Interlochen Center for the Arts
Job offers
Hospitality Staff
Live and Work Where Art Meets Nature
Imagine waking up to the sound of a violin drifting across a pine forest, with two crystal-clear lakes just a short walk away. Welcome to Interlochen Center for the Arts – one of the most famous arts institutions in the United States, located in the heart of Northern Michigan. Every summer, thousands of talented young musicians, dancers, actors and visual artists gather here, along with visitors who come for the legendary Interlochen Arts Festival. And this summer, you could be part of the team that makes it all happen.
We are looking for energetic and friendly Hospitality Staff to join our Work & Travel USA program from summer through fall. This is your chance to earn money, practise English every single day, and build friendships with students from all over the world.
What You'll Be Doing
- Welcoming guests, families and visiting artists with a warm smile and excellent customer service
- Assisting in dining halls, cafés and campus food service areas – serving, restocking and keeping stations neat
- Supporting housekeeping and guest accommodation teams to keep rooms and public spaces spotless
- Helping at front desk and information points, answering questions about campus events and directions
- Setting up and cleaning up for concerts, festivals, receptions and special events
- Working as part of an international team and supporting colleagues wherever needed
Why Interlochen, Michigan?
Interlochen sits between Green Lake and Duck Lake, surrounded by 1,200 acres of pine forest – a true Northern Michigan paradise. In your free time you can swim, kayak, cycle the trails, or explore nearby Traverse City, famous for its cherry orchards, sandy beaches and the breathtaking Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. As a staff member, you will also have the chance to attend performances by world-class artists right on campus – something guests travel across the country to experience.
Pay & Benefits
- $14.73 per hour – a competitive rate for a seasonal hospitality role
- 32 hours per week guaranteed, with a schedule that leaves time to explore
- Employer-supported housing on or near campus (details confirmed at placement)
- Free or discounted access to selected concerts, recitals and campus events
- Meals available on campus during shifts
- Safe, welcoming, student-friendly community with staff from dozens of countries
- Real US work experience for your CV and a strong reference letter
What We're Looking For
- University students aged 18–25 eligible for the J-1 Work & Travel USA visa
- Conversational English and confidence speaking with guests
- A positive attitude, reliability and a genuine desire to help people
- Ability to stand, walk and lift light items during shifts
- Flexibility to work mornings, evenings and weekends – event season is busy!
- Previous hospitality experience is a plus, but full training is provided
Ready for Your American Summer?
This position runs from summer into fall, giving you extra weeks to earn and travel while Michigan turns into a spectacular autumn landscape. Places are limited and fill quickly – apply today and start your Work & Travel USA adventure at Interlochen Center for the Arts!
Hotel Housekeeper
Work & Travel USA: Hotel Housekeeper at Interlochen Center for the Arts
Imagine waking up surrounded by pine forests and two sparkling lakes, walking to work past students rehearsing violin concertos, and finishing your shift in time for a free evening concert. That's a normal day at Interlochen Center for the Arts – one of the most legendary arts institutions in the United States, hosting world-class performers and thousands of talented young artists every summer.
We're looking for energetic, reliable university students to join our hospitality team as Hotel Housekeepers for the Summer to Fall season. If you take pride in a job well done and want an authentic American experience in a truly unique setting, this position is for you.
What You'll Be Doing
- Cleaning and preparing guest rooms to a high standard – making beds, changing linens and refreshing towels
- Dusting, vacuuming, mopping and sanitizing bathrooms and living areas
- Restocking amenities, toiletries and in-room supplies
- Reporting maintenance issues and lost-and-found items to your supervisor
- Keeping hallways, laundry areas and housekeeping carts organized and stocked
- Greeting guests warmly and helping create a welcoming atmosphere on campus
Position Details
- Employer: Interlochen Center for the Arts
- Position: Hotel Housekeeper
- Location: Interlochen, Michigan
- Industry: Hospitality
- Pay: $13.73 per hour (no tips)
- Hours: approximately 32 hours per week
- Season: Summer to Fall
Why Interlochen, Michigan?
Interlochen sits between Green Lake and Duck Lake in Northern Michigan, just 20 minutes from Traverse City – famous for its cherry orchards, wineries, craft breweries and stunning Lake Michigan beaches. Nearby you'll find Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, voted "The Most Beautiful Place in America," with towering sand dunes and turquoise water perfect for swimming, kayaking and unforgettable sunset photos.
On campus, the atmosphere is pure creative energy: hundreds of concerts, recitals, theatre productions and film screenings take place every summer, and staff often enjoy access to performances by internationally renowned artists.
What You'll Gain
- Stable weekly income in US dollars with consistent scheduled hours
- Real hospitality experience at a prestigious American institution – great for your CV
- Daily English practice with American colleagues and guests from around the world
- An international community of students from many countries
- Weekends and free time to explore Michigan's lakes, trails and beach towns
What We're Looking For
- University students aged 18–25 eligible for the Work & Travel USA J-1 program
- Conversational English and a friendly, service-oriented attitude
- Physical stamina – the role involves standing, bending, lifting and walking throughout your shift
- Attention to detail and pride in cleanliness
- Reliability, punctuality and the ability to work in a team
- Flexibility to work weekends and holidays when needed
- No previous experience required – full training is provided
Spots are limited and this employer is a Work & Travel favourite. Apply today and spend your summer where art, nature and adventure meet – at Interlochen Center for the Arts.
About Michigan
Michigan's Great Lakes shores, Mackinac Island and resort towns make for a classic lakeside summer. Students work in island hotels, resorts and restaurants surrounded by beaches and forests.