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Blonde girl in red jumper on beach with American flag coming from lifeguard hut

How to break up with your regular life and...

Work, travel and intern the world

Founded in 1959, we're Ireland’s leading work abroad, J1 and grad visa experts. With you from college to your career - earn and explore in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Need to get out of here? 

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Use FOMO100 for €100 off J1 USA until 31 Oct. Apply now

Why do it with USIT

Peace of mind jobs

Work abroad minus the job hustle. Secure your J1 summer job, camp placement and working holiday job with us before you go.

All the admin

From visa support to overseas bank account and tax number set-up, we help to sort all the nerdy stuff you need to work the world.

No drama deposits

Book with our lifetime low deposit and if you change your mind, move to another program – no awkward questions asked.

Work and travel experts

Over 1 million happy travellers

Founded in 1959 in the halls of Trinity College and UCD, our student forefathers knew one thing. That the way to explore and experience more – was to earn while you did it. We’ve been creating life-shaping work and travel experiences ever since. Whether you want to fund your summer in the US at camp or on a J1, bankroll your gap year with a working holiday, or use your degree to get ahead on a professional internship – USIT opens up a world of opportunities.

Save the date

350+ J1 jobs about to drop!

J1 hiring minus the hustle – our first wave of J1 jobs will be released on 6 Nov with 350 positions in Chicago, San Diego + New York – with Boston coming soon. Plus, in-person interviews for Chicago + San Diego jobs at our in-person hiring event (Gresham Hotel, Dublin, 14-15 Jan). Both video + in-person interviews will be released onto the Job Hub on 6 Nov, so book J1 USA now to secure your interview slot. Use code FOMO100 for €100 off before 31 Oct.

BOOK NOW

USA this way

Get ahead with Grad USA

Final year or just graduated and wondering what's next? The bridge between college and your career – put your CV on the map with our 1-year Grad USA program. Turn your academic achievements into professional work experience, learn from leaders in your field, and live in America for up to a year. Now with a lower price of €1,299.

FIND OUT MORE

Get ready for summer

That's a wrap on winter jobs

We're all done and dusted for winter '25 Canada jobs! Congrats to everyone who got hired and have a great season. Looking to head out for spring/summer '26? The 2025 visa pools are still open, so book Work Canada now to apply for your Canada visa and get ready for summer '26 hiring in Jan/Feb.

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What can I do?

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What's new

News that will send you packing


#1 for J1 jobs

Jobs our J1-ers landed last summer...

Typical role

Palm trees and skyscrapers in San Diego, CA

San Diego, California

Activities Coordinator

May-Sep

USD $17/hour

Discounted attraction tickets in San Diego

Spend the summer working for this award-winning San Diego entertainment company - helping with festivals, events, team building, camps and more.

FIND OUT MORE

Typical role

Image of Chicago skyline from a city beach

Chicago, Illinois

Server

May-Sep

USD $11.02/hour + tips

Discounted staff meals + drinks

Located on Chicago's iconic Navy Pier on the shores of Lake Michigan, spend your summer J1 working at this renowned chef's restaurant.

FIND OUT MORE

Typical role

Picture of sale boats and bridge on Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island

Ice Cream Scooper

May-Aug

USD $14/hour

Free ice cream (yay)!

Spend your summer in the yacht-filled paradise of Newport working for this legen-dairy (sorry not sorry) international chain of ice cream stores.

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Typical role

Image of Boston skyline from across the water

Boston, Massachusetts

Ice Cream Scooper

May-Sep

USD $15/hour

50% off all in-store items

So cool our teeth hurt. Spend your summer working for this legen-dairy (sorry not sorry) international chain of ice cream stores in historic Boston.

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Typical role

Image of Chicago skyline from a city beach

Chicago, Illinois

Server Assistant

May-Sep

USD $11.02/hour + tips

Staff meals on shift + restaurant discounts

Owning popular bars and restaurants across the city, spend your summer working for this iconic hospitality group in the J1 hotspot of Chicago.

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Typical role

Image of Chicago skyline from a city beach

Chicago, Illinois

Cook/Cashier

May-Sep

USD $16.20/hour

Free meals on shift

Summer on the lake. Work on Chicago's famous Navy Pier at this all-American burger, chicken and hot dog jaunt. Did we mention the free meals?

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Typical role

Image of a pier and beach in Cape Cod

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Server

May-Sep

USD $15/hour

Subsidised housing + half price meals

You'll be happy as a clam on your summer J1 working for this legendary seafood restaurant in the stunning playground of Cape Cod.

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Typical role

Image of Monthauk lighthouse in America

Montauk, Long Island

Cashier

May-Sep

USD $16/hour

Free meal on shift + grocery discounts

Spend your J1 amongst the surf beaches and seafood restaurants of Long Island, working for Montauk's primary health food store and café.

FIND OUT MORE

Typical role

View of NYC skyline from Central Park

Matinecock, New York

Server Assistant

May-Aug

USD $14/hour

Free housing, meals on shift, golf + tennis

Best of both! Under two hours from Manhattan (pictured) for your days off, work at this country club on Long Island with free staff accommodation.

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Typical role

Birdseye view of Myrtle Beach in America

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Ocean Lifeguard

May-Sep

USD $18/hour

Cookouts, restaurant discounts + bonuses

Life's a beach on your summer J1 working as a lifeguard in the oceanfront playground of Myrtle Beach. Awesome beach hair also included.

FIND OUT MORE

The USIT blog

Latest and greatest from the travel world

Young male stood on the rive in front of NYC skyline in summer

Travel talk / USA

Sean’s story: Working in PR in NYC on a USA graduate visa

USIT community

May 12 2025

Getting ahead after graduation in the PR capital of the world.

Read more

A young woman looks out over the New York skyline - Robert Bye via Unsplash

Need to know / USA

6 signs this graduate visa might be the American visa for you

Hannah Jeffery

May 12 2025

Want a career defining year in the States? It's a sign.

Read more

Selfie of two Irish girls in the LA hills

Need to know / J1

Everything you need to know about J1 travel safety

USIT staff

Jun 4 2024

Safe travels = happy travels. Team talk from the USIT crew on staying safe on the road.

Read more

4 males and 1 female in Central Park NYC in summmer

Staff stories / Summer camp

My experience of Camp USA and how it changed me

USIT staff

Jun 4 2024

Thinking about summer camp? Rob tells us why you should do it.

Read more

A guy standing in front of the glass walls of a skyscraper view point with the New York skyline behind him. He is in a black sweatshirt and a hat.

Travel talk / USA

My experience moving from Ireland to America alone and how it shaped me

Gary Brody

Aug 15 2024

Scared to make the leap to live in the States? Gary spills the beans on his experience.

Read more

3 friends dressed in American gear

J1 / USA

Do's and don'ts when finding J1 accommodation

USIT staff

Apr 1 2023

Knock knock. Who's there? Our top tips when nailing down your J1 accommodation.

Read more

Fun stuff / USA

My experience of Boston's favourite sports

USIT community

Mar 28 2025

From American Football to pickleball, Emma breaks down all the ballgames of Boston.

Read more

A girl in black dress

Travel guide / USA

A guide to Newport's best places to visit

USIT community

Apr 3 2025

Welcome to Newport, where the coffee's on tap and the sunsets slap.

Read more

Four friends sat down at a Red Sox baseball game

Usa / J1

How to find J1 accommodation in the USA

USIT staff

Apr 5 2025

USIT Staffers, Aoife and Rob, give us the inside scoop on how they found their J1 accommodation in the USA.

Read more

A pile of dollar bills falls from the sky on a white background - Eyestetix Studio via Unsplash

Need to know / USA

J1 visa tax returns: Everything you need to know to get your tax back

USIT staff

May 6 2025

Making sure every dollar of your hard-earned J1 cash lands in your pocket.

Read more

Where can I go?

Stick a pin in it

See all

Group of friends sit on a bench together

Why book with USIT

Flexible payments and conditions

Secure your place on our programs with a lifetime low deposit, giving you time to save. And if you change your mind, we can move your deposit over to a new program – no awkward questions asked. T&Cs apply.

Events

Get hired or get the intel

Girl standing on the side of the street looking up at a neon 'Chicago' sign on the side of a building.

Trainee USA | Everything you need to know

Virtual travel talk | 22 Oct @ 13:15-14:00 GMT

Fast track your career with a 1-18 month professional traineeship in the US. If you're a graduate with one year’s work experience or a non-graduate with five years’ work experience, this talk is for you. Grow your skillset, learn from leaders, and accelerate your way up the career ladder.

SIGN ME UP
Girls look back at camera in big city.

Grad USA | Everything you need to know

Virtual travel talk | 22 Oct @ 17:30-18:00 GMT

Final year student or recent grad? Turn your academic achievements into professional work experience with our 1-year Grad USA program. Get the intel from our team on what visa you need, what cities you can work in, and what roles you can do.

SIGN ME UP
2 girls pose at a baseball game

J1 USA | Chicago + San Diego hiring event

In-person hiring event | 14-15 Jan | Gresham Hotel, Dublin

Our Dublin IRL hiring event is back! With employers flying over to interview for 200+ J1 jobs in San Diego + Chicago. Interview slots open on the Job Hub on 6 Nov and are filled on a first come first served basis, so book J1 USA now to secure your slot.

BOOK NOW
Group of friends on beach in the city

J1 USA | Everything you need to know

Virtual travel talk | 28 Oct @ 17:00 GMT

Your J1 USA ride or die, in this online travel talk our J1 team will give you all the intel on living and working in the States on your J1 visa – including where you can go, what jobs we can sort for you, and when you need to apply to secure your spot this summer.

SIGN ME UP
Group of girls pose on sunny evening for photo on grass.

Summer Camp USA | Everything you need to know

Virtual travel talk | 19 Nov @ 17:30-18:00 GMT

Spend your summer living, working and having the time of your life as a Camp Counsellor in America. Run by our sibling camp brand, BUNAC, our Camp Crew will go over who can go, when to apply, how to get hired, plus answer all your campfire burning questions.

SIGN ME UP

View all events

Guy and girl smile for camera in lagoon
Contiki logo

Friends = benefits

Unlock 10% off Contiki when you book with BUNAC

Looking for a little pre or post trip action? We've teamed up with Contiki to bring you the ultimate work and travel dream team. Check your online account to access your 10% off code to use before you head to camp.

Ask the experts

Call the crew

Our team have all worked the world, so are here for expert advice on where you can go, what you can do, and how you can earn money/enhance your career/have a blast (all of the above).

GET IN TOUCH
Our Work USA team all sit poolside

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