If you want to work in the USA you could spend the summer working at Universal Orlando Resort by joining Yummy Job’s Summer Work Program. This program allows students from the UK, Canada, and Mexico to live in Florida while working at Universal Orlando Resort for the summer. The application process is simple and the company will assist you in obtaining a J1 Visa so that you can legally work in the USA. This post will breakdown the program, explain what it’s like working at Universal Orlando Resort, and provide you insight of what Yummy Job’s summer work program is like.
Table of Contents
Program Overview
Yummy Jobs USA is a hospitality agency that offers various work and travel programs for foreigners to live and work in the USA.
Their Universal Orlando Resort Summer Program in Florida is a J1 visa summer work and travel program that lasts 2-3 months from May/June through August/September.
They are the Universal Orlando Resort’s international recruitment partner. Thus, Universal only hires international staff members through Yummy Jobs.
Eligibility
To apply for this program, you must be a university student from the UK, Canada, or Mexico. Students must currently be enrolled in a full-time accredited university and have completed at least one semester or have just graduated.
Participants must be a minimum age of 18 years old at the time of application, speak fluent English, and hold a valid passport. You must be eligible for a J1 work visa (for the USA).
Program Cost & Other Fees
Once accepted to the program, you need to pay a fee of around USD $2,250. (They sometimes offer a payment plan if needed.)
Included in this fee;
- J1 Work & Travel Visa Sponsorship (not the actual visa/costs)
- Pre-arrival support
- A full-time job
- Arranged accommodation (rent not included)
- Medical insurance
- 24/7 in-country support
Other costs not included in the program fee;
- Embassy appointments, paperwork, and other visa fees
- Round-trip airfare to and from the USA
- Pre-payment for housing and the first 2-weeks of rent (around USD $1,500)
- Start up costs
- Food (all meals)
- Rent
How to Apply
You can apply for this program on the Yummy Jobs website.
Applications usually open in October, November, or December and close in Jan/February. However, the official open and close dates change each year.
The Application Process
There are three main steps in the application process; submit an application, have a pre-screen interview, and have a final interview.
To apply, you will submit an application along with a CV. Your CV must show your level of study, course start and end dates, and your university’s name. It should also included all past work experience. (Any hospitality experience helps but is not a must.)
Next is the pre-screen interview with Yummy Jobs. This interview is for them to learn why you want to do the program and work abroad, make sure you are eligible, and that you understand how the program works. (Past candidates say that this interview is very laid back but be sure that you are professional.)
If you pass the pre-screen interview, you will then have a second interview with a Universal park staff member. In this interview, they will want to know why you want to work at Universal, how you would benefit from the program (ex: learn more about the world, getting specific job experience, etc…), and to see that you are passionate about the experience.
The final step is receiving your job offer!
Getting a USA Work VISA
Once you accept a job offer you will be able to start the visa process for a J1 Work VISA. This can take between 3-6 months, but Yummy Jobs will assist you with this process.
Job Possibilities
The job you are assigned is based off of the company need, not what you want. Thus, you do not get to choose where you work or what you do.
You could be placed in any of the Universal Orlando theme parks; Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, Volcano Bay, or City Walk.
As a Universal Team Member you will either work in Food & Beverage or Park Services (there is a small possibilities of being placed in other departments). You can work “front-of house” (i.e. in a guest facing role) or “back-of-house” (i.e. behind the scenes with little to no guest interaction).
Hours & Wages
You are guaranteed to work a minimum of 32/hrs per week but can work up to 40/hrs per week. If your employer allows, you are able to work overtime while on your visa. You will earn $18.50/hr. Keep in mind that while working in the USA, taxes will be deducted from your paycheck.
An Average Work Day at Universal
You will be working 5 days a week with two consecutive days off. You could have a morning, afternoon, or evening shift.
An average day working at Universal looks like the following; Head to your work location, go through park security, arrive at work and get your location/job assignment for the day before changing into your uniform. You will have a couple of breaks throughout your shift and will enjoy lunch/dinner in the park via a meal voucher provided by Universal.
Odds are it will be a very fast paced day. If you are in a “front-of-house” role you will be interacting with lots of guests; meeting people from around the world while ensuring they are enjoying their vacation. If you are in a “back-of-house” role you will spend your time surrounded by other team members; working with people from around the world while making sure things are getting done.
When your shift is over you can spend the rest of the day in the parks, spend time with new friends, or explore Orlando!
Accommodation
In the summer work program, housing is pre-arranged for you but not provided. This means they set everything up for you but you will need to pay weekly rent. You will also need to pay a housing fee 6-weeks before you arrive in the USA (around $2,250). This covers the first two weeks of rent and the accomodation assistance they offer.
You will have a shared, same gender room with two other roommates. All utilities, wifi, and resort amenities are included in your weekly rent.
If you do not want to live in the housing they arrange for you, you can find your own accommodations but will need to pay the company $50 to vet the accommodation.
Program Perks
Below are the perks of working at Universal Orlando Resort;
- Free park entry to all Unviersal parks.
- Free park entry to Busch Gardens and Sea World.
- Discounts on Universal Studios food and merchandise.
- Discounted park tickets for family and friends.
- Possible free shift meals.
Below are the pros of working at Universal Orlando Resort;
- Working and living in the USA.
- Exploring Florida.
- Meeting and working with people from around the world.
- A chance to expand your comfort zone.
- Gain work experience in hospitality roles.
Program Cons
Below are the cons of working at Universal Orlando Resort;
- Paying for an Uber/transportation to get to work.
- Working outside in the Florida summer heat.
- Working in the rain (it rains in Florida almost every day in the summer).
- USA taxes.
- Cost of the program.
Participant Reviews
Overall, participants say that this was one of the best summer’s of their lives and they absolutely loved their experience. Many who can afford the cost either do this program again or spend their second summer working at Disney.
Past participants loved having free access to the parks and that there was always something to do in Orlando. Many made life long friends and learned so much about the USA while experiencing a new culture and way of life.
The main drawback for participants were that many did not feel like the housing was as nice as it should have been, that they had to pay for an Uber if they worked at Epic Universe, and that the program is expensive.
However, all participants who left reviews say the program was worth the cost for the experinece they got.
You can check out the following ticktockers who have posts about their personal experiences in the program;
- Ella Grace (@ellagrace_)
- Bec Hardwik (@bechardwick)
- Kirsty Clyne (@kirstyclyne)
Conclusion
You can work in the USA this summer with Yummy Job’s Universal Orlando summer work program. This J1 visa program is a great option if you want an unforgettable and magical experience living and working in the USA. Have you participated in the Yummy Jobs summer work and travel program? Please share your experience in the comments below!
