J1 Visa programme: The do’s and don’ts

University students across the Republic have started applying for J1 visas to spend next summer living and working on the other side of the Atlantic.

Although the United States is a lot closer than Bhutan or Argentina, J1 alumni, US State Department officials, visa sponsor organisations and local travel agents have some advice to help make the most of it.

Before you go

Do your research and get organised early.

“Start saving funds early for any potential emergencies, says Eoin Fitzgerald (22), who spent the past two summers working in Chicago. That way, you can spend the money you earn on classic American excess without stressing.

“ Don’t panic and go with the first housing offer you get, adds Orla Clissmann after recently returning from a three-month stint as a hospitality worker. If you’re organised early enough, she says, “You can hold out for good accommodation, long term.”

“ ”Please read everything over as much as you can, ask as many questions as you can,” says Keri Lowry, the US State Department’s deputy assistant secretary for private exchanges. “Make sure you’re following all instructions from local agencies and sponsors - it will be much smoother.”

Branch Out

“ Think about turning your back on historically trendy destinations like San Francisco and New York City, to have a completely new experience, unique from the tens of thousands before you.

“Help us diversify,” Ms Lowry says. “Really think about where you want to go.”

Consider other J1 programmes

“Do you know other options exist? While the US State Department offers 13 other programmes for international students and scholars, more than 70 per cent of Irish J1 applicants go to the US for Summer Work Travel.

“Don’t limit yourself,” Ms Lowry says. Among more specialised programs for physicians or professors, Irish students can apply to be camp counsellors, interns, trainees or au pairs.

In the US

Play hard, but don’t forget to work hard too

“Treat whatever job you get like it’s real, because it is. Working hard doesn’t mean you have to stop playing hard, says Michael Doorley, who has organised J1 journeys with SAYIT Travel for two decades. But as the number of US companies opening offices in Ireland grows, he adds, you will be able to show you have experience in the competitive American work environment.

Watch your language

“Americans aren’t quite as creatively foul in their command of the English language. So keep in mind everyday conversation starters at home could be incredibly offensive in Tennessee and Texas.

“ And get clued in on important social issues. Racial inequality and segregation, for example, are topics you should be sensitive to, says J1 alum James Bourke. “It is important to avoid any racial slurs, which obviously you would not be saying anyway,” he adds. “But some insults we might use here in Ireland might mean something different in America.”

Don’t spend all your free time hungover

“Get out on your days off, travel, eat, soak up as many quintessential American experiences as you can.

“Really enjoy yourself and do all the things you can,” says Mr Fitzgerald. “If you stay at home just drinking, or stay at home hungover, you may as well stay home in Ireland.”

“The Irish do go a bit wilder and enjoy themselves more out on the drink, Mr Bourke admits. They’re not uncontrollable, he adds, but “the culture is very different to be fair... In Chicago, students especially went out in massive groups and stayed in their respective groups so it was quite hard to mix.” So be proactive and make an effort to interact socially with actual Americans when you go out.

Finally, don’t do it illegally

“With new hurdles to jump in the J1 application process, Mr Doorley says more students might be tempted to evade visa applications and book a two-week holiday to the US with the intention to stay longer.

“In past years he has come across a few students who have travelled to the US as temporary tourists, only to work under the table when they get there, Mr Doorley says.

“They change their flights and go off and source a job without a visa,” he adds. “The problem here is if they’re discovered, they’re sent back, and they cannot enter America again.”

“The US Department of Homeland Security logs all entries into and exits from the country. Even if you’re not caught while you’re there, official records will show you overstayed your intended visit, which could affect any future travel you might want to do, Mr Doorley warns.