For those who want to work in the United States in a full-time hourly capacity, and who are full-time university students, this is the program for you! Under the SWT program, applicants may choose from the Independent/Self-Arranged Job Option or the Placement Option. The Independent/Self-Arranged Job Option is best for those who already have a job in order and can present a written job offer upon application to the AWE program. The Placement Option is best for those who need a little help finding a job. For those who select the Placement Option, a variety of opportunities exist with resorts, country clubs, hotels/inns and theme parks. All employers are handpicked and pre-screened by AWE to ensure our participants have the best experience.

PLEASE NOTE: In order to participate on the SWT program, you must be a full-time university student. Your student status will be verified by your local representative prior to issuing J-1 documentation, and you should be prepared to provide written proof of student status when you go to apply for your visa. For more information on eligibility requirements for AWE programs, be sure to click on Eligibility.

The SWT program provides legal working status under the J-1 visa for four months. After your work placement, you are free to travel. You also have the option under the SWT program of finding additional work after your original placement is finished as long as your visa is still valid.

Please note: you are legal to work only for four months and are allowed a one-month grace period afterwards for travel; you may not work during this grace period. (This ‘one month grace period’ may vary from country to country, you will need to check with your Representative)

Employers hiring participants under the SWT program may need people to begin work as early as May, many will need people to start in June. Accommodation will be provided at a cost or you will be assisted in locating suitable housing.

So, what are the advantages of choosing the SWT program?

• By earning an hourly wage, you have the potential to earn a significant sum of money-many AWE participants working on the SWT program have covered their program cost and returned home with money to put towards their school fees!
• You have the opportunity to be placed in a variety of exciting and diverse positions.
• You will have the opportunity to improve your command of the English language.
• You will gain valuable work experience that will enhance your CV and prove useful when applying for full-time employment at home.
• You will meet people from all over the world and gain life-long friends.
• You will have the opportunity to experience American culture firsthand and share your home-country culture with others.

SELF - ARRANGED JOB OPTION

The Independent/Self-Arranged Job option is designed for those who would like the flexibility to find the job of their choice. Those who elect to participate on this option can apply once a position is secured or may apply without a secure position. If you apply with a secured position or apply before lining up a job, you you will be asked to complete the Self-Arranged applicant Employment form on this webpage. All applicants on the Independent/Self-Arranged Job Option must confirm their employment before J-1 documentation will be issued. All employers who hire AWE participants are asked to complete an AWE Employment Agreement that must be returned to the AWE office in the U.S. prior to the start of your assignment. This employment agreement can be completed on this web site. See the menu option Application online/Documents.

People who have participated on a J-1 program in the past and are returning to the same employer should also use the Independent/Self-Arranged Job Option. Anyone who opts for the Independent/Self-Arranged Job option will have full access to all AWE services and benefits. For information on what is included in the AWE package, click on What’s Included. Independent Option participants must attend an interview with an AWE representative who will confirm suitability for the program. AWE applicants returning to the same employer do not need to attend an interview but must complete application on-line and must submit all required documents to the representative. For more information on eligibility requirements for AWE programs, be sure to click on Eligibility.

To find out how to apply for the Independent/Self-Arranged Job Option, go to How to Apply section.

The Placement option is designed for those who would like AWE to arrange a job for them through our specialized matching service. Those who elect to participate on this option will have access to employers who have been carefully screened by AWE for suitability to the program. You will not have to worry about securing your own position, simply sit back and let AWE do the work for you! Once AWE has arranged your placement you will receive a formalized AWE Offer of Placement Letter detailing the location and nature of the position as well as salary and travel information. You will be asked to confirm your job offer and AWE will then issue your J-1 documentation. All applicants on the Placement Option will be notified by June whether or not a placement has been arranged.

People who have participated on a J-1 program in the past and are returning to the same employer should use the Independent-Self Arranged Job Option. Anyone who opts for the Placement option will have full access to all AWE services and benefits as well as our specialized matching service. For information on what is included in the AWE package, click on What’s Included. Placement Option participants must attend an interview with an AWE representative who will confirm suitability for the program. Applicants returning to the same employer do not need to attend an interview. For more information on eligibility requirements for AWE programs, be sure to click on Eligibility.

To find out how to apply for the Placement Option, click on How to Apply.