What dates do I need to be available?
Resorts hire for participants with availability starting May/June, September and December. Depending on your program, you will be available for around 12 weeks on the Summer Work & Travel Program, or 6 to 12 months on the Intern & Trainee Program.
Is there an age limit for the Resort Leaders program?
You must be between the ages of 18 and 30.
Do I have to be a student to apply?
If you are applying for a Work & Travel or Internship Program, you have to be a student as per the visa regulations. If you are applying for the Trainee Program you do not need to be a student, but you must have either a university degree plus at least one year of related professional experience, or five years of related work experience in your field.
I'm a student and don't know my exam dates yet, what should I do?
Resort roles have various start dates. The dates you enter on your application at this stage are not set in stone.
Do I need to have experience working in hospitality?
No. For Work & Travel roles, as long as you're willing to work, you can apply for any resort. Any previous experience is a bonus, no matter how small. When looking at specialized positions, you may have to have a certain level of English or have experience to apply.
For Intern or Trainee roles you do not need experience within hospitality and/or studying a bachelor's degree program that qualifies.
Why do I need references to go to a resort?
To work at a resort you need three professional references. The references are a Department of State requirement. Your three referees need to have known you for over six months, can’t be a relative and should be one of the following:
Employer/Supervisor
Teacher
Coach
Lecturer
I'm struggling to find three references, what should I do?
You can have three of the same type of referee e.g. you can have three references from three different teachers, these can also all be from the same organization e.g. your school/university. If you're struggling to get a reply to your reference request you can resend the request from your profile.
Do I need to be able to speak English?
Yes. It is a visa requirement to be able to speak a basic level of English.
Do I need to be from a particular country to apply?
No. We have 15 offices around the world, so we'll likely be able to help you with your application. However, there can be some limitations for residents of some countries based on US visa regulations. Give us a call if you're interested, and we can help to get your program sorted.
When is the deadline to apply for a resort with Resort Leaders?
This depends on which country you are applying from. Please contact your local office to find out more.
Intern and Trainee program eligibility
The Intern and Trainee programs have their own requirements:
Interns are university students or recent graduates, and can take part in a J-1 internship of 6 to 12 months.
Trainees are professionals with either a university degree plus at least one year of professional experience, or five years of related work experience in their field.
Returning as an Intern or Trainee
If you have taken part before, US Department of State rules set a waiting period between programs:
Intern to Intern: wait one year between your previous end date and your new start date, and you can repeat as long as you remain eligible
Trainee to Trainee: wait two years
Intern to Trainee: wait two years
Trainee to Intern: wait one year