Figures show there has been a 55% decline in the number of Irish students participating in the J1 work and travel programme during the past 10 years. I reckon we need to do something about that locally because the BridgeUSA programme no longer appeals to our third level students. They cannot afford to spend three to four months in the States when they actually need to top up their bank accounts to afford the last year or two of their university education in Ireland.
The cost of living in Ireland means most students can barely afford to go to end, never mind pay for a J1 visa and flights. You need to work full time during the summer to build up the funds needed to pay fees and accommodation near campus.
Plus, the J1 programme now requires students to (1) source a job in the USA, (2) get a vetted employer, and (3) meet compliance regulations.
So I’m watching a neighbour participate in the J1 Cultural Programme as a camp counselor. She gets all her accommodation and food included.
And if you do your homework, you can often find handsomely paid summer gigs in the Middle East instead of worrying about low paid positions with potential drive-by shootings in the States.
