I had the best summer of my life on J1, says Cork student

I’d wanted to spend a working holiday in America for as long as I can remember. After seeing others rave about their USIT J1 experiences, I knew I had to make it happen in summer 2024!

USIT’s application process

From the outset, I was pretty much set on Chicago after researching its vibrant cultural scene. A huge plus was the number of J1 spots available, so my friends and I could experience it together.

Naturally, I was nervous and unsure where to start! The J1 visa process can involve a lot of paperwork, which feels daunting to handle alone. Deciding to apply through USIT was a game-changer - the team made the process completely stress-free with a step-by-step guide and a full list of tasks to complete, so you’re never at risk of overlooking something important.

USIT offered useful advice on when to reach out to employers, tips for making your CV stand out, and guidance on how to submit visa documentation. Their support was fantastic; any time I had a question, they were quick to respond with helpful answers.

The perfect job

With USIT’s support, I was able to apply for jobs confidently and soon landed a position with Photogenic, a photography company on Navy Pier. I spent my days at the pier’s Big Wheel, ushering people in line, taking their photos, packaging prints, or manning the counter.

The job was entirely flexible—I could drop, add, or swap shifts via an app to fit around my travel plans. There were plenty of young people on the team, and the customers loved chatting with me and my Cork accent!

Bustling Chicago City life

I stayed in accommodation specifically for J1 students, sharing an apartment with four other Irish participants. It was designed with young people in mind, and the 24-hour security helped us feel safe, which also put my parents’ minds at ease.

Although I enjoyed my job and accommodation, the free time in Chicago was the real highlight. There was always something going on, whether at Navy Pier after work, along the Riverwalk, or at venues throughout the city. I even got to see NASCAR, Billy Joel, Stevie Nicks, and the Rolling Stones live!

We spent a lot of our free time at the beach by the lake or exploring places like the Skydeck and the zoo. Chicago also boasts an amazing food scene, so we tried all sorts of cuisines and even the original deep-dish pizza restaurant—not to mention the nightlife! There were plenty of J1 events throughout the summer, connecting us with other Irish and international J1-ers and creating a fantastic sense of community.

Exploring the States

The flexibility at work meant I could travel even while employed. When I wanted to visit New York, I swapped shifts to make it happen. We also took day trips to New Buffalo in Michigan and the Indiana Dunes, and I even managed a weekend in Los Angeles to see Zach Bryan perform, which was unforgettable.

When my job finished in late July, my friends and I set off on a trip with some of the friends we’d met in Chicago. It’s easy to find travel buddies among J1-ers as everyone is up for an adventure. We spent four nights in Nashville for country music and line dancing, crossed over to lively Las Vegas, and took in the breathtaking Grand Canyon.

Finally, we wrapped up the trip in beautiful San Diego and San Francisco, soaking up the Californian sun and even fitting in a skydive! Covering so much ground made it the perfect end to an incredible summer.

The summer of a lifetime

Last summer was the best experience of my life, and I’d recommend it to anyone - I’d go again in a heartbeat! If you’re on the fence about a J1 for 2025, just go for it.

Using a provider like USIT removes the stress so you can focus on having a fantastic time in the States. Nerves are natural before any big adventure, but it’s all worth it for the memories you’ll make.

Those interested in USIT’s J1 programme for summer 2025 can find more information at usit.ie.