Your Hospitality Internship in the USA
An internship in the USA will look highly impressive on your resume. While being an economic superpower and one of the most influential countries in the world, you will find the work environment in the USA quite refreshing and positive. European interns always profit from the American "can-do attitude". There is no need to be intimidated as your American supervisor and colleagues will respect your courage to strive for work experience abroad and will appreciate your motivation and fresh international perspective.
As an intern in the USA you will...
learn a lot about American business methods
develop new skills
improve your English
grow a professional business network
turn colleagues into friends
grow in self-confidence
Quick Facts at a Glance
Full placement service for internships/trainings in 4 and 5-star hotels/resorts and fine-dining restaurants
Paid positions (minimum of 14USD/hour in Front Office, 15USD/hour in Kitchen and 10USD/hour + tips in F&B Service)
Year-round start possible
Duration: 6 to 12 months
J1 Visa Service included in your program fees
Application deadline: at least 12 weeks before start date
Ready to be an Intern?
Fill out our non-binding application form now and take your first step towards becoming an intern in the USA!
Hospitality Internship
Hospitality Internship
Would you like to gain work experience in a world-class hotel? A hospitality internship is for students and professionals in hotel management, culinary art, tourism or other internship fields that a 4- or 5-star-hotel, resort or fine dining restaurant might have to offer.
Intrax has a team of placement coordinators working out of San Francisco. They place you, according to your level of experience, in prestigious hotels such as the Marriott, Hilton, Ritz Carleton in attractive tourist regions all across the USA. Resorts tend to be in locations near an ocean. If you aim to rather work in a restaurant, it will be in a place considered fine-dining, often Michelin-rated. During your 12-month-internship or training in the USA, you will rotate through various departments and thus gain a lot of diverse experience in American business methods revolving around hospitality and tourism.
Before you accept an interview, you will receive an internship description detailing the departments you will get to know, the salary, what is expected of you, and either a link to the website or video of the host company.
Program Requirements
The internship and training programs are being closely monitored by the U.S. Department of State. In fact, the American government created the J1 internship visa with the specific purpose of enabling you and others to gain exposure to U.S. culture and to receive hands-on experience in U.S. business practices in your field of study. Because of this commitment, the U.S. Department of State defines the conditions of the internship and determines the host company and participant requirements. The government regularly audits the program and all sides involved, thus guaranteeing a meaningful experience.
To be eligible for the hospitality program, you have to meet the following requirements:
18+ years old (20+ for trainees)
advanced English language skills
for the Intern category: Be a current full-time student and have completed at least 2 semesters at a post-secondary academic institution OR be a recent graduate able to start an internship program within 12 months of graduation date. All obtained outside of the U.S.
for the Trainee category: Have a degree or professional certificate from a post-secondary academic institution AND at least 1 year of work experience related to field of study OR have 5 years of work experience related to field of study (in lieu of an academic degree). All obtained outside of the U.S.
Your field of study and/or work experience is directly related to the hospitality industry.
Step by Step to your Internship
Your Application
Fill in an application form at least three months before your start date and upload your documents in the MyIntrax Portal (please create an account by registering first).
Video interview with Intrax
Once your application is complete, we will conduct a video call with you to answer your questions, verify your eligibility including your English skills, and advise you on the next steps.
Pay the Application Fee
If the Intrax interview goes well, you will receive an invoice for the 450€/$ application fee, and Intrax will give you access to the full list of available positions. You'll need to list your top 3 choices.
Interview, Placement confirmation and payment of remaining fees
Based on your top 3 choices, Intrax will arrange an interview with a hotel, resort, or restaurant. If you accept the company's offer after the interview, you will be invoiced for the remaining program fees.
Apply for your Visa
Intrax issues your DS-2019 form which enables you to apply for a J1 visa at the American embassy or consulate of your choice.
Prepare for your Departure
Once you have your visa, you can book a flight, receive pre-departure orientation information, and pack your suitcase!
Program Costs and Benefits
An internship is a valuable investment in your future. A work experience abroad appeals to employers and increases their trust in your abilities and their willingness to pay well. It also increases your self-confidence and helps you grow as a person.
However, an internship in the USA does cost money, which is why you will need to figure out the cost of living in your guest city and have a financial plan in place. In general, you will need to financially plan for your flight, transportation, housing, including a security deposit for the first month’s rent, electricity, phone, internet, food, personal care products, leisure time activities, etc.
Our Program Prices
Hospitality Internship
- 12 months:
- Application fees (due upon application acceptance with Intrax): 450$/€
- Remaining fee due upon placement (J1 visa service, SEVIS, and insurance included): 2550$/€
- Total: 3000$/€
Do you need help financing your internship?
Contact your university’s international office and your department to inquire about funding options offered by your institution. They can also advise you about scholarships other students have successfully applied for in your school. Alternatively, you can search for government funding opportunities on a local, state or national level. Business associations, chambers of business, private foundations, local community clubs or private foundations might be willing to support your internship plans if you can convince them that you aim to use your experience for the benefit of your local community upon your return.
Your Benefits
Placement
Thorough program consultation
Interview preparation call
Optimization of application documents
Outreach to host companies in your field
Detailed internship description
Scheduling interviews with interested host companies
J-1 Visa
DS-2019 and J-1 Visa Service upon confirmation of placement
$220 SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System) fee paid for you by Intrax to the U.S. government
Insurance
Medical insurance in compliance with J1 regulations
Support
Pre-Departure orientation and online handbook
Emergency phone and on-program support service
Not included
U.S. consulate interview fee ($185)
Flights
Housing (we will provide tips and information)
Living expenses (check our FAQ section for more info)