FAQs

Salaries for a qualified sailing instructor range from $16 to $25 per hour and are generally paid every two weeks.

We guarantee a minimum of $3,000 gross per month, but you can earn up to $4,000 per month. The final salary will depend on your willingness to work, the job position you aspire to, and the level of responsibility you are willing to take on. You should know that you will really make money through overtime (on weekends) or by giving private lessons.

Note: Keep in mind that about 10% (depending on the state you are in) will be deducted from your gross salary for federal and state taxes. However, when you return to Spain and file your tax return, you will be refunded most of these withholdings as you are not a tax resident there.

That’s why it’s important to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) when you arrive in the United States, similar to the N.U.S.S. in Spain. With that document and the W2 form, you will file your tax return online. Our partner company will help you with this process.

Some sailing schools offer free accommodation, while others allow participants to choose their own accommodation.

The cost of accommodation varies depending on the location and whether you share housing or live alone, but generally ranges from $350 to $500 per month. Most accommodations are shared with other participants. The essential thing is that the place meets the necessary conditions for comfortable living, including beds, access to a kitchen, water supply, etc. Sometimes part of the kitchen may be in common areas.

The best account we recommend first is with the WISE app. It operates worldwide and has an American IBAN, which is the first thing the American company asks for to pay your salary. Additionally, being a digital bank, transfers and currency exchanges are 100% instant.

Sometimes Wise may not be accepted, so we recommend well-known entities such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, etc.

OF COURSE!

You will be earning between $16 to $25 per hour, plus overtime and private lessons, you will earn more than $3,000 gross per month.

To calculate expenses, if accommodation and transportation are not included, you should expect monthly expenses ranging between $400 and $600. Additionally, you can estimate spending around $400 per month on food and entertainment, leaving you with approximately $4,000 to travel across the country in your last month or save for your return to Spain. Please note, these are estimated expenses and will vary depending on your lifestyle in the country.

The best account we recommend is with the WISE app. It operates worldwide and provides an American IBAN, which is the first thing American companies will ask for to pay your salary. Also, being an online bank, transfers and currency exchanges are 100% instant, and the conversion to euros (€) is one of the best.

You are not obliged to stay, as with any job. You can resign if the conditions don’t suit you.

In such situations, it is advisable to call us to discuss your concerns and see if we can find a suitable solution. However, keep in mind that you can always return whenever you want.

The program includes:

  • Job search in the United States.
  • Work contract in the United States.
  • Work authorization DS-2019.
  • Medical and liability insurance.
  • Help finding accommodation or advice on it.
  • Official participation certificate.
  • Informational session on the program in Spain.
  • Assistance in completing the documents required by the embassy.
  • Online orientation session before departure.
  • 24-hour assistance in the United States through an emergency number.
  • SEVIS fee (€35).

The program does not include:

  • The cost of the plane ticket to the workplace.
  • Fees for the United States Embassy in Madrid ($160).
What are the requirements to participate?

Your English level will determine which positions you can apply for, but this is rarely a problem, as we offer jobs for all levels.

You must be available from June 15 to the end of August, although employment dates may vary.

You must be over 18 years old.

Can I choose the job location I prefer?

Before starting the process, we will provide you with a list of available jobs so you can express your preferences. It’s essential to keep in mind that while you can express preferences for location, we need to verify that they align with your dates and level of English proficiency.

No formal accreditation is necessary. What’s important is that you can communicate and hold a conversation.

You need a level that allows you to communicate in English since you will be working and interacting with people whose only language is English.

What dates of availability should I consider?

Generally, you need to be available from mid-June (around June 15-20) until mid-August, as this is the typical work period.

Some jobs may offer a bit more flexibility, allowing you to start in late June.

It is important to note that you won’t have complete control over the dates, as each job has its own specific dates you need to adapt to. However, you can apply for jobs that best match your availability or consider rescheduling university exams if needed. In most cases, you should be available between mid-June and mid-August. It’s also worth mentioning that some people decide to extend their stay, as the official visa period for Spanish participants covers from June 15 to September 15. Some participants take advantage of this time to travel or extend their experience.

Is it guaranteed that I will get the J-1 Visa?

Work & Sail cannot guarantee visa approval. There shouldn’t be any issues if you meet the requirements, but keep in mind that approval depends on the U.S. embassy consular section.

In the 2023 season, 100% of our participants received visa approval. Unless you have a criminal record, there shouldn’t be any problems with the visa process.

However, it is essential to note that the granting of the J-1 visa is subject to the interview you will have at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid and the questions they might ask.

You can demonstrate your financial solvency or that of your parents, as well as your commitment to return to Spain after the Work and Sail program, whether to continue your studies or work, etc.

What happens if my dates overlap with exams?

Professors are usually understanding in such situations and support students in managing these experiences.

They are often willing to move the exam date. It is important to remember that you are requesting this change six months in advance, even when final degree projects are due. In all universities, it is possible to submit the final degree project online.

Every year, an increasing number of students choose to submit their TFG (Final Degree Project) digitally. If this is your case, don’t hesitate to contact us, and we will provide you with a justification letter. Additionally, once you have secured the job offer, you can present your contract with the corresponding start dates.

Will there be adults available to assist in case of any issues? Will there be a supervisor?

You will have a 24-hour contact number available for any needs you may have.

This number belongs to a person from the sponsoring institution or entity in the United States.

Before leaving Spain, you will receive the contact details for this person. You will also have direct communication with the employer, the company that has hired you. They will be available to you every day and will help with any situation you may need assistance with.

The general working conditions are as follows: Wages range from $16 to $25 per hour.

You will work between 40 and 45 hours per week. The minimum weekly hours are 32. Job conditions and availability depend on the employer, and we will inform you of the available options in advance so you can sign up for the employers that best suit you.

It is important to highlight that conditions may vary depending on the employer and the job location, so it is crucial to carefully review the offers and choose the ones that best fit your needs and goals.

Of course, you can choose the people you want to live with, depending on the accommodation policies provided by your employer. In many cases, you will have the option to select your roommates based on your preferences and affinities.

Additionally, living with international participants can be a rewarding experience. This not only gives you the opportunity to learn about different cultures but also helps improve your English level through interaction and immersion in an environment where the language is predominantly spoken.

Not necessarily. Some employers provide accommodation, and if they don’t, we are willing to help you find it, either on your own or through us.

It usually consists of shared apartments with other program participants.

What happens with the refund if I decide not to continue with the program?

We have identified 4 stages in the process where cancellations can be made:

  • Before reserving your spot with us: no cancellation charge.
  • If we receive notification of your cancellation after you have made the reservation payment and received a job offer from the school but have not yet received the DS-2019.
  • If we receive the cancellation notice after the application is approved, and the DS-2019 form is printed.
  • If the visa is denied.

For more information, feel free to ask for our “Terms and Conditions” document that comes with all the detailed info.