J1 2014 Query

iamyourending

Hey guys,

I was meant to be going on Erasmus this year, but I couldn't go last minute due to a family issue. I was pretty disappointed, but instead I'm thinking of going to the US on a J1 visa next summer.

Has anyone been, and if so, where would you recommend going? I'd like New York, but I'm open to suggestions.

Also, would being 20 over there be okay enough for socialising, or are they very strict on the fact that you must be 21?

Cheers guys!

shuffles88

I'm planning on doing the same myself this year so I'll be watching this with interest. What I can tell you though is that they are VERY strict about your age even my parents (both in their 50's) got I.D'd going to a bar when they were there. I'm 25 but look a lot younger and got asked pretty much everywhere I went. A lot of places in New York have doormen that check your I.D. before they'll even let you in the door.

iamyourending

Really? Jesus, checking people in their 50s for I.D. makes it sound like us 20 year olds have no chance I'll have to stick to the house parties if I do go, I guess! What part are you thinking of going to?

shuffles88

Yeah, my mother just said are you serious? I'm someone's Grandmother! and he let her in then. I'm thinking the same as yourself New York or maybe California. I'm doing a Media Studies course so going to try apply for summer internships in T.V or radio related fields and hope I get something, I'll go wherever I can just to get some good experience.

iamyourending

Haha bouncers, huh? That sounds brilliant - I've heard the Hamptons is a brilliant spot for cash. A friend of mine worked in a pub there and on busy nights he could easily make $400 in tips!

shuffles88

Rich people and holidaymakers probably do add up to a lucrative deal. You're way ahead if you're already looking at places to work! though I am one of life's great procrastinators so I wouldn't doubt that you're right to be doing that

iamyourending

No I haven't even decided on where I'm going, not to mind looking up places to work! It's only October, after all Nice to have plans though, just so the winter doesn't drag too much. To be honest, I'd just love somewhere that I'd get a brilliant experience - open to suggestions from that point on!

HaloThere

hamptons would be a very quiet j1! cities such as boston will only accept passports as id so i wouldnt go unless i was 21

Surrkaa

Hey guys!

I'm definitely going on a j1 too. I'm only 20 but it's the only summer I can get away for the full experience. I was thinking of hitting up San Francisco. I've heard it's fab and it's one of the easiest spots to get a job and accommodation. I was just wondering if you guys have any idea about the j1 visa. When do you start looking to apply and organise all of this prearranged job craic that has come in!

Any info at all would be extremely welcome! I'm a bit clueless and mad to get going on the organising of it all!

Thanks

WoollyRedHat

Where are peeps thinking of hitting up this year

Thinking of San Fransciso, Myrtle Beach or Cape Cod atm, can't wait!

Michelleby

Thinking of going to Myrtle beach… anyone else heading there or know any good spots to stay around there?

eoghanmac

yeah im 20 thinking of going new york!Although i have citzenship(lucky enough born there ) have already had a couple of leads for jobs but i have heard print off cvs hand them out and you'll get a response!give me a shout if you're going though as im going alone!

Kazzers

Went to Chicago last year and New York the year before.. Best 2 places if you're looking to go to a city, but Chicago has the advantage of beaches. Heading to New York this year again though. Both were fairly strict enough with I.Ds, I'm only just turned 21, but I managed to photocopy my passport and change the year and went to the places that accepted photocopies and used someone else's ages card other places. Depends on the place really, a lot of places are very strict though. There are some places that let you in if you're 19 or 20 but draw an X on your hand if you're underage or you get a wristband if youre overage so you could still go out just can't buy drink, but thats what naggins are for. Accommodation was such a bitch in Chicago, the first week of being homeless was absolute torture..
Would love to go somewhere beachy on the west coast but gonna stick with New York this year.

Mysteriouschic

I'm going on a j1 too undecided on the the place for the moment I have Chicago,San Francisco, Boston and New York in mind. Luckily enough I'll be 21 over there either before I leave or during the first week being there.