Once camp is over, the adventure doesn’t have to end. As part of your J-1 visa, you’ll have 30 days to travel around the USA before heading home. Whether it’s ticking off iconic cities like New York, Los Angeles or Chicago, soaking up the music scene in Nashville, enjoying world-famous barbecue in the South, or exploring the breathtaking scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park near Denver, the opportunities are endless.
One of the best parts of camp is the lifelong friendships you’ll make with people from around the world. By the end of the summer, your Instagram and TikTok feeds will be full of familiar faces from every corner of the globe. Many of your American camp friends will even invite you to visit their hometowns, giving you the chance to experience the USA like a local while saving money on accommodation. It’s a unique opportunity that not many people get.
Don’t feel pressured to have your travel plans mapped out before you arrive at camp either. It’s incredibly common for staff to make plans together throughout the summer, and you’ll likely find yourself joining a group of new friends to explore the USA once camp finishes. Sometimes the best adventures are the ones you never planned!
The amount of money you need will be dependant on how you want to spend your travel time after camp. When thinking about budget, it is important to bear in mind what you will need to have money for.
The Skilled Summers team will have plenty of hints and tips on travel to give you as part of your pre-departure orientation.
It is possible to extend your travel period after your 30 days are up but you will need to leave the USA and re-enter after obtaining a ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). If you would like to do this, please contact the Skilled Summers team for more information.
Utilising your 30 day travel allowance is not mandatory and you can travel home straight after camp if you want to. However, we highly recommend that you embrace this perfect opportunity to explore one of the greatest, most varied countries in the world and enjoy spending the money you’ve worked hard to earn all summer.
