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Working

Like volunteering, work opportunities tend to fall into two categories: long term and short term. Some travelers want long-term jobs that allow them to get to know another part of the world as a member of the community, while others seek out short-term jobs to finance the next leg of their travels. In the US, people who want to work long-term should consider exchange programs. Short-term work is most often found in service industries and agriculture.

For either type of work, local newspapers are the best places to start searching. Internet search engines like www.monster.com and www.hotjobs.yahoo.com are also helpful. Note that working abroad often requires a special work visa; see the box below for more information.

  • Visa Information. All foreign visitors are required to have a visa if they intend to work in the US. In addition, travelers must provide proof of intent to leave, such as a return plane ticket or an I-94 card. A work permit (or “green card”) is also required. Your employer must obtain this document, usually by demonstrating that you have skills that locals lack. Friends in the US can sometimes help expedite permits or arrange work-for-accommodations exchanges. To obtain visas and work permits, contact a US embassy or consulate (see Embassies and Consulates). Visa extensions in the US are sometimes attainable with a completed I-539 form; request forms from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Service (☎800-870-3676; http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/index.htm). See http://travel.state.gov/visa for more information. Security measures have made the visa application process more rigorous, and therefore lengthier. Apply well in advance of your travel date. The process may seem complex, but the alternative could be deportation.

  • Long-Term Work
  • If you’re planning on spending a substantial amount of time (more than 3 months) working in the US, search for a job well in advance. International placement agencies and websites are geared toward ...more

  • Short-Term Work
  • Traveling for long periods of time can get expensive; many travelers try their hand at odd jobs for a few weeks at a time to help finance another month or two of travel. A popular option is to work several ...more



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