Work and Travel USA
Hello, AUBG-er! Want to Know a *little* About WAT?
You’ve already made the first step of becoming a citizen of the world – you entered the AUBG community. It is exciting, isn’t it?
Now, you’re about to discover that student life is about much more than classes – it’s a chance to explore new opportunities and broaden your horizons.
One such opportunity is already knocking at your door – the Work and Travel USA cultural exchange program.
Why Students Trust Usit Colours for Work and Travel USA
Because Usit Colours has been operating on the Bulgarian market since 2002, and has gained the trust of over 40 000 participants.
We are Usit
Because we now have a second generation Work & Travel participants. Our first clients now send their grown up children on the program.
We Make Things Easier
Because Usit Colours consultants’ are experienced, multilingual and had the privilege to provide service to clients from 31 nations.
We are Safe
Because we never run out of DS forms and we have a guaranteed slot for you.
We work with top organizations
Because Usit Colours works with the biggest and oldest US organization for students exchange programs – CIEE, est. 1947.
In addition, we are partnering with some smaller and trustful sponsoring organizations.
We are Experts
Because 58 people in our team have been to the USA at least ONCE. What’s more – many of us have visited the country more than 5 times.
We have solid firsthand experience and we strongly believe this is a life changing experience.
We are Open
We do not close in the summertime and are always available, whenever you need support and assistance.
Come see us at our office in Blagoevgrad – 1 Krali Marko St. If you prefer an online communication, we can make a Zoom meeting.
Our customers
40 000+ participants have chosen Usit Colours
from different nationalities:Bulgarian||Albanian||Greek||Romanian||Serbian||North Macedonian||Montenegrin||Bosnian||Croatian||Slovenian||Hungarian||Ukrainian||Moldovan||Russian
What Students Say
Check out what our participants are sharing
Let us tell you a short about the benefits
If wondering is it worth to participate in the Work and Travel Program, let us briefly outline just some of the reasons you should go for this experience!
Summer in the States
Spending several months there gives you the chance to go beyond first impressions and to truly understand the culture and its traditions
Finance your next academic year
These programs let you work legally at multiple jobs, covering your fees and living costs while saving for the next academic year.
Perfect for your CV
You’ll work for a US company in a multicultural environment, gaining valuable skills and business insight that future employers highly value.
Friendships and connections
You’ll build relationships that can support your future goals – whether landing an internship, starting a business, or launching a career in a company.
Iconic places
You will have the opportunity to visit some of the most iconic touristic sites, or have a short exotic escape to places like Mexico, Caribbean Islands, Hawaii, Peru.
Choose your Work and Travel program option
Don’t forget to include Easy Program Cancellation – an optional add-on for extra peace of mind.
✨$400 discount✨
SELF-ARRANGED JOB
$1299
(promotional price)
$1699 (standard price)
✓ Program administration and support by Usit Colours and your sponsor.
✓ Reserving a place in the program and issuance of DS-2019 certificate.
✓ Verification and vetting of the job offer to ensure full compliance with regulations and standards.
✓ $100 000 medical insurance coverage for the full program.
✓ Complete support with J1 visa documents, submission and procedures.
✓ Assistance from Usit Colours before departure and from your sponsor while in the USA.
✨$400 discount✨
SPONSOR ASSTISTED JOB INTERVIEW
$1599
(promotional price)
$1999 (standard price)
✓ Program administration and support by Usit Colours and your sponsor.
✓ Reserving a place in the program and issuance of DS-2019 certificate.
✓ Possibility to attend job interviews, organized by our US partner.
✓ $100 000 medical insurance coverage for the full program.
✓ Complete support with J1 visa documents, submission and procedures.
✓ Assistance from Usit Colours before departure and from your sponsor while in the USA.
The promotional discount of $400 from the standard price for season 2027 is exclusive to students from the American University in Bulgaria is applicable to agreements signed by 30.09.2026. After the above mentioned date other promotional initiatives are possible, but at a lower discount.
All program payments can be made in US dollars or in Euro at the “sell” rate for US dollars of “DSK Bank” JSC on the day of payment, rounded to the second decimal place.
EASY PROGRAM CANCELLATION
Secure your investment with flexible cancellation coverage for your Work & Travel program.
$135
protection fee (one-time, non-refundable fee)
- Capped Cancellation Liability: $199 maximum non-refundable program fee
- Purchase Window: Available during initial sign-up or before your second program payment.
- How It Works: If you decide to cancel your application or cannot travel to the U.S. for any reason, this protection limits your total non-refundable fees to just $199 (instead of standard cancellation penalties).
Additional costs
Visa interview fee
Paid to U.S. Embassy
SEVIS fee
Required by the Department of State
Plane ticket
The price of the plane ticket to the US varies mainly based on where you need to fly to. The lowest are the prices to New York, Boston, Chicago, while the flights to more remote destinations like West Coast or Alaska cost significantly more.
We are one of the largest travel agencies in Bulgaria and will offer you special fares and conditions for your trip to the US.
Meet our Fantastic Team
The people who are going to welcome you in our office in Blagoevgrad
Aneta
Branch Manager
Greetings Students, My name is Aneta and I am the branch manager at Usit Colours Blagoevgrad. With nearly 20 years of experience, I am here to help you with all questions and concerns you may have in regards with the Work&Travel Program.
As most students do, I have been to States as a Work and Travel Participant for two years in a row. Both summers I went to one of the nicest places I have ever visited, Williamsburg, VA. With its historical area, Busch Gardens Virginia (one of the biggest amusement parks in the US), with the ocean nearby (Virginia Beach resort), this town took my heart forever, and even I have been quite a while ago, I still feel it as my second home.
Mira
Travel Consultant
Hello! I’m Mira.
When I was a student, I missed the possibility of participating in WAT.
During my summer breaks, I preferred to stay close and worked in Bulgarian sea resorts.
Comparing my jobs with those of WAT it was a similar experience – working, earning money, and enjoying… but later I realized that nothing can compare with Summer Work&Travel in the USA.
That is why I joined Usit Colours: I want to motivate you and help you achieve your American dream.
Don’t make my mistake! Go to the USA next summer!
Mirela
Travel Consultant
Dear students,
My name is Mirela Lazarova and I am one of the consultants for the Work and Travel USA program in the office in Blagoevgrad.
I have participated in the student work program in Wisconsin Dells four times, which has given me valuable personal experience and knowledge of the program. I will be happy to help you with useful advice, answer all your questions, and guide you so that you can make the best choice and get the most out of your American adventure.
Let us tell you more about Work&Travel
The program allows full time students for all over the world to become more than tourists in the US and to get better exposure and understanding on American way of life, culture, traditions and business models.
Cultural Exchange Program
Work and Travel USA is a cultural exchange program, designated by the US Department of State in late 50-ies of 20th century.
More than tourists
The program allows students to become more than tourists and to get better exposure and understanding on American way of life, culture, traditions and business models.
Multinational
Today the program has become a substantial part of the way of living of thousends of students from many countries.
The largest
It became available for Bulgarian students in the late ’90s and has involved over 130,000 participants. It's the largest exchange program worldwide.
Students only
To be eligible to participate, you should be a full-time student enrolled in a post-secondary educational institution, over 18 years and with a good command of English.
Why is Important to Sign up for Work and Travel USA early?
We know that “next summer” sounds too far, but you need to start preparing now.
Lowest price
Job Offers
Early Processing
The first thing to keep in mind is that the best price is available at the beginning of the enrollment period.
We can assure you that you won’t find a better offer later in the season.
But even if we put the financial benefits aside, there are several equally important reasons to sign up early.
Another great reason to sign up early is that you’ll be ahead of students who register later.
This is especially important if you choose the Sponsor-Assisted Job Interview option.
With this option, you’ll have an earlier opportunity to choose from our available job offers before students who join the program later.
AUBG students traditionally prefer destinations along the Northeast Coast, and the most popular positions tend to fill up quickly. Employers also often select candidates early in the recruitment process, so signing up sooner can give you a better chance of getting the job and location you want.
Students who sign up first get the longest time frame to complete their program payments.
Giving you and your family more time to plan financially.
You’ll also avoid rush periods, so your documents are processed first. This means an earlier visa interview – February or March, as soon as the US Embassy opens the J1 visa schedule-and finishing the whole process well before the end of the school year.
Your Work and Travel Application Journey
From start to finish: what to expect in Work and Travel Application process
Ask us anything
Have questions about the program? Ask away. Our consultants will answer everything – even the questions you didn’t know you had.
Register in the program
We’ll create your profile in our online system. It’s quick and easy: just bring your ID, sign the program agreement, and pay your deposit (part of your total program fee).
Choose how you’ll find a job
You can look for a job on your own or use our services. Our team will help you decide which option fits you best.
Get a job and apply for a DS-2019
After your job is secured the next step is to have your DS-2019 program and work certificate issued. We make this as simple as possible. You’ll just answer a few questions about why you want to join the Work and Travel Program and what you plan to do during your months in the US.
Pay the rest of your fee and book your flight
It makes sense to book your flight only after your visa is approved, but we strongly recommend booking earlier. The sooner you book, the lower the price – and you’ll get the travel dates that suit your plans.
Flights from Europe to the US fill up fast at this time of year. If anything goes wrong with your visa, we’ll refund your ticket costs.
Apply for your visa
The visa process can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you with a high level of care and professionalism. We’ll complete your visa application, check your supporting documents, and schedule your appointment.
Your part: a short interview with the Consular Officer.
Travel to the US
Fly to the US and enjoy your American experience!
Enjoy your
What’s next for you?
Secure your spot at the lowest price
Visit our office and enroll
Register online, we'll follow up
WAT Dictionary
Here are some definitions for you.
DS-2019 form
“Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J‑1) Status”. This is your work permit: it shows your sponsor, employer, and program dates (4 months work + 1 month travel).
Sponsor / Sponsor Organization
A US organization designated by the State Department to run cultural exchange programs. They pre‑screen applicants, verify jobs, and support students during their stay. We work with sponsors as your local representative.
SEVIS
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. The first thing to do upon your arrival in the US is to contact your sponsor and get your SEVIS record activated. Remember – you need to register not later than the start date of your DS-2019 certificate and you must update your address, phone, or email within 10 days of any change.
Grace period
After your program ends, you get a 30‑day travel period (grace period) to settle your affairs and travel within the US. You can no longer work, and it’s best not to leave the US during this time.
I-94
Electronic arrival/departure record generated when you enter the US. You may need a printout when applying for your Social Security Number.
SSN (Social Security Number)
Issued by the Social Security Administration. You need it to work legally and get paid in the US. You should apply for your SSN as soon as possible, but not earlier than 3-5 days after registering in SEVIS.
W-4
Tax form you give to each employer so they withhold the correct amount of tax from your paycheck. As J‑1 participants, you’re exempt from some taxes (e.g., Social Security, Medicare, Federal Unemployment Tax, depending on state).
W-2
End‑of‑year tax form from your employer showing your total earnings and taxes withheld. It determines whether you get a refund or owe taxes when you file your declaration.
FAQ: WAT
Here are some answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Work and Travel terms.
Can I participate if I’m a first-year or final-year student?
Yes.
- First-year students: The important thing is to pass your winter exam session before your visa interview, to show that you’re a serious student.
- Final-year students (4th year bachelors or masters): You can also go. At the visa interview, the consular officer will ask in more detail what you plan to do after the summer (master’s, job, etc.) to make sure you have good reasons to return and plan ahead your future educational/career path.
Is it possible to travel with friends?
Absolutely. It’s very common for students to participate in the program with a friend or a group of friends. Just let us know who your friends are so we can link your profiles, and we’ll make sure you move through the process together.
What’s the difference between program options?
- Sponsor Assisted (Full Placement) : The sponsoring organization offers a variety of placement offers to choose from. They often come with pre-arranged housing as well, or at least rental leads. Job interviews are held online or in-person.You pay more, but you have fewer headaches.
- Self‑Arranged: You find your employer yourself (through friends, job boards, direct contacts), and submit it to the agency to be vetted and approved by the sponsor. This option is cheaper, but requires more effort from you.
Where to go – a big city, a resort town, or a national park?
It depends on your goal:
- National parks/remote locations:
Low rent and food costs, stable hours, lower chances of no second jobs, but based on your performance you can get extra hours. Because the options for social life outside the park are limited, the employers are organizing parties, movie nights, shopping tours, tournaments. Best if your main goal is saving money and enjoying beautiful nature and outdoor activities
.
- Resort towns:
Many options for second jobs ( if you start the program in May) and an active social life, but housing is expensive and hard to find. Good balance between work + fun.
- Big cities:
High cost of living and rent, more complicated transport, but endless options for parties, sightseeing, and networking. Finding affordable housing could be challenging, so better look for placements with pre-arranged housing. More suitable if you want experience and social life.
What is overtime and how is it paid?
Overtime is not the same as extra hours.
In the US, anything over 40 hours per week with one employer counts as overtime and is paid at 1.5 times your regular hourly rate (e.g. $16/hour → $24/hour for overtime). Not all employers offer overtime –.those whose businesses are strictly seasonal are not obligated to pay a higher rate if you work over 40 hours per week. However you may get extra hours at a regular rate.
Is it legal to get a second job?
Yes, it’s completely legal, with one condition:
Before you start a second job, you must send your job offer to your US sponsor (the organization named on your DS‑2019) for review and approval. If you start a second job without approval, you risk having your program terminated.
What should I pay attention to in my Job Offer?
Before you sign, check:
- Guaranteed Hours – how many hours per week the employer guarantees you (aim for at least 32–35 hours).
- Housing – whether housing is provided, how much it costs per week,what is included ( utilities, wf-fi, linens) and what are the policies in regards with security deposit.
- Perks – could be performance or end of season bonus, free meals, or a meal plan included, discounts, free usage of amenities or attractions, free tours.
- Start and end Date – usually there is a range of both, but check whether they match your academic schedule and travel plans.
- Fees/uniforms – whether there are any deductions from your salary for uniforms, training, or other costs.
What is checked at a visa interview?
The officer would like to know whether:
- you are a genuine student;
- you have reasons to return home after your program ends (school, job, family);
- you understand that this is a cultural exchange program, not a money-making program or way to stay in the US permanently;
- your English level is sufficient to work and manage on your own.