How to choose an employer when you’re undecided

We know, choosing an employer is not an easy task, especially when the job is in a country you’ve never been to. Sometimes you may not even know where to start, and that’s okay - we’re here to help!

Here are some tips we’ve prepared that could be useful for you when you’re looking through the job list. You don’t have to try to answer all of these questions, think of it as a guide to try to identify your top priority when choosing an employer:

1. DATES

   • Can you start by the employer’s listed latest job start date and end by their earliest job end date? 

   • You are not allowed to miss any classes according to the programme regulations.

2. LOCATION

   • Search the workplace and housing area on Google Maps via satellite view. 

   • Turn on Google street view to gauge the surroundings.

   • Is the place considered too remote for you or are you prepared for the adventure as you love the nature and activities offered there? 

   • Do you prefer an area closer to the city or a more nature-like area?

   • Any preferences on which region or state?

3. EMPLOYER

   • Read through every line in the job profiles such as the job duties, qualifications, housing and arrival information, cultural activities, etc.

   • Search the employer’s company website and social media sites

   • In terms of staff strengths and the number of J-1 students they are hiring. 

   • Do you prefer a large or small-sized company? This will determine the working style.

4. ACTIVITIES

   • You may be in a remote area but your employer may organize activities! You can find out in the job profiles under the “cultural activities” section.

   • Find out what attractions there are in that specific city/state and activities you can do outside of work.

5. ARRIVAL

   • How are you going to get to your employer once you arrive in the U.S.? 

   • Do you need to take public transport or shuttle service there? 

   • Are you prepared to travel alone if necessary?

Others that may affect your decision: living conditions, can you cook in your accommodation, any grocery stores near you, how do you travel to work, etc.

When in doubt, please reach out to us! We can always share with you past students’ experience regarding specific employers or discuss the general idea of a particular area that we may be familiar with.