BambiDog

I am currently between college and university and on my gap year. My BF has an internship thing lined up in LA for a software company and is going to be out there for a couple of months. So I've decided to tag along and find a little adventure for myself!

This is still just a formulating idea and nothing is really solid going on for me. As of yet I'm not quiet sure whereabouts I'm going to be. But it will be any time from January to March.
Ideally I'd like to find some sort of work to fund going out there, but I guess I'll need a work visa? I've heard they're difficult to get hold of.
Is there any chance of getting any kind of "off the record" work like at a bar or handing out leaflets and that kind of advertising stuff. Is anyone a groomer that would take on a general temporary helper? Anything animal vaguely related would be nice.
I'm really up for anything though and I'm just looking for some inspiration!

So if anyone can offer any ideas at all as to how I could earn my keep over there, that would be great!

As I said this is a long shot, I think so sorry if it's all a bit weird and rambly...
I look forward to hearing some replies! (I hope!!)

outwest

Well, first, are you talking LA as in Los Angeles, CA or LA as in Louisiana?

It is against the law to work in the US without a work visa or a social security card. I am not saying you couldn't find someone to hire you temporarily, but it wouldn't be a really legitimate business because the fines for hiring an alien are enormous. Most people wouldn't chance it, particularly here in the Los Angeles area where illegal aliens are a hot topic. Of course you wouldn't be an illegal alien, but you would need a work visa and yes, they are hard to get because the economy is such that it is difficult for citizens to find work right now. There were some nurses where I work that couldn't get their work visa's renewed, so they were sent home to China after working here for 5,6,7 years! They aren't giving work visa's out much right now. You may not even be able to get one. Usually they only give them to people who have a skill that is needed here that we don't have enough of. It's pretty strict.

Bars are one of the heaviest places policed, so I doubt they would chance it. It would have to be someone working independently, like a gardener or something like that. An independent dog groomer might chance it, but why would they? You could always do the 'selling flowers on the roadside', but even those guys have to carry city permits and you can't get a permit without a work visa. This wouldn't be an issue as long as you weren't caught, I suppose. Los Angeles has a giant wholesale flower area. You can set up in swap meets without a visa if you had something to sell.

Sorry to be negative, but it isn't likely you'd be able to get a legitimate job. It would be better for you to save as much as you can to bring with you and not depend on finding work. Food is inexpensive here if you know where to go. Housing is another matter entirely. Transportation in the Los Angeles area is difficult without a car, but if you are in the middle of the city they do have subways and busses and the metrolink.

What area of Los Angeles? LA is huuuuuuuuge and spread out- not at all like, say, Manhattan, NY. For example, Leeuman and I both live in Los Angeles County. He is over an hour away from me.

The US is a terrific country, but it is strict when it comes to stuff like this.

Olie

I would suggest speaking with someone where you are to assist in this process. There are people abroad that specifically help students find work prior to even going to the US. Any business can support/sponser your a work VISA it's a matter of finding one that will. It would be a very slim chance....I know my company has not done this in over 3 years there are so many out of jobs in the US that truthfully we prefer to employee them before anyone.

Good luck!

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outwest

That does work, Olie, but she isn't a student...

BambiDog

Thanks guys. I know you're not being negative to be.. well, negative, it's just how it is!
I am a student but not a US student... and Yes! Los Angeles LA lol

My boyfriend doesn't seem to have a Visa sorted out (that he knows about), but he is working for a company that his dad does business with.. so ssshhhh! Either that or they're sorting him one and haven't mentioned it yet. But I don't really know so I thought I'd ask!

I am not quite sure where in LA yet.. I know that sounds kinda stupid, but Mr Helpful with the work placement doesn't know, so hasn't told me >.< Just gotta keep nagging!

So, as Olie mentioned, I MIGHT be able to sort something out before I go? I'll do some googling.

If a legit job is out of the question, do I need a work visa to volunteer? I want to do something worthwhile with my time, and if I can't earn any money I may as well try for life experience.
I know the US is pretty strict with immigration... I had my passport stolen in Costa Rica and boy was it long winded to get a temp passport and a temp visa! I might even be wanted in several countries already without knowing it! Some Costa Rican posing as me has probably had me banned from the USA entirely and I won't get in! =P

Keithsomething

Contact YMCA's, our Y has hosted 100's or European kids to come over and work at our camps, fitness centers, pools, and other areas that would need them! Most of our "exchange" counselors are from our sister Y in Ireland :]. The kids usually come over during the summer...but seeing as it's LA and usually never below 60 I'd wager that they could be looking :]]

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schnauzerpoodle

You don't need a working permit to volunteer but you will need one if you work at any job that pays you.

Working and getting paid without a valid work visa can result in a ten-year ban from the U.S.

outwest

Girl scout camps do use young women from other countries. You won't have any trouble volunteering.

There is another option. You can be hired as a nanny. In the Los Angeles area there are a number of wealthy families who use them. There are agencies set up to assist in getting the visa's needed.

Here is a Nanny company that sends young women from England to Los Angeles:
nanny agency for Los Angeles & nationwide, Buckingham Nannies

BambiDog

I will have to get over my child phobia! o.O
Someone else suggested nanny-ing to me but I wasn't too enthused... Why can't people just get dogs instead of having children? =P

Thank you again for the replies, everyone!
Keithsomething and Outwest, thanks for the camp suggestions, but again; scary children.. Older scary children, but yeah. My young human skills are nil!
I don't think even the lure of money can make me love children lol (I sound like a horrible evil person...)

I'm going to focus my research on trying to find some animal related volunteer work. And of course keep pestering a certain person for an actual location!!! Then I'll be able to find shelters nearby and ask you all more questions!

Sorry for probably seeming sort of vague and rambling, but like I said, I'm still only making a plan! =)

outwest

Yah, it would be best to work as much as you can there and bring money with you.