J-1 Program

What is the Premier J-1 Program?

Purpose of the J-1 Program

The purpose of the J-1 program is for international students to experience the American culture. The J-1 program gives students a chance to experience what it is like to work in the United States, as well as get to know the culture and people, explore new places, try new foods, and experience everything Orange County has to offer! They’ll also be able to enjoy beautiful beaches and hikes, travel and see national parks, practice their English, and gain different skills for future job experiences and careers.

All participants that are interested in returning to be part of the J-1 program will have the possibility of being readmitted, if they meet the requirements again.

Job Offer

All participants will be hired directly through Premier Aquatics for the seasonal position of OC Lifeguard. The base compensation for this position is $17 per hour (up to 40 hours per week) and an overtime rate of $25.50 per hour (over 40 hours per week, more than 8 hours in one day). Participants will be paid on a bi-weekly basis (every 2 weeks) via direct deposit or via a physical check that will be mailed to the participants address in the United States. It is important for the participants to check with their bank account (from their country of residence) if they can receive foreign currency, in this case dollars ($). If the bank account is unable to receive foreign currency, or if it is the student’s preference, they will need to set up a bank account in the United States to receive a direct deposit payment.

All participants will wear the Premier Aquatics’ uniform that will be provided to them before their first shift. The lifeguard uniform must always be worn during the duration of the shift and all participants are required to use appropriate shoes to lifeguard in. The participants will be provided with two t-shirts, shorts, and lanyard. They will also use the items purchased from the lifeguard training course: fanny pack, whistle, and mask.

Who we are looking for?

At Premier Aquatics, we are looking for people with a strong motivation to work with us. All the J-1 program participants must have the desire to learn new things, get to know a new culture and be part of a very united work team. We’re looking for people committed to their work and their tasks and who take initiative, are great communicators, respectful, responsible and dedicated. Participants don’t need to have work experience as lifeguards to apply for this job, but a great attitude is essential.

All participants will be required to determine their ability to swim by passing the StarGuard Lifeguard course. This training is a two full-day training of classroom and pool course; therefore, the participants must complete a 6–8-hour online class prior to attending the in-person course. In the in-person course, the participants must take a swim test which consists of a 100-yard swim; first 50 yards freestyle or breaststroke and the last 50 with the lifeguard buoy. Second, they’ll need to retrieve a 10-pound rubber brick from at least 7 feet of water. Finally, they will tread water for 1 minute without the assistance of their hands. At the end of the day, the participants must complete and pass a multiple-choice test, which is part two of the in-person course.

All J-1 program applicants must be eligible for the US standard J-1 Visa, as well as able to speak, read and comprehend English at an intermediate level.

Housing Accomodations

All participants will need to find and obtain housing on their own. Premier Aquatics will not oversee this process, however, we are happy to help point you in the right direction!

Ways to find a place to live…

  1. Apps: VRBO, AirBnb, and Zillow are apps that you can use to search a wide variety of housing for rent in any city.
  2. Host families: These families open up their home to abroad students and let you stay with them for the duration of your time.
  3. Student housing on college campuses: There are usually always vacant rooms during the holiday season, as students and tenants return to their hometown for the holiday’s.
  4. Local Relator: There are local relators that we can help you get in contact with to assist in locating short-term leases.

Transportation

Participants can use whatever transportation they prefer and that best accommodates to their budget.

Ways to get to work…

  1. Walk: Though, most of the pools cannot be easily accessed by foot due to the distance.
  2. Bike: Buy a bike at a local store, on Facebook and/or marketplaces for a really cheap price.
  3. Ride share apps: They can use Uber, Lyft or other ride share apps that are available in the area.
  4. Taxis: There are taxi apps that will not have surcharges like many ride share apps and will have a consistent price.
  5. Public transportation: The local bus is available for $5 per day, or if they’d prefer, they can also purchase the 30-day pass for $69.