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Summer jobs are frequently listed in the classified section of daily papers, community forums such as http://chicago.craigslist.org/, and listings for students on college campuses, in the school paper, and on the school website. Many short-term or seasonal employers offer jobs through the school which is mutually beneficial. Schools themselves are also occasionally in need of seasonal help so inquire at the elementary, high school, community college, or university near you.

For a truly Chicago experience, the Navy Pier is a huge attraction that hires for summer help. Hiring begins every spring, with applications usually due in the end of March. Previous experience is not necessary and most of the jobs have to do with guest services. Navy Pier offers a starting wage of $9.25 per hour with plenty of opportunities to earn more. For more information, check out
http://www.navypier.com/things2do/seasonal_emloyment.html.

Interexchange is an agency that arranges for international university students to work in the USA. The jobs are short-term, entry-level seasonal staff seeking work under the J-1 Visa program. Summer jobs frequently include opportunities to work at children's summer camps, housecleaning, kitchen work, or other possibilities. Work & Travel USA Summer staff arrive between May and July and can work until September or October. Winter staff arrive in December and can work until March or April. Participants are legally authorized to work for a maximum of 4 months. Program fees depend on position. To fill out an information request form, click here. To apply staff must be ages of 18 to 28, full-time student, able to attend orientation and interview in home country, flexible, hard-working, and open-minded.

The Taproot Foundation is another source for community conscious work. Responsible for many community-oriented programs, the organization is often in need of help from administrative to project leaders. To apply, go to
http://www.taprootfoundation.org/about/jobs.php.

BUNAC's Work America is another excellent option. The program is set-up for university students to spend up to four months living in America. BUNAC arranges for a variety of employment opportunities at their website: www.bunac.org/uk/workamerica/. Check out the BUNAC's Job Directory for potential job leads.

You will find information on voluntary jobs or internship abroad in our other articles on the left column of this page.