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Travel Work and Travel To USA

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TSyeahs4.1	Oct 25 2008, 12:35 PM, updated 15y ago Return to original view \| Post #1
Audio Freako Senior Member 2,491 posts Joined: Jun 2006 From: KL	Good day folks, i've just joined the aforementioned program, it's a summer program so that would mean i'd be going to USA next summer(june). in this program, i'd be offered some job placement from different places all around USA. now the problem for me is, i've never been to the States, i don't really know where should i choose the location of my coming workplace, and most importantly, i don't really know where should i choose for work and travel. i'll be entitled 30 days for travelling, so what i gonna do is backpacking around there. since financial is an issue here, i've came to a conclusion that, it's either east coast or west coast. so i'll need an advice on this particular issue: 1. which place should i go? i dont wanna end up flying for LA to NY because it'll cost 500usd on flight alone. i know east coast has some must-go places, so does west coast. 2. can list out those must go places in both east coast and west coast so that i can have a better picture and it'll definitely help me planning the travel route. so far, i've done some searching and it's something like: West coast: 1. Grand Canyon (Arizona) 2. Golden Gate Bridge (California) 3. Las Vegas (Nevada) 4. Hollywood (California) East Coast: 1. Niagara Falls (New York) 2. Liberty Island (New York) 3. Kingda Ka, Six Flags (New Jersey) 4. Washington DC (Virgina) please advise. thanks peeps This post has been edited by yeahs4.1: Oct 27 2008, 09:09 AM
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TSyeahs4.1	Oct 25 2008, 01:14 PM Return to original view \| Post #2
Audio Freako Senior Member 2,491 posts Joined: Jun 2006 From: KL	QUOTE(wonghanjiang @ Oct 25 2008, 12:58 PM) West Virginia and your mama good job opportunity there any job subscription recommended for me erhmm, you actually have to join the program and they have agent, sponsor for this. it's under USA government Exchange Policy Act thinggy. mind to elaborate more on West Virginia? anything special there? any must-go tourist attractions?
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TSyeahs4.1	Oct 25 2008, 11:40 PM Return to original view \| Post #3
Audio Freako Senior Member 2,491 posts Joined: Jun 2006 From: KL	» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... « Background Work & Travel USA is an official US State Department programme that allows students in tertiary education from around the world to visit the USA during their term break to experience life in the US through working and traveling there. Every year, around 90,000 students participate in Work & Travel USA. Sponsors appointed by the US State Department are responsible for preparing the necessary DS 20-19 form. This is essentially a temporary work permit giving you, the student, access to a range of employment opportunities. The sponsors also assist in finding jobs and provide support services while the student is in the US. In turn, the Sponsors appoint country agents, who interview students to assess eligibility to participate in the programme, assist in preparing the necessary documents to support the DS 20-19 application, as well as helping you to prepare an application for a visa to travel to America. CIEE (Council on International Education Exchange) is the largest such sponsor, sending some 30,000 students to the US every year. Out of the Box Sdn Bhd is their appointed agent for Work & Travel USA in Malaysia. You can find out more about CIEE and Work & Travel USA here Why Participate in Work & Travel USA Work & Travel USA is, without doubt, one of the best ways to discover the US. It is a huge country, with many different places to visit and things to see. What makes is even more special is that it is also a great way for you to discover more about yourself. You will have more than just great memories and photos. You will also have international work experience, which will enhance your CV. You will have had a chance to hone your English skills. And perhaps most important, you will have learned how to survive in a new and challenging environment, developing skills you can’t get sitting in a classroom or reading a book – interpersonal skills, negotiating skills, survival skills. All these will stand you in good stead in the future. Timing & Duration Every year, there are three periods during which Work & Travel USA operates: - Winter: November 15th – April 15th - Spring: dates vary - Summer: June 1st – October 19th. The minimum employment period is two months, and the maximum is four months. In addition to the working period, students are allowed to remain in the USA for an additional 25 days to travel. You are not allowed to work during this period. The DS 20-19 form and visa will be valid only for the duration stated by each participant. They cannot be extended. Students may not miss part of their term in order to participate in Work & Travel USA – they must complete their term before traveling to the USA to take up a job, and must return to their home country in time to start the new semester. Eligibility To be eligible to participate in Work & Travel USA, you must meet the following requirements: - be at least 18 years old - be enrolled in a full time course at a state-recognised institution of tertiary education not in your final year of study - be able to function in an English speaking working environment - have a pre-arranged job and a minimum of US$475 available to support yourself upon arrival in the USA. from: http://usa.workandtravelusa.com.my/w&tdetails.htm 2 agencies that recruit: - www.speedwing.org - www.outofthebox.com.my This post has been edited by yeahs4.1: Oct 25 2008, 11:40 PM
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TSyeahs4.1	Oct 27 2008, 09:16 AM Return to original view \| Post #4
Audio Freako Senior Member 2,491 posts Joined: Jun 2006 From: KL	QUOTE(ZombieSeafood @ Oct 27 2008, 07:44 AM) TS, jolly good of you to get in on this. IMHO, choosing between east or west coast would depend greatly on what you would want to see and do. The west coast is more history (coz it is historically established, few hundred years history more than the east coast). So, the west coast would be better suited if you want to explore the history and early culture (Boston, MA). Personally, I would choose the east coast, Washington DC and New York are great places. The only downside is that its kinda expensive, but no worries, minimum wage is slightly higher there compared to other states. Boston is in west coast? i thought it's in Massachusetts which is in east coast? anyway, thanks for the heads up, really appreciate'em. seems like NY is not a good place for shopping, my friend told me NJ is tax free state, so is it good place for shopping?
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TSyeahs4.1	Oct 27 2008, 08:25 PM Return to original view \| Post #5
Audio Freako Senior Member 2,491 posts Joined: Jun 2006 From: KL	QUOTE(j3rry @ Oct 27 2008, 07:48 PM) hi...i plan to join in next year end of May. but only for 2months n half. because got convo in August. How u guys think ? any other better way ? u guys join thru speedwing ? or any other alternative way? are you from nottingham uni? if you are, you can differ your convo to january so that you can join this program to maximum period (if your parents dont mind about convo)
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TSyeahs4.1	Oct 28 2008, 10:44 AM Return to original view \| Post #6
Audio Freako Senior Member 2,491 posts Joined: Jun 2006 From: KL	QUOTE New Jersey has seven tax brackets for determining income tax rates. The rates range from 1.4 to 8.97%. The standard sales tax rate is 7%, applicable to all retail sales unless specifically exempt by law. Exemptions include most food items for at-home preparation, medicines, clothing (except fur items), footwear, and disposable paper products for use in the home. Approximately 30 New Jersey municipalities are designated as Urban Enterprise Zones and shoppers are charged a 3½% tax rate, half of the rate charged outside the UEZs. Sections of Elizabeth and Jersey City are examples of communities that are subject to the lower sales tax rate. quoted from wiki
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TSyeahs4.1	Oct 29 2008, 03:08 PM Return to original view \| Post #7
Audio Freako Senior Member 2,491 posts Joined: Jun 2006 From: KL	they'll secure you a job before letting you fly off
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TSyeahs4.1	Nov 2 2008, 11:32 AM Return to original view \| Post #8
Audio Freako Senior Member 2,491 posts Joined: Jun 2006 From: KL	that'd depends on where you stay, what you eat, how you spend. of course you'll need to apply early so that they can arrange everything including an interview with your potential employer. the summber 2009 recruitment is just opened, so you can register now although the interview with the employer will be somewhere around february 09
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TSyeahs4.1	Nov 2 2008, 08:40 PM Return to original view \| Post #9
Audio Freako Senior Member 2,491 posts Joined: Jun 2006 From: KL	summer 2009 recruitment starts now. you should cantact them for more details.. make sure you're a student and have at least 2 months of semester break
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TSyeahs4.1	Nov 4 2008, 02:41 AM Return to original view \| Post #10
Audio Freako Senior Member 2,491 posts Joined: Jun 2006 From: KL	QUOTE(naughtyspirit @ Nov 4 2008, 02:04 AM) summer 2009...means next year june lo..i'm going to graduate this sem(nov).. oh, too bad for you
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TSyeahs4.1	Feb 2 2009, 02:16 AM Return to original view \| Post #11
Audio Freako Senior Member 2,491 posts Joined: Jun 2006 From: KL	QUOTE(xkjon @ Jan 2 2009, 04:35 PM) » Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... « I just got back from the States about 4 months ago. I lived and studied in Georgia (down South) and I personally would choose the East coast over the West Coast. Like mentioned previously, the East Coast has more attractions like NYC and Washington DC. Not only that but you can travel to other places like Chicago, Boston, West Virginia, Maryland, etc fairly easy. You can use Amtrak to travel from one state to antoher pretty easily and it costs a lot less than taking a flight. Plus you get to enjoy the nice scenery during the train ride and its easier to just hop off wherever you want since you're backpacking. I don't know specifically wat kinda tourist attractions there are but I've been to NYC, Washington DC and Boston. I am in love with NYC and Boston. Boston has some great history and a lot of Irish influence so its like you're enjoying a lil piece of Ireland. Even some of the ppl there speak with an Irish accent. =) Washington DC is kinda boring cause its all government buildings but there's a lot of museums and exhibitions you can go to if you're interested in it. I havent been to Chicago but I heard its pretty cool there while people go to West Virginia for the scenery. On the other hand, I think the West Coast is a lil overrated. I've been to California and Las Vegas. LA is kinda boring because the main attractions in LA is Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Hollywood. Disneyland and Universal Studios is pretty fun but you can finish them in 2 days. Hollywood is overrated cause there's nothing much there but the Walk of Fame and if you're lucky, you mgiht bump into a celeb but thats about it. (oh, and you can envy the rich and famous if you go to Beverly Hills and walk around Rodeo Drive). You can also travel to San Diego but I dont really know wat is the main attraction there except for their zoo and ocean park. San Francisco is nice too but it takes a while to travel there if you don't wanna fly cause its way up north of Cali. San Fran has the whole gay pride going on (if you're interested in that) but its a pretty lively place. Their main attraction is hte Golden Gate Bridge and the famous prison (for some reason I cant remember what its called but its the one used for The Rock, the movie not the wrestler). You can also travel by bus to Las Vegas if you dont wanna fly but since you're looking to save money, I dont really see hte point of going there because everything there costs a bomb and there's nothing much to do except gamble. (There's slot machines everywhere..even in the airport). You can also go to the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River if you're looking to enjoy sceneries. =) THey're pretty breathtaking although you wouldnt want to spend the whole day there. Um, what else is there..if you have anymore questions, just PM me and I'll try to get back to you. I've travelled quite a bit when I was in the US so I can give you some ideas on what to expect. QUOTE(tishaban @ Jan 15 2009, 08:18 PM) » Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... « I lived through many many winters and the temperature is not really bad particularly in southern California. What really kills me is the time, it gets dark at 430pm and there's really not much you can do after dark in terms of travelling/sightseeing. That additional 4+ hours of daylight makes a huge difference. Oh also in places like NYC you can forget about free outdoor performances in the park, street fairs etc. Those are spring/summer events only. So yeah I would recommend the summer program too. whoa, these are the feedback that i'm looking for. really appreciate those long posts. please do share any relevant experience. anyway, i wanna know if there is any recommendation for windbreaker
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TSyeahs4.1	Feb 4 2009, 12:18 PM Return to original view \| Post #12
Audio Freako Senior Member 2,491 posts Joined: Jun 2006 From: KL	QUOTE(evilhomura89 @ Feb 3 2009, 03:55 PM) I would like to ask, is there any work & travel program without going through any agents? no. you must go through those qualified agent so that you're under protection of American government. please note that this program is specially made for students all around the world and it's legal. if you dont wanna go through agent, then you can 'jump aeroplane' instead
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TSyeahs4.1	Feb 4 2009, 10:44 PM Return to original view \| Post #13
Audio Freako Senior Member 2,491 posts Joined: Jun 2006 From: KL	QUOTE(evilhomura89 @ Feb 4 2009, 01:25 PM) means, no matter what, u must pay the agent?? kinda. actually the most expensive part would be the 2 way flight ticket from malaysia to usa, which is about 4 to 5K, depending on flight agency. the application fees that paid to the agent would be around 2 to 3K.
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TSyeahs4.1	Feb 6 2009, 11:11 AM Return to original view \| Post #14
Audio Freako Senior Member 2,491 posts Joined: Jun 2006 From: KL	QUOTE(chloe_yee87 @ Feb 4 2009, 11:48 PM) there are two agents as far as i know.. Out of the box and another one i forgot d... Anymore else? Wonder which agency is cheaper... another would be Speedwing. these 2 agents are under CIEE and GeoVisions, which are the main sponsors of this program. there is only a small difference in the fees between those, the choices are up to you
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TSyeahs4.1	Feb 14 2009, 02:13 AM Return to original view \| Post #15
Audio Freako Senior Member 2,491 posts Joined: Jun 2006 From: KL	QUOTE(Anni @ Feb 8 2009, 02:37 AM) I am not a big travel fan, but since you never been in the state, anywhere would opens your eyes. Cali will be a nice place to be. Go to NY if you are a business oriented person. In term of the airfare, it won't cost you $500 from LA to NY, maybe around $200-300 for a one way flight. Maybe you should be more concern on your living expenses. people rely on personal transportation day in day out unless you live in metropolitan cities. It would be wise to goto NYC or LA if you don't know anyone who live locally. Its easier a place to live and able to anywhere by public transportation. But you will have to deal with pricy goods and $500 monthly rent for a room in NYC. Can you be more specific on your field of study. It sucks but don't put too much hope in getting a job in recession. Did you obtain a valid working permit for the 4 months period? my field of study is engineering, E&E to be precise. if you haven't notice yet, the jobs in this program actually doesnt have anything to do with student's field of study. it's actually those low-requirement jobs like housekeeping, server, sales assistant, theme park worker and stuff. yes, recession does affect the employers that are hiring. the number of employers has reduced slightly, which means students will have lesser choice. last year was much better. regardless of the current economic, there are still plenty of jobs for student out there, especially theme parks, national parks. everyone that i know who's going has got a job offer in hand. as long as you stay positive, and not be too picky about the jobs, i'm pretty sure you'll land on a job. as for the valid working permit for 4 months period, it'll be issued without any problem after the student has secured a job. this program is sponsored by CIEE and USA goverment(indirectly). legal work document DS-2109 is to be issued. i'm scheduled on an interview with Hard Rock Cafe next week. so wish me luck on getting the job i wanted. This post has been edited by yeahs4.1: Feb 14 2009, 03:52 AM
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TSyeahs4.1	Feb 15 2009, 11:24 AM Return to original view \| Post #16
Audio Freako Senior Member 2,491 posts Joined: Jun 2006 From: KL	How much i wish i could go to NYC, but things dont always go our ways, aren't they? One of my friend got a job in NYC, as a retail assistant. good for him then. Anyhow, the HRC that i'm applying is located in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. As far as i know, it's quite a city but of course, not as big as NYC. Looking at the bright side, i'd say the cost of living in Tennessee is low compared to NYC. oh btw, i'm chinese educated. i hope it will be an advantage for me there
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TSyeahs4.1	Feb 16 2009, 02:26 AM Return to original view \| Post #17
Audio Freako Senior Member 2,491 posts Joined: Jun 2006 From: KL	QUOTE(Anni @ Feb 15 2009, 02:13 PM) In NYC yes, Gatlinburg i can't tell. Is gatlinburg a tourist spot? hopefully you can get public transport there instead of having to walk. you can get a job easily in NYC and have no worry about transportation. Lots of food and great culture diversity. But yea its pain in the ass when it comes to $$. it;s quite a tourist spot as Great Smoky Mountain National Park is just a drive away. QUOTE(SeLrAhC @ Feb 15 2009, 10:46 PM) ahhahaa... whoever goes on this program from msia will surely know me i am super famous... try to guess who am i XD erhmm, mind to intro? can i assume you know Vernie?
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TSyeahs4.1	Feb 16 2009, 12:14 PM Return to original view \| Post #18
Audio Freako Senior Member 2,491 posts Joined: Jun 2006 From: KL	oh, then my friends should know you. you;re the helper in the roadshow event right? and there was a rumour about a guy who earns big bucks in alaska. are you the guy?
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TSyeahs4.1	Feb 16 2009, 02:26 PM Return to original view \| Post #19
Audio Freako Senior Member 2,491 posts Joined: Jun 2006 From: KL	are you under CIEE Direct client? do you mind to tell where did you work in Alaska? work as server?
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TSyeahs4.1	Feb 16 2009, 02:36 PM Return to original view \| Post #20
Audio Freako Senior Member 2,491 posts Joined: Jun 2006 From: KL	QUOTE(SeLrAhC @ Feb 16 2009, 02:29 PM) speedwing - ciee hmshost... starbucks.. lol whoa, that means you earn average 1K usd per week. with a single job? how is this possible?!!
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