The J1 hospitality program is a great way to enrich international students with United States cultural experience and work experience at the same time. No matter where you work—hotels, restaurants, or resorts—this program is a good combination of career development and personal discovery.

Yet, the USA is a great place to live and the J1 hospitality program can also be challenging, particularly, it is your first time in a foreign country. In this blog, we will provide some of the key tips to keep you safe, make the most out of your experience, and enjoy your time in the US.

What is the J1 Hospitality Program?

Now, before jumping into the tips, one should have an idea about what the J1 hospitality program is. The program falls under the umbrella of the J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program, which invites foreign students and professionals to work, train, or do internships in the US in different sectors such as hospitality.

Participants tend to work in hotels, resorts, restaurants, or other hospitality enterprises and can get first-hand experience and acquaintance with the US work culture. The duration of the program normally ranges between three and twelve months, but this depends on your arrangement.

Tips for Living in the USA During Your J1 Hospitality Program

1. Cultural Expectation Preparation

The American nation has its own specific culture, and it might have many differences from your native country. When in your J1 hospitality program, be willing to accommodate new traditions, ways of communication, and work requirements.

Learn the way your American colleagues communicate, adjust to them, and do not be afraid to ask any questions in case you do not understand. Accepting these cultural differences will enable you to fit in better and enhance your overall experience at work, as well as socially, living and working in the U.S.

2. Budget Wisely

Housing costs are often costly in America and very expensive in big cities. You must also draw up a realistic monthly budget in order to keep on track with the expenses as you go through your J1 hospitality program. Monitor all your expenditures with the help of applications or a regular notebook.

Pay priority to such basic needs as rent, food, transportation costs, and communications. Never fail to create a savings account meant to be used in cases of crisis. Intelligent budgeting not only keeps you financially safe but also free of stress and enables you to explore your U.S. to the maximum.

3. Safe, Affordable Housing

Safe and affordable housing is among the major concerns of international students in a J-1 hospitality program. Start by asking your sponsor or employer to give you reliable accommodation leads. See if apartments can be shared, or have the employer provide a dorm.

Go to the property that you are going to commit to to ensure that it is what you wanted. Lastly, be well aware of what your rights as a tenant are in your U.S. site to prevent scams or problems. Cozy accommodation paves the way to a better, easier stay.

4. Have a Healthy Work-Life Balance

The hospitality market is lively and usually challenging. The most important factor in taking advantage of your J1 hospitality program is to be able to have a good work-life balance. Arrange off periods to do hobbies, rest, and relax. Be given to personal care, be active, eat healthily, and take breaks.

Make sure that you do not forget to look around you, meet new faces, and have fun with the environment. A balanced lifestyle will keep you fresh and alert in work placement.

5. Be in Touch with Family and Friends

It can be emotionally stressful to be away from home as a participant in your J-1 hospitality program. Keep in touch with loved ones using video calls, text messages, and social media websites.

Telling your loved ones about your everyday experiences will alleviate homesickness and make sure relationships are not broken. Meanwhile, strive to develop new friendships with fellow interns and locals—it helps to develop a new support system.

6. Learn your legal obligations.

The terms of the J-1 hospitality program have to be thoroughly followed, or your status in the U.S. is predicated on them. Always have important documents such as your passport and DS-2019 form. Inform your program sponsor of any changes of relevant addresses and any new developments in employment.

Above all, work only for the approved employer in the program—unapproved work may lead to a termination of a visa. When you are aware of your liabilities as laid down by law, your stay in the U.S. will be free of stress.

Final Thoughts

When you are studying in the USA within the J1 hospitality program, it is an amazing experience with trials and tribulations. There are ways to make the best of this unique experience by studying well, being organized, and having a positive mindset.

RSR Training is a trusted and supportive hospitality journey starter you can count on that can assist in furthering guidance and placement of international students. They will guide you through the application without any problems and add smoothness as you set to embark on an adventure in the US hospitality industry.

Contact RSR Training now and get your first step to a fulfilling J1 hospitality set!