Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

  • Unfortunately, no. You must apply while you are a current full-time student. Final semester students should apply before they finish their exams and are encouraged to travel after their final exams instead of after their graduation ceremony. You must arrive in the U.S. within 6 months of course completion.

  • Unfortunately no, even if you are currently completing your Form 6 or A-levels, or waiting to be admitted into university. You must have started a full-time diploma or degree programme before you are eligible. However, you are eligible if you are in foundation year and there is a natural progression into degree programme offered by the same institution.

  • Yes. Non-Malaysian students are accepted on a case-by-case basis. Academic results, the university you are enrolled in and the period you have been living in Malaysia have a significant bearing on your application being accepted. Chances of receiving a visa are always uncertain. We reserve the right to accept non-Malaysians based on past visa approval rate.

  • Yes. You are eligible as long as you are still a full-time student who have not completed your studies at the time you apply. You may only participate in the programme during your official term-break. Deferment is not permitted. For graduating students, you must depart for the U.S. within 6 months after your complete your course.

  • Although most employers prefer hiring candidates for 3-4 months, we have successfully placed students on 8 week work periods. You may apply but placement would depend on job availability. Your term break must also fall within the dates of the programme.

  • Since most universities/colleges in Malaysia are taught in English, you are eligible if you can function in an English speaking environment. Your English will be assessed during an interview with us. Though some jobs do require good spoken English, there are jobs which do not require a high standard of English.

  • If your health condition does not prohibit you from carrying out your job, you will not be excluded from the programme. It is advisable to inform us of the condition when you make your application to avoid complications. A medical examination is not usually necessary for the programme though the insurance included in the programme does not cover pre-diagnosed conditions in which case, you may need to consult your health insurance provider here.

Work

  • Yes. You will have to secure a job before you apply for a U.S. visa in Malaysia. However, ​we do not encourage ​students to find their own job as we are highly concerned about students’ safety and substandard working conditions of unknown employers. Your employer must also be willing to fill out a standard form and be willing to be screened by our partner sponsors in the U.S..

  • Yes. The earlier you apply, the more choices there will be. However, availability of choices will also depend on the period and when your term break is. The season with the widest choice is Summer. All the jobs are entry level seasonal jobs in the service industry working in theme parks, national parks, hotels, restaurants, swimming clubs, fast food and convenience stores. We do ask students to keep an open mind when selecting specific jobs as some employers place students based on their needs at the time and might not necessarily meet your specific requirement, while others offer jobs with a wide range of tasks. Students should be ready to handle tasks that are physically demanding and routine. The work experience is not the focus of this programme. You may learn a lot about your adaptability to new environments through the work experience.

  • Yes. By signing your job offer agreement form, you are agreeing to work on the terms given in the form. You may not quit your job without a valid reason and you ​must ​gain approval from the sponsor before changing employment. If you do not show up at your job, or leave your job without contacting us or the sponsor, you will (​may​) be terminated from the programme and required to return home immediately.

  • Yes, it is legal to do so as long as the job is not prohibited by the programme rules. You will need approval from your sponsor before starting the second job. There is no restriction on the number of hours you can work although we would like to emphasize the importance of keeping yourself healthy and avoiding overworking.

  • Yes. You will be required to apply at the same time and often travel the same dates. We usually limit students to 3 in a group and if there are enough positions, other groups may choose the same employer. We have placed a group of 8 in the past.

  • There is no fixed work schedule. Students usually work on shifts five or six days a week, based on employers’ allocation. While students can request fixed schedules to allow them to find a second job more easily, it is not necessarily possible. Employers do try to provide an average of 30 – 40 hours of work per week to students. However, the total hours do vary from week to week depending on the demands of the business. You should take the initiative to ask for more hours if need be and should be willing to work longer hours during busy period to make up for quiet periods. Do note that working 30 hours a week is considered acceptable.

  • We always encourage students to try to resolve job issues with the employer first. However, both we and the sponsor will assist you as much as we can to resolve issues at work. If you are fired, you will have to consult the sponsor immediately. If you are terminated not based on a fault of yours, you will be encouraged to find a new job in the area and we will also assist in finding you a new job. By leaving your job without approval, your programme will be terminated and this could result in your being sent home immediately. Termination is very rare and students are advised to follow employers’ rules and behave responsibly.

  • Not usually. You can only work for a maximum of four months, the season’s restricted dates and within your term break dates.

Living in the U.S.

  • If your employer does not provide housing, you are responsible for making your housing arrangements. Unless arranged by your employer, you must arrange for temporary housing at a motel or youth hostel before you depart. Most employers are helpful in providing information. Once you arrive, you will be able to find housing easily by going through the local newspaper, community news and other avenues that the employer provides. Although you may have to pay more initially, some students find that the advantage of finding something that fits them and their budget.

  • Most arranged housing is within walking distance to your workplace. Some employers do offer daily ride to and fro work if your housing is further away. Otherwise, you may rent a bicycle or take public transport to work.

  • You can get a great variety of food depending on the area you are in. If you work for a food outlet, you are likely to get a free meal during your shift or discounts on meals. Pizza, burgers, hotdogs and fries are the most common food, however, fresh vegetables, roasts, stews, Italian, Mexican and Chinese food is not difficult to find. Some housing do have cooking facilities in which case, you could prepare simple meal for yourself. Students generally spend between USD 50 – USD 120 a week on food.

  • As long as you subscribe to roaming service, you will be able to use your current phone in the USA. Prepaid mobile network service is easily available.

  • Travel is an option to this programme and we do not arrange sightseeing tours. If you travel during the busy period it is very easy to find friends to travel with. If you prefer to do it yourself, take advantage of the group activities arranged by your employer or join the activities recommended by local state travel information or major youth hostels. Travel information is also easily available on the internet and most big cities are easy to get to and travel around. We also provide some information. Most students find it very rewarding tailoring their own holiday.