After the pandemic, many people began traveling abroad again or seeking overseas work opportunities, as COVID-19 reshaped how we live and work. Among students, the most popular destinations are the United States and Australia for working holidays. However, the U.S. remains the top choice, thanks to its higher hourly wages, diverse job options, and less physically demanding work compared to Australia. With a J-1 visa, participants can stay and work for up to 18 months, making it a dream destination with both freedom and countless entertainment and travel options.
Eligibility for the U.S. Working Holiday Program
Most university students choose to go to the U.S. for a two-month summer work and travel program, ideal for those still in school or about to graduate.
Common job categories include:
- Childcare (Au Pair)
- Internships or professional training
- Summer camp staff
- Language exchange or volunteer programs
Application Requirements
- Age: 18–28 years old
- Language proficiency: Able to communicate in English; TOEIC or TOEFL scores are often required
- Experience: Must have relevant work training or certifications (depending on job type)
- Duration: Must be available to work in the U.S. for at least 9 weeks
- Personal traits: Independent, adaptable, open-minded, responsible, and willing to learn
Applicants must also be prepared to cover their own visa, insurance, airfare, and accommodation costs, depending on the program type.
💡 Note: The U.S. typically uses a biweekly pay system, so while you can earn valuable experience and income, it might not fully offset the overall cost of travel and living expenses.
| Job Type | Requirements / Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Au Pair / Live-in Childcare | Applicants must be 18–26 years old, enjoy working with children, and have at least 200 hours of childcare experience within the past three years. A valid driver’s license and high school diploma or higher are required. Must speak fluent English, have no criminal record, be unmarried, and live with the host family during the program. |
| Internship Program | Applicants must be currently enrolled in or have graduated within the past 12 months from a U.S.-accredited academic institution. Internships are available in specific fields, including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, arts and culture, architecture, education, social sciences, library science, counseling and social work, healthcare, hospitality and tourism, media and communications, business and finance, public administration and law, as well as science, engineering, mathematics, and industrial fields. |
| Summer Work & Travel Program | Open to university students or recent graduates aged 18–28. Applicants must pass an English interview with an employer before applying. An English proficiency test is required (SLEP score ≥ 47/67, or TOEIC ≥ 550 / TOEFL iBT ≥ 55 to skip the written test).Application process:1. Pass English assessment and complete the registration form.2. Pay a US$100 program application fee.3. Submit documents including resume (in English), photos, passport copy, English enrollment certificate, student ID copy, and interview video.4. Upon acceptance, pay the program fee of US$1,195 and SEVIS fee of US$35.5. Receive the IAP-66/DS-2019 form and apply for a J-1 visa at AIT.6. Book flight, attend pre-departure training, and begin the summer work program in the U.S.Applicants are advised to prepare approximately NT$100,000 (around US$1,500) to cover initial travel and living expenses. |
| Professional Training Program | Applicants must be 18–30 years old and possess a relevant bachelor’s degree or professional certification, with at least one year of work experience in the related field. Those without a degree must have a minimum of five years of professional experience in the same area. This program is ideal for young professionals looking to advance their career skills. |
Can only students apply for the U.S. Working Holiday Program?
If you’re currently a student and simply want to work and travel in the United States during your summer vacation, you can apply for short-term summer job opportunities.
However, if you’re no longer a student, aged 18–30, and wish to take a gap year or gain overseas work experience, you can apply for the Professional Training (Trainee) Program, just like the program recommended by the author. This program is specifically designed for non-students.
Applicants with at least five years of relevant professional experience can apply and be matched with U.S. employers offering specialized positions. If selected, you’ll have the opportunity to work in the U.S. for 12–18 months while participating in a career development plan provided by your employer. This allows you to gain valuable work experience and enhance your professional skills, which will greatly benefit your future career.
The application process typically takes 1–3 months, depending on available job openings.
Visa and document processing fees usually range from US$2,000–3,000, depending on the visa type.
It’s recommended to prepare at least US$5,000 to cover initial airfare and accommodation expenses.
If you’re not a student and have already entered the workforce but still want to travel to theU.S. while minimizing travel costs, there are alternative ways to do so besides the working holiday program.
One popular option is to participate in an egg donation program in the U.S. — just like the author did — where you can earn around US$8,000 in compensation for a two-week stay, with your travel, accommodation, and local transportation fully covered by the intended parents.
The United States is one of the most well-known countries for egg donation because of its progressive reproductive laws, medical safety, and strong legal protection for donors. For women who can’t take long breaks from work, applying for a U.S. egg donation program can be a great short-term opportunity.
All you need to do is complete a medical screening in Taiwan, ensuring you are free from genetic disorders, infectious diseases (like hepatitis B), and lifestyle risks such as smoking or drinking. Once you pass the screening, you can travel to the U.S. to complete the donation — flights, lodging, and local travel are all included. You can contact the support team via LINE for detailed consultation.
Alternatively, you may apply for a Professional Training Program (Trainee Visa), which allows you to gain short-term or seasonal professional experience in the U.S. under a legal training arrangement. The employer provides structured skill development, and the role does not replace a full-time position.
Which is better for making money — a U.S. working holiday or egg donation?
If you’re a young woman, recently graduated, with good appearance, height, and education background, U.S. egg donation is often a faster and more profitable option.
Some donors have participated four to five times, each earning over US$20,000 per donation — far exceeding what you could make through a working holiday job that typically pays only US$7–8 per hour.
In short, egg donation offers a quicker financial return and a unique chance to experience the U.S., while also helping families around the world realize their dream of having a child.
Which helps you save money faster — a U.S. working holiday or egg donation?
Many young people who go to the U.S. for working holidays end up spending most of what they earn on travel, food, and entertainment, making it difficult to actually save money. The cost of living in the U.S. — especially for meals and leisure — is quite high, so most participants return home without significant savings.
If your goal is to earn and save money, egg donation in the U.S. can be a much more efficient option. For young women, completing several egg donation cycles can easily lead to savings of tens of thousands of U.S. dollars within a short period of time.
For those who want to combine a U.S. working holiday or professional training program with egg donation, it’s even better — you can stay in the U.S. for 12 to 18 months and potentially complete up to six donation cycles, maximizing both your travel experience and financial gain.
Recommended for Taiwanese women — Luan Ai Egg Donation Agency
If you’re interested in going to the U.S. for a working holiday, professional training, or egg donation, you can contact Luan Ai’s official LINE account for more details.
Since everyone’s background and eligibility differ, the Luan Ai support team will help analyze your situation and recommend the most suitable option for you — whether your goal is to save money, travel, or gain international experience.
With Luan Ai’s assistance, you can reduce your expenses, earn meaningful income, enjoy traveling stress-free, and even enhance your future career opportunities.
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