Travel
Dreambridge – Travel Guide for Moroccan Applicants
1. Before You Travel to the USA
Visa & Documents Checklist
✔ Valid J-1 Visa
✔ Passport valid for at least 6 months after return date
✔ DS-2019 form (Certificate of Eligibility)
✔ SEVIS Fee receipt
✔ Job offer & sponsor information
✔ Dreambridge program documents
Flight Preparation
✔ Book a round-trip ticket (required for visa)
✔ Arrive in the U.S. a few days before your job start date
✔ Keep important documents in your hand luggage
Packing Tips
✔ Lightweight clothes for summer jobs (depending on state)
✔ A jacket/sweater (some states get chilly at night)
✔ Comfortable shoes for work
✔ Travel-size essentials (toiletries, medicines)
✔ Moroccan snacks/spices if you miss home 😊
2. Arriving in the USA
At the Airport
✔ Carry your passport, DS-2019, and sponsor info
✔ U.S. Customs may ask about your program → answer confidently
✔ Keep the U.S. address of your job/sponsor ready
Transportation
✔ Check if your sponsor/employer arranges pick-up
✔ Use affordable transport apps (Uber, Lyft, buses, trains)
Housing
✔ Confirm your accommodation before travel
✔ Share housing with other students to save costs
3. Life in the USA
Cultural Adjustment
✔ Be open to new cultures and people
✔ Respect U.S. workplace rules (punctuality, professionalism)
✔ English practice every day!
Banking & Money
✔ Open a U.S. bank account (Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase)
✔ Use your U.S. debit card for purchases
✔ Send money home through trusted services (Western Union, Wise, Remitly)
Health & Safety
✔ Have health insurance (included in the program)
✔ Call 911 for emergencies
✔ Know your sponsor’s emergency contact line
4. Traveling Inside the USA
Budget Travel Tips
✔ Use low-cost airlines (Spirit, Frontier, Southwest)
✔ Book in advance with apps like Skyscanner, Google Flights
✔ Take Greyhound or Megabus for cheap bus travel
Popular Destinations for Work & Travel Students
✔ New York City 🗽
✔ Washington, D.C. 🏛️
✔ Florida (Orlando, Miami 🌴)
✔ California (Los Angeles, San Francisco 🌉)
✔ Chicago 🌆
Student Discounts
✔ Always carry your student ID
✔ Use discount sites like StudentUniverse for tickets
5. Returning to Morocco
Closing Accounts
✔ Close your U.S. bank account (or leave it open for tax refund)
✔ Collect your last paycheck or paycard
Bring Back Memories
✔ Souvenirs and photos
✔ Cultural experiences to share with friends and family
Prepare for Taxes
✔ Make sure your employer has your correct Moroccan address to send your W-2 form