Costs and Benefits

Costs and Benefits

Read below to answer all your questions concerning what your program will cost, expected expenses while overseas and most importantly what you can expect to be earning!

If your questions aren't covered below please check out our FAQ page to see if the answer is there, and of course you can contact us online anytime or request a call from one of our team.

Program Fee – What do I get?

Option 1: Base Package

The Snow Jobs or Summer Jobs ‘Base Package’ Program fee is US$600.

This includes:

• A guaranteed Offer of Employment
• Advice on obtaining a United States work visa
• A choice of winter or summer jobs at some of the top locations in the USA
• The support and knowledge of our friendly staff to guide you through the process
• USA Support System - only a phone call away
• Work & Travel USA Handbook - everything you need to know from start to finish
• The trip of a lifetime!

Option 2: Full Support Package

The Snow Jobs or Summer Jobs ‘Full Support Package’ Program fee is US$1000.

This includes the ‘Base Package’ as outlined above plus:

• Lake Tahoe Meet and Greet
• Two night’s accommodation on arrival in Lake Tahoe with breakfast
• Pizza Party and social event on first evening
• Tahoe area information including brochures, maps, bus schedules
• Guidance with finding accommodation if required
• On hand Educating Adventures Program Representative

Add a San Francisco Orientation

To welcome and acclimatise you to the United States we host an optional orientation program in San Francisco. This is a great chance to see the sights of one of the greatest cities in the United States. It is also an opportunity to meet other program participants prior to starting your adventure.

San Francisco Orientation Program Cost is an additional US$325

This includes:

• San Francisco Airport Welcome and Hotel Transfer
• One Nights Accommodation with Breakfast
• A San Francisco orientation including a City Tour, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island Tour, Haight Asbury, Castro District, Cable Car, Union Square, Shopping and more…
• Transfer from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe

If you take part in the San Francisco stopover, San Francisco will be your arrival airport and transport from here to Tahoe is provided. If you do not take part in the San Francisco stopover you will fly into either Los Angeles or San Francisco and then onto Reno Nevada. Reno is the closest airport to Lake Tahoe. From here there are regular shuttle services to Lake Tahoe.

What are the others costs?

Although you will be working while in the United States, prior to arriving there are some upfront costs (on top of the program fee) that you need to allow and budget for. Nothing in life is free…!

The earlier you can start planning and saving the better! Many candidates that sign up to our programs have spent school or university holidays working and saving. It is often said that the more effort you put in the more reward you will get back.

1. Exact Costs for Flights and Insurances will depend on your country of residence. We require that where possible you book Flights & Travel Insurance through our STA representatives. For further information please visit our Flights and Insurance.
   
   
2. The US Embassy Visa Processing Fee is a fee charged by the US Consulate in your home country to cover the administration cost of your personal interview and visa issuance.
   
   
3. The H-2B Employer Visa Fee (if any) is often refunded at the end of the season based on you meeting your employer’s hiring requirements. The J-1 Visa Fee will depend on which country you are from and which company you use.

Income and Costs Once in the USA

The income you earn in the United States is more than enough to live and have a good time. If you are diligent and work hard you should also cover the above cost of getting there.

The following is a breakdown of the key income and expense items you will receive/ incur while in the United States (these have been based on a season length of 4 to 5 months):

1. Income is based on an average of US$400 per week (this will be more or less at certain times of the season).
   
   
2. Tips can vary greatly depending on your luck, hard work and charm!
   
   
3. Your income will be taxed at approximately 10%. You will be required to complete a tax return for the time spent in the USA and it is likely you will get a refund.
   
   
4. Accommodation in the Lake Tahoe region costs between US$250 to US$350 per month depending on where and how many people you share with.
   

Benefits

One of the key benefits to taking part in our programs is that you will get to spend a season working and playing in one of the most beautiful places in the world. This aside you will also receive resort benefits such as:

• Free resort season pass / activities at your employing resort
• Free or discounted passes for nearby resorts
• Free or discounted use of resort equipment (including rental gear)
• Free and discounted lessons (such as sailing or skiing)
• Free or discounted resort passes / activities for immediate family
• Discounts in retail shops
• Discounted food