Should I Take Part In The SWAT Experience?
To Experience Alternative Ways Of Life Through Cultural Exchange.
SWAT was designed to enlighten students about the various cultures around the world and therefore offers an experience that will open up your mind to different ways of life that will inspire your creative thinking.
To Build Your Social Network By Making New Friends With People All Over The World
The Students’ Work and Travel programme offers you the opportunity to make friends and connect with people, including other university students from all over the world. A global network of friends can certainly be beneficial to anyone and may be most valuable to you in your professional life after you have completed your studies.
You Get To Internationalize Your Resume.
When you are applying for your next job, you are able to put as your previous employer, a foreign country. This is beneficial in that this shows you have the ability to deal with people from different cultures and the flexibility to adapt to a new environment and handle the transition of settling in another country. This could help you in your future desire to acquire a job abroad after the completion of your degree or in future attempts to attain your visitors’ visa.
Why SWAT?
Convenience, Reliability & Efficiency
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our cultural exchange program? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions to provide you with all the information you need. From program details to logistics, this FAQ section will serve as your comprehensive resource, ensuring a smooth and informed journey towards an unforgettable cultural exchange experience.
Is there an age limit?
Yes, the age limit is 18-30
Can I stay with relatives?
Housing is generally pre-arranged and comes with the Job Placement. On very few occasions, the pre-arranged housing might not be mandatory for the applicant, and they may choose to stay with relatives if they have family living within that same area. This however doesn’t happen often.
How Long Do I Get To Work For?
The program duration runs from May 5th – September 7th. You may work anytime during these dates. Your program however cannot be less than 90 days
If I already have a visa, do I need another one?
Certainly. The visa you may already have is classified as a visitors’ visa. A B1/B2 Visa. Students are not legally able to work on such visas. The program however helps you to gain a J-1 Work Visa, which allows you to legally work for the summer
What is your refund policy if my visa application is denied?
The refund amount issued will depend on the applicable cancellation fees based on which of the departments you are placed in. Cancellation fees are outlined in your contract and can be further clarified by your department Representative
How much will I pay for rent
Cost of rent varies on the State you are going to live in, the type of housing and amenities provided and is usually outlined in your Job Offer. Rem may vary anywhere between $70 weekly to over $500 monthly.
Are we allowed to have more than one job?
Certainly. There is no restriction on how many jobs you can work. However your job from the agency is your primary job and must take precedence over any additional job you take.
Open Chat for more FAQs
While we’ve provided a selection of frequently asked questions on the side, we understand that you might have additional inquiries. Our friendly chatbot is here to assist you further! It’s programmed to answer FAQs and provide prompt solutions. If your question requires assistance from our staff, our team will be available to chat with you during office hours, ensuring you receive the best possible support. Simply click on the chat icon to the bottom right and let us help you make the most of your cultural exchange experience!
Special Testimonies
Druscilla- Review
The Student Work and Travel Programme (SWAT) is truly an exemplary organisation. They were with me every step of the way, from the moment I entered their doors, as a first year student desiring to explore this option, they gave me the right tools and proper representation during the process. I believe that this is important as leaving this country, you are expected to be ambassadors for Jamaica. There interactive sessions ensured that representatives of different sponsors had a face to face encounter with most of us before we left the country. Due to this valiant support, my first work and travel experience was a success. Efficient, reliable, professional, knowledgeable and experienced are only a few of the good attributes SWAT possess. I can truly say SWAT is the BEST .
Sushania- Review
I went on the students’ work and travel program for the first time with SWAT Ltd. in summer 2011. I went with them every summer after that until 2014, when further studies prevented me from participating in the program. The memories, skills and work ethic that I have managed to acquire over the years have been truly rewarding and have successfully helped me in my personal development. I have had the privilege of meeting and working with some wonderful people from all over the world, whom I am fortunate enough to say that I am still friends with. The staff at SWAT Ltd, are truly professional and they make it their priority that you have a successful program. Their sponsors are great to work with. I am happy the day I decided to participate in the cultural exchange program, I have no regrets and I urge everyone who can afford to do so, to take this amazing opportunity.
Belinda- Review
Summer 2016 was my first time going away alone and working officially. Who knew I would have to take three flights to get to my location to work and housing but it was so much fun. I chose Students Work and Travel as my agency because all other companies did not meet my criteria or my standards that I uphold. I must tell you though choosing a sponsor was the hardest part for me because all sponsors are excellent but Spirit being the newbie in the business and I said well it is time to give a fairly new company a try and as so I went with Spirit and I do not regret it. You see Spirit guides you through the entire process, they gave me tips and advice and they check on me before I leave Jamaica, when I am in the US and when I return home.
The J-1 program does have its challenges, I must admit, but the experience and the opportunities over power those bad days. I personally found out more about who I am as an independent individual and as an employee. I meet many new persons and found out information that can not be found online via a computer or cell phone. Visited so many places such was Yellowstone national park, saw wild animals and be so much closer to the sky due to the geographical location. Having persons try to guess where in the world you are from and having them know that you are from the same country as the world’s fastest man is an indescribable feeling, also sharing our Jamaican culture with those around made me embrace my birth country even more. Now I can’t describe everything but this program has taught me how to budget, save, step out of my comfort zone and also helped to build myself. I thought that I would not enjoy my first experience due to all the horror stories I have heard but I did enjoy it and I encourage anyone to try it for yourself and you get the experience because everyone’s experience is different. I am excited to go on this new Journey with Spirt and SWAT right beside me. Summer 2017 Here I come.