Work in cafes and restaurants

Working in the food service industry, especially in restaurants and cafes, is indeed one of the most popular types of work among Work and Travel USA program participants. This field offers a variety of jobs ranging from cooks and cook's assistants to waiters and kitchen workers. Here are the top positions most often chosen by students: 1. Cook and Assistant Cook Working in the kitchen is always in demand, especially in resort towns with a high flow of tourists. Here, participants are required to have a basic knowledge of cooking and at least a basic level of English (Intermediate) in order to understand the chef's instructions and work in a team. The chef's tasks include preparing meals as well as keeping the kitchen clean. This is a physically active job and language skills are less important than in other positions. 2. Dishwasher (Dishwasher) Dishwasher jobs are an excellent choice for participants with a low level of English (Elementary/Pre-Intermediate). Basic duties include washing dishes, keeping the kitchen clean, and performing auxiliary tasks. While this job requires physical stamina, it does not involve active interaction with customers, making it accessible to most students. 3. Host/Hostess (Host/Hostess) This position is popular with those who have good communication skills and an English level of at least Upper-Intermediate. The duties of a greeter include greeting visitors, organizing their seating and assigning tables. It is important to be friendly, tactful and be able to navigate the menu and other services of the restaurant. 4. Kitchen Staff This is a generalized category for those who help in the kitchen, performing various tasks such as preparing ingredients, cleaning and keeping things in order. High level English is not required for these positions, but physical stamina and the ability to work quickly under pressure are definitely not lacking. 5. Waiter/Waitress This is one of the most desirable yet most challenging positions for program participants. Waiters work closely with customers, taking orders, advising on menus and making sure that everyone is satisfied with the service. This position requires a high level of English (Upper-Intermediate/Advanced), as you need to be able to communicate easily with customers, understand the menu and respond quickly to customer requests. However, it is also one of the most lucrative positions, as waiters receive not only a basic salary, but also substantial tips. 6. Waiter Assistant (Server Assistant) This position is less demanding in terms of language level, but still requires basic communication skills (Intermediate). The duties of an assistant waiter include assisting the main staff - cleaning tables, serving drinks and other tasks. This is a great start for those who want to try their hand in the service industry, but are not yet ready for the full responsibility of a waiter. 7. Fast Food Worker / Fast Food Server This job involves serving customers in fast food restaurants. It does not require high qualifications, but you need to be able to work quickly and communicate with customers. The level of English can vary from Pre-Intermediate to Intermediate, depending on the specific duties. Tips Employees in some restaurant and cafe positions may receive tips. Whether tips are available and how much you receive depend on the position, employer, state, and customer flow and cannot be guaranteed. Always check the terms of the specific vacancy, including the hourly rate, number of hours, and whether tips are available, in the Job Offer. See the article "Work and Travel USA Statistics — 2026 Season" for current financial guidelines. Conclusion Working in restaurants and cafes offers a wide range of opportunities, from physically active roles in the kitchen to interacting with customers in a waiter position. The level of English here can vary depending on the position, but the higher the language requirements, the greater the opportunities for career progression and therefore higher earnings. Related topics: - Tipping in the USA