The Work and Travel program is a cultural exchange initiative that offers participants the opportunity to work and live in the United States for a short period. As part of this program, participants are placed in a job and provided with accommodation. The accommodation provided will vary depending on the job you are assigned in the U.S. You can check out our article titled “What Are the Current Registration Requirements for Work and Travel 2025?‘” for the participation criteria

Your accommodation will be arranged in advance by your employer or sponsoring organization, and you will be informed of your accommodation address months before you travel to the U.S.

The accommodation options available include shared houses, student dormitories, apartments, and hostels/hotels.

Shared House Accommodation This is the most common type of accommodation in the Work and Travel program. Students typically stay in fully furnished, spacious American-style houses. In these houses, there are usually 2-3 people per room, and a total of 6-7 people live in the house. Accommodations are chosen in safe areas close to the workplace. Students can reach their workplaces by walking, cycling, shuttle, bus, or private vehicle.

Dormitory Accommodation Another frequently encountered type of accommodation in the Work and Travel program is dormitory housing. Dormitory accommodation is generally preferred by employers who hire a large number of students. In this type of accommodation, students usually stay in rooms with 2-3 people and share common bathroom and toilet facilities. Dormitories may also have kitchens shared by several rooms. In some cases, a deposit may be required for accommodation, and the amount and payment method may vary depending on the workplace. Sometimes, you may need to pay the deposit before traveling to the U.S.

Apartment Accommodation This is a popular accommodation option in the program, similar to shared house accommodations. Depending on the size of the rooms, 2 or 3 people share a room, with a total of 4-6 people in the apartment. The apartments typically consist of 2 bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen, and a living room. Basic kitchen utensils are provided. Apartments are usually located close to workplaces. Students can reach their workplaces by walking, cycling, shuttle, bus, or private vehicle.

Hostel or Hotel Accommodation This is a less common type of accommodation. The cost of this type of accommodation can be relatively lower. It is usually offered in hotel and resort jobs. Certain sections of these establishments are reserved for Work and Travel participants. The number of people staying in a room varies depending on the price. Accommodation conditions may differ from region to region; generally, there are common areas such as bathrooms, toilets, and television lounges. Being located close to city centers provides an advantage.

Group Accommodation A frequently asked question is whether students participating in the program as a group can stay in the same house. For students joining the Work and Travel program as a group, it is possible to stay in the same accommodation as their group members. All employers provide accommodation for their employees. If everyone in the group is placed in the same job, they can stay in the same accommodation.

Things to Consider

• Accommodation will typically not be single occupancy. Remember that you will share the room and house with other Work and Travel students.
• Bathrooms and kitchens are common areas. Private rooms with personal bathrooms are rarely offered.
• Accommodations are generally furnished. We recommend not expecting the same comfort as your own home.
• Your accommodation may not always be within walking distance of your workplace. You may need to use a bicycle for transportation.
• Keep in mind that you may be living with people from different cultures. It is unlikely that the accommodation will be exclusively for Turkish students. Remember, this is a cultural exchange program, and cultural diversity in accommodation is one of the best ways to experience it.
• Participants are responsible for their personal belongings in the accommodation. It’s a good idea to bring a lock with you when you travel from Turkey.
• The furniture and equipment in the accommodation are the responsibility of the participants. If any damage occurs, you may not get your deposit back. Or, depending on the extent of the damage, the cost may need to be shared equally among the participants living in the house.
• Utilities like electricity, water, and internet usage are generally included in the rent paid.