J1 Hospitality
and Culinary
Trainee
J1 Hospitality &
Culinary Trainee
🇺🇸 United States
Welcome to the J1 Trainee program, where you can spend a transformative 6-12 months enriching your skills in some of the USA's eminent hotel and travel brands. This is the perfect chance to enhance your hospitality experience under the guidance of seasoned professionals and understand the essence of hospitality — making every guest's experience memorable. At the heart of this program is a personalized training approach tailored to suit your unique strengths.
Our J1 Trainee opportunities span from prestigious hotel chains, elegant resorts, and ski destinations to renowned restaurants. So, if you're looking to blend your passion with international experience and elevate your résumé to new heights, consider this your call to adventure.
Student Success Stories
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Front Office Supervisory Training
Gain hands-on experience training in various areas of the front office department. Build leadership skills, learn hotel management systems, and develop the confidence to supervise a guest-facing team.
Culinary
Practice and enhance your culinary skills as you rotate through various kitchens and/or kitchen sections, including garde manger, hot kitchen, banquet kitchen, and more.
Food & Beverage Rotational
Immerse yourself in the Food & Beverage Department of your host property — practicing your service skills in a variety of roles from server, host/ess, banquets, and room service.
Culinary Pastry
Gain hands-on experience in pastry and bakery operations at top hotels and restaurants across the USA. Learn dessert preparation, baking techniques, plating presentation, and kitchen hygiene standards while working alongside professional chefs in a fast-paced culinary environment with ongoing support.
Hospitality
Explore the inner workings of U.S. hotels through rotational training across key departments. Gain practical experience in front office, guest services, and operations while building transferable skills for a long-term hospitality career.
What the J1 Trainee program includes
Guaranteed Placement
Training placement secured before arriving in the U.S. so you know exactly where you are going to train and what that training will entail.
Resume and Interview Preparation
We help you with your resume and interview preparation, so you make a great first impression and land the right training opportunity.
Program Preparation & Regulations
We work with you in advance to prepare you for your adventure in the U.S. and provide an orientation about what to expect. We also provide guidance on visa requirements and medical insurance.
Customized Training Plan
We work with your host placement to ensure the training plan is a unique experience and highlights all the skills and methodologies you will learn while on the program.
Emergency Support
24/7 emergency support from our U.S. based support teams throughout your entire program duration.
Pre-Departure Support
Comprehensive guidance before your journey, including visa assistance, interview preparation, documentation support, and pre-departure orientation to ensure you are fully prepared for your USA program.
Ready to elevate your hospitality career in the USA?
Apply NowFees & Eligibility
You may be eligible if:
Have a degree plus one year of experience in your chosen career field, OR have five years of related work experience
Speak excellent English
Accept a placement that supports your chosen career field based on your degree and/or work experience
How to Apply
Submit Your Application
Our team will reach out to you, and together we will review your eligibility, answer your questions, and see what positions you are interested in.
Choose Your Position
Explore training positions that suit your background. Participate in a host company interview to find your perfect match.
Complete Your Application
If you're hired, congrats! Now you'll need to submit the full application and program fee.
Schedule Your Visa Appointment
Take your DS-2019 form and your Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP) to the U.S. Embassy at your scheduled time for your J-1 visa appointment. We're here to help!
Start Planning Your Arrival in the U.S.
Once your visa is approved, it's time to book your flight and start planning. Our pre-departure orientation will tell you everything you need to know for an enjoyable and unforgettable experience!
FAQ
Common questions about the J-1 Trainee program
What is the Training Plan?
Do you assist with housing?
Does the program have to be 18 months?
I've done a J-1 Internship or J-1 Trainee program before — am I able to return on the Trainee program?
Does VGE offer any financial assistance?
Are your placements paid?
Are evaluations required?
Where can I get more travel resources?
Ready to
take a leap?
Your next adventure starts now...
Join the next batch of J-1 Trainees heading to the USA
Apply NowFree initial counselling · No commitment required