Will you return to Bulgaria? The SWT experience is short-term. You must show ties to Bulgaria that demonstrate your desire to return.

United States Summer Work and Travel Exchange Program

ADVENTURE, EXPLORATION AND LIFE-LONG MEMORIES Alumni of the SWT program have had rich and rewarding experiences in the United States Follow in their footsteps by applying for the SWT program. This booklet will tell you more

Are you a student? You must be a full-time student at an accredited university. First- and final-year students are allowed to participate.

Do you speak English? Your visa interview will be in English. Officers are looking for enough English to facilitate the exchange experience.

Do You Qualify for SWT? Three Question Quiz:

SWT 2017Learn More

[ � ]1

Summer, Work and Travel: A chance for

adventure in the States Why should I go?  You'll see the United States, improve your English and earn money. You'll gain valuable workplace skills and have experiences that will last a lifetime. Many alumni of the SWT program return for multiple summers.

Who can apply?  You must be a full-time, post-secondary student at an accredited educational institution. You must be actively pursuing a degree or be enrolled in a full-time course of study.

When do I return? You are permitted to work on your summer holidays. All

students must return to Bulgaria by September 30.

How long can I work?  Once you enter the United States you may work only during the period designated on your program approval form (DS-2019) - a maximum of four months.

How do I apply?  Local agencies can help you locate employment. The final step involves an interview with a consular officer at the U.S. Embassy in Sofia, which the local agency will help to arrange.

The purpose of the interview is to ensure that participants meet the requirements of the program.

SWT Photo Contest All of the photos on the cover and this page are from the photo collage of Bobby Yordanov, winner of the 2016 SWT Photo Contest, who said of SWT: “The greatest values I learned are the values of speaking up for yourself, the values of independence and of diversity.”

ADVENTURE

Follow us!

[ � ]2

Important tips for a successful application 1. Apply early! The Embassy accepts J1 applications beginning in early February, so there is no reason to wait until the last minute. Earlier applicants are more likely to depart on time.

2. Show up! Everybody must appear at the U.S. Embassy for a personal interview with a consular officer.

3. Prove it! The interview is your only chance to prove you are an eligible SWT applicant. Answers that consist of just a few words or simply ‘yes’ or ‘no’ will not help you display your English speaking proficiency.

Detailed answers to the questions you are asked will make it much easier for you to show you are a good J1 applicant and allow the interviewing consular officer to better determine if you are qualified for the program.

EXPLORATION

SWT Photo Contest All of the photos on this page are from the 2016 Runner Up to the SWT photo contest, Ivan Hristov, who says of his time in the U.S., “I would recommend SWT because it’s a great opportunity to fulfill your dreams and start having higher goals in life.” I learned the higher you aim in life, the more you achieve.”

[ � ]3

What to Bring to the States1. The visa. It is located in your passport

and shows your photo and visa expiration date. If your visa expires, you cannot re-enter the United States on that visa. You must renew it. !

2. The 1-94 card. This is a white card provided to you when you

enter the United States. Your 1-94 card shows the period of time that you are

allowed to remain in the United States. Do not lose this card! !

3.The DS-2019. This document lists your place of work. You sign it, and the consular officer who interviews

Life long memories These photos are from the second runner-up to the 2016 SWT photo contest, Monika Tehrani, who says, “I met people I can strongly call best friends. I learned so many things about U.S. culture and traditions. This American trip showed me the beauty of being a SWT student. They are the days I will never forget and probably be the stories I tell to my kids one day.”

Before you travel to the United States make copies of all important documents — especially your passport, visa, contract, and identification documents. !Give a copy of these documents to someone you trust. When you arrive in the United States and receive an I-94, make one copy of the I -94 in case you lose the original.

Always keep your passport and other travel documents in a safe place. It is illegal for your employer in the United States to take your passport away from you! !In the event of an emergency while in the U.S., contact the State Department’s 24-hour hotline: 1-866-283-9090.

Tips While in the United States

2017 SWT Video Contest The U.S. Embassy in Sofia is pleased to announce the “Live Your Dream” video contest. Submit a 30- to 90-second video of your time in the States on SWT for your chance to win a viewing party at the Embassy with your friends and family. For submission guidelines and more information, please visit our website: https://bulgaria.usembassy.gov/event_05202016.html

[ � ]4