Additional Costs to Consider

Basic services included in the cost of the program: * Employer matching by the program sponsor (Full Service option) - the sponsor will help you find a job in the United States. * Job Offer Verification (Self-Arranged option) - If you have found a job on your own, the sponsor will verify all documents. * Health insurance for the duration of your employment - this will cover medical expenses while you are working in the US. * Issuance of Form DS-2019 - a key document required to apply for a J-1 visa. * Information support - an agency in your country and a sponsor in the US will guide you through all stages of the program. * Online English course - available to all IEC participants to improve knowledge before the trip. Additional costs to consider: * Registration fee - depends on the country and city where you register. * The consular fee is $185, which is payable when applying for a J-1 visa. * Airfare to and from the U.S. - costs can range from $750 and up, depending on the season and departure location. * Traveling to the employer from New York City: * A bus from JFK airport to the city is $40, a cab is about $70. * A bus from the city to Boston or Baltimore is $40-50. * A direct ticket to Atlanta is about $100. * Consider these costs when choosing an employer. * ● Money for the first weeks — you should have a sufficient reserve to cover expenses until you receive your first paycheck: transportation, housing and a deposit, food, and other personal expenses. See the article "Work and Travel USA Statistics — 2026 Season" for the current guideline. * ● Food and housing — costs vary significantly depending on the region and the terms of the specific Job Offer. See the article "Work and Travel USA Statistics — 2026 Season" for current guidelines. * SEVIS fee - $35, this is the enrollment fee for students and exchange program participants. * Expenses of getting a visa in another country - if getting a visa in another country, you need to consider the cost of travel, visas and accommodation. * ● Additional medical insurance — if it is needed for a period not covered by your main insurance, the cost depends on the insurance plan you choose. * ● Communication and internet — participants can use an eSIM through the EXCHANGE Work & Travel mobile app. See the communication section for details. Important: Unlike some other agencies, IEC does not require a refundable deposit. Some agencies require participants to leave a deposit (refundable deposit), which can be $500 or more. If the participant does not return to their country after the program ends, the agency keeps this deposit. We believe that this practice is unfair, so we do not have such a deposit. Related topics: - Full Service Option - Self-Arranged Option - How to Improve Your English - Form DS-2019 - Health Insurance for Work & Travel Participants - Paying the Visa Application Fee - Work and Travel USA Statistics — 2026 Season - What taxes are paid by the participant