Every Answer You Need
Before Applying

Interns ($4,290): Currently enrolled in a hospitality/culinary degree outside the USA, or graduated within the last 12 months.
Trainees ($4,990): Hold a relevant degree + 1yr work experience outside USA, OR 5+ years documented hospitality experience. Both require a valid passport and Advanced English B2/C1.

All countries worldwide — Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Colombia, Mexico, Philippines, Jamaica, India, Peru and more. You need to be able to obtain a J-1 visa from the U.S. Embassy in your country.

Advanced English at B2 or C1 level (CEFR). Assessed during your Phase 1 English Proficiency Interview. You must communicate clearly with U.S. hotel guests and management in a luxury environment.

Yes, as a Trainee. You qualify as long as you have at least 1 year of relevant hospitality work experience outside the USA. The Trainee program fee is $4,990.

The $20 covers manual review of your documents against J-1 requirements. Non-refundable as it covers work already performed.

No. GUP uses a success-based model: $20 to start, $450 after eligibility is confirmed, and the remaining balance only after you receive a formal job offer from a U.S. host property. You pay nothing significant until we place you.

GUP refunds your paid program fees minus a $1,000 administrative fee covering non-recoverable SEVIS, insurance, and legal costs. The $20 and $450 initial fees are non-refundable.

Three third-party costs are your responsibility: (1) U.S. Embassy MRV appointment fee (~$185), (2) international airfare, and (3) personal settlement funds of $1,000–$1,500 for your first weeks before your first paycheck.

The DS-2019 is the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status — the core legal document to apply for your J-1 visa. GUP issues this through our State Department-designated sponsor — included in your program balance.

Valid passport (18+ months validity), transcripts, CV, professional headshot, and recommendation letters. Some hosts may require police clearance or medical tests.

On average 1–3 months from application to U.S. arrival. We recommend starting at least 3 months before your target date.

Host properties arrange housing (on-site or nearby). Rent is deducted after the 14-day Soft Landing grace period.

No. Regulations restrict J-1 participants to their assigned host property only. Unauthorized work results in immediate termination and visa revocation.

We consider your preferences, but prioritize matching your skills with the best available host property. Our placements span luxury resorts across the USA — Florida, California, New York and beyond.

After 12 months you return home. 5-star U.S. experience on your resume opens global doors — many alumni go on to senior management roles worldwide.