The `work & travel' programme is an initiative under which regular college students can visit the US for temporary jobs during summer vacations between May and August. It aims to enable students to "understand and experience American culture and life".

Now, the US state department's Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) has hired two agencies in India -- Kareer Krafters and Taurus International -- as partners to administer the J1 visa programme meant for this purpose.

Any graduate/PG student can apply. The applicant will be screened by the designated companies for suitability to visit the US alone. Vipul Mehta, MD of Kareer Krafter, said one prerequisite is a working knowledge of English.

During a maximum of four months in the US allowed under the programme, a student can earn around Rs 3 lakh. Staying expenses, which the student has to bear, typically run up to Rs 1 lakh for four months.

Students normally get unskilled jobs in retail outlets, tourist camps, entertainment parks and restaurants, said Kulvinder Singh, MD of Taurus International. They get $8-12 an hour. Wages for semiskilled students from vocational courses like hotel management are higher.

Students doing degree courses in hospitality can also avail of this opportunity for a semester's practical training.

J1 visa can be extended

An applicant or the `work & travel' programme needs to produce a certificate stating the period of vacation from his or her institution.

For staying in the US beyond the vacation period, permission is needed from the student's college or university. Though the J1 visa is for four months, an applicant can extend it for a month but only for travelling in the US.

Students aren't allowed to work beyond the four-month period. The cost of travel under the programme is Rs 1.16 lakh, which the student has to bear.