable resources and helpful tips on finding a suitable place to stay.

What's the difference between your standard Working Holiday and Plus?

The Standard and Plus Working Holiday trips offer similar features, such as our comprehensive job matching process. However, there are a couple key differences between the two: Standard: With the Standard trip, you will receive a guaranteed job match prior to your arrival*. Plus: The Plus trip includes a guaranteed job match prior to your arrival*, just like the Standard trip. In addition, it offers the unique benefit of a 2nd job match in an entirely new country! This includes any Working Holiday, Au Pair or Tutor trip we offer, except USA, Germany & South Korea. Visa guidance will also be provided, TCs apply. Along with this, the Plus trip also provides additional tours and a side trip to enhance your experience. If you like the idea of working and travelling in more than one country, the Plus option is best suited for you. It provides the opportunity for ongoing exploration and variety during your time abroad. No need to make a decision right away on which option to choose. If you initially book the Standard trip, you can always upgrade to the Plus trip after getting registered and connecting with your dedicated Trip Coordinator.

Do I get to choose where I work?

While we strive to take your preferences into account, it's important to note that we are not a recruitment agency. Therefore, we cannot guarantee job matches in specific professions, fields, or locations. As a foreign worker on a temporary visa, it can be challenging to compete with locals for more specialised positions. Employers often prioritise candidates they can train and retain in the long term, rather than taking a risk on someone who may leave in a year or two, or less. However, the jobs we help organise on your working holiday will offer a fantastic experience. They will be enjoyable and social, allowing you to make new friends, acquire new skills, and have the freedom to explore exciting new places. Our aim is to provide you with an amazing working holiday experience, where you can embrace adventure and create unforgettable memories.

What is a job match, does this mean a guaranteed job?

A job match is a seamless process designed to help you secure a suitable job opportunity. Here's how it works: First, we arrange an interview for you, taking into consideration your preferences whenever possible. The interviews are typically conducted virtually over platforms like Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime, making it convenient for you to participate from the comfort of your home before you embark on your trip. The key to a successful job match is simple: attend the interview on time and approach it just like any other professional interview. By demonstrating professionalism and enthusiasm, you'll increase your chances of securing a job offer without any complications. In the unlikely chance you are unsuccessful with your initial interview, our team will get to work organising you another interview. You can rest assured we are committed to finding the right opportunity for you and guiding you through each and every step of the job matching process to ensure success. For more details, please refer to your booking conditions.

Will I have any free time to travel?

Absolutely! While the jobs we help you land usually provide full-time hours, they often come with flexibility that will allow you to take time off for side trips, exploring, and fun. We understand the importance of travel experiences, and our aim is to provide opportunities that balance work and leisure. While the level of flexibility can vary based on the specific job and employer, we strive to match you with positions that provide allowances or arrangements for time off. This way, you can plan and enjoy additional adventures before, during, or after your work placement!

What job opportunities do you offer?

Ever since our inception in 2008, we have been dedicated to providing exceptional job opportunities to our travellers. We take pride in having built the largest network of partner organisations across the country, all vetted and perfectly suited to host a working holidayer. One of the greatest advantages of going Global is that we streamline the entire process for you, meaning, you won't need to go through the hassle of attending job fairs (like our competitors make you do) or spending countless hours job hunting. We take care of the hard work by understanding your job and location preferences, then connect you with one of our awesome partner organisations. We then ensure you are well-prepared for the interview, to help you land a job before you leave home*. To explore all the amazing options available, we invite you to check out our Working Holiday jobs & locations section located above.

Why do a working holiday?

The benefits of doing a Working Holiday trip are numerous. It offers you the opportunity to experience a new country, immerse yourself in a different culture, gain international work experience, develop new skills, make lifelong connections, and create unforgettable memories. It is a chance to combine travel and work while exploring a new destination.

What support is provided by Global Work & Travel during my Working Holiday trip?

We provide comprehensive support throughout your Working Holiday trip, from the initial planning stages until your return home. Our team is available to assist you with visa applications, job placements, accommodation options, and ongoing support from our worldwide offices while you are overseas, including a 24/5 emergency line. We also provide pre-departure guidance and resources to help you prepare for your adventure.

Will I earn enough to support myself?

Absolutely! While the earning potential may vary based on your destination and job type, the income you'll receive is more than sufficient to support you comfortably while abroad. It can cover all your living expenses, accommodation, transportation, and even allows for savings to explore your new home or continue travelling afterward. Additionally, many of our partner organisations offer fantastic perks like discounted staff housing, food and beverage, ski passes, and more, helping you save money and make the most of your Working Holiday experience.

Why should I book now?

After the last unexpected disruption to travel caused by the..c word..people are now more eager than ever to venture out and explore the world, determined not to miss out on any experiences. Global Work & Travel works on a first-in-best-dressed basis. Booking earlier ensures that you don’t miss out on the best intake, season, placements and more! We recommend our travellers take 6-12+ months to plan their trip for a reason - to make sure you’ve got everything organised perfectly, stress-free. As a Global Traveller you’ll get exclusive access to gWorld, our personalised app where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global. This is where you will find exclusive Marketplace Deals, a unique social network to connect you with other like-minded Global Travellers, access to our Academy with an ever-growing range of skills & languages, and so much more. Think all of your favourite apps merged into one, but like, better? Why not give yourself something to look forward to by booking that trip!

Can I travel with a friend or partner?

Yes you can! Simply tell your Trip Coordinator after booking that your friend is also going and they can link your profiles. For most of our trips we should be able to have you and your friends placed together or nearby. Meaning that you can live, work, play & travel together! But wait there's more! Not only can you travel the world with your besties at your side, you can also earn some extra cash towards your own trip just by referring your friends to Global Work & Travel. You can learn more about the great referral rewards program inside your gWorld account once you join. And for those who decide to go-it-solo, we’ve made it easier to meet other Global Travellers in the same region as you. Just like any other social platform, you’ll be able to interact, share, chat and meet with some really cool people who are doing trips just like you!

Can I bring my pet along?

At Global Work & Travel, we share a deep love for animals and fully understand the special bond you have with your pet. We recognise the challenges of embarking on a trip without them. Due to travel restrictions, requirements, and limited pet-friendly accommodations among our host organisations, we regretfully cannot facilitate their inclusion in the journey. However, many of our customers choose to entrust their pets to a family member or friend, embark on their adventure, and return home to wagging tails and furry cuddles.

What happens if I need to cancel my trip?

We know that life can get in the way of travel, so all our trips come with a great deal of flexibility. In most cases, if you cannot travel on your selected date, you can place your trip on hold to deal with whatever is holding you back, and continue in the future without incurring any penalty. You may also have the option of transferring to an entirely different trip and destination as well, or even transferring your trip to a friend or family member. In the event that you need to outright cancel your trip, if you give us 84* days notice you can do so with only a 50% cancellation fee. Your refund of the balance will come in the form of a Store Credit which you can put toward any other trip that we offer, including tours through third-party providers, as well as holidays through DealsAway.com, and is valid for 2 years from date of issue. As international travel can be complex, your options are based on the progress of your trip organisation and our support team can assist you in finding the best solution for your needs.

How it works

1. Choose a trip style

Find your dream experience & destination, then secure your spot with a flexible & low deposit. Activate your gWorld to unlock some cool perks. Well done! The hardest part’s over!

2. We become friends

Book a time to meet your dedicated Trip Coordinator who knows all the ins & outs of your trip. They’ll be by your side and working behind-the-scenes to pull everything together.

3. Time to go!

We’ll get your tickets, accommodation & transfers ready. Our in-country team or partner will have everything prepared & waiting for your arrival. Get on the plane with no worries!

4. 24/5 support

Never stress, knowing we’re there with you when you need us with ongoing & unlimited local team support. And just in case, we’ve got an emergency team on stand-by, 24 hours, Mon-Fri.

Still have questions?

Why go Global

Flexible trips

The unexpected can happen sometimes. Can't travel right now? Swap your trip, gift it or save it for later with our Lifetime Deposit Guarantee.

Worldwide support

Know that someone is always ready to assist throughout the journey & they’re only a call, tweet, comment, text or double tap away, 24/5.

We're the experts

With over 10 years in the industry and a team of over 90 passionate pros, you can bet we know our stuff better than anyone else.

Partner network

We have over 1,200 partners around the globe, so we have access to plenty of exclusive opportunities to make your trip the best it can be.

Check out these similar trips