J-1 KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Welcome to the Grand Strand.
Practical information and trusted resources for international Summer Work Travel students living and working in the Myrtle Beach area.
START HERE
Before you arrive, make sure you understand four important parts of living and working on the Grand Strand.
Housing
Confirm where you will live, what you will pay, who manages the property and how you will get there when you arrive.
Work & Money
Understand your job, hourly pay, schedule, paystubs and who to contact if something about your employment does not seem right.
Transportation
Myrtle Beach is spread out. Know how you will get between housing, work, shopping and other essential locations before you arrive.
Safety & Health
Save emergency information, understand your health insurance and know where to turn if you feel unsafe or need help.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
A little preparation before you arrive can prevent a lot of confusion later.
Confirm Your Employment
Know your employer's name and address, your position, expected duties, hourly pay, anticipated schedule and your supervisor or employer contact.
Confirm Your Housing
Know the complete address, rent amount, deposit requirements, landlord or housing contact, number of occupants and transportation options between your housing and workplace.
Plan Transportation
Do not assume everything is within walking distance. Consider work hours, late-night transportation, bicycle safety, public transportation and a backup plan.
Keep Important Information
Keep copies of your passport, DS-2019, sponsor information, employer information, housing address, insurance information and emergency contacts somewhere secure and accessible.
YOUR JOB & YOUR MONEY
Keep your work schedules, paystubs, records of hours worked and important messages from your employer. Review each paystub and make sure the hours, pay rate and deductions make sense.
YOUR HOUSING
Keep proof of rent and deposit payments. When you arrive, photograph or video the condition of your room and common areas. Know who manages the property, how to contact them and who else is authorized to live there.
If you encounter serious safety, sanitation, overcrowding or other housing problems, document the condition when it is safe to do so and contact your J-1 sponsor.
GETTING AROUND
Plan transportation before arriving. If you use a bicycle, understand local traffic laws, use appropriate safety equipment and be especially cautious after dark. If you work late shifts, have a safe backup plan for getting home.
LIVING ON THE GRAND STRAND
South Carolina summers are hot and humid. Drink water regularly, protect yourself from the sun and recognize signs of heat-related illness. Respect ocean conditions and posted warnings. Severe thunderstorms, tropical weather and hurricanes can also affect the area.
PROTECT YOURSELF
Protect Your Money & Documents
Keep your passport, identification, banking information and important documents secure. Keep records of payments and receipts.
Watch for Online Scams
Be cautious of unexpected messages involving jobs, housing, money, prizes, threats or urgent payment demands.
Know Your Address
Save your complete housing address in your phone so you can provide your location quickly if you need emergency assistance or transportation.
YOU'RE PART OF OUR COMMUNITY
Thousands of international students live and work along the Grand Strand each season. Local organizations provide opportunities to meet people, find community and connect with support.
FREE J-1 COMMUNITY SUPPORTNEED HELP?
You do not have to figure everything out by yourself. Use the resource that best matches the situation.
Immediate Emergency
Call 911 for police, fire, serious injury or an immediate threat to your safety.
Your J-1 Sponsor
Your designated sponsor should be contacted about significant employment, housing, safety or program concerns.
FIND YOUR J-1 SPONSOR24-Hour J-1 Emergency Hotline
U.S. Department of State emergency assistance for urgent health, safety and welfare concerns.
OFFICIAL J-1 HELPMyrtle Beach International Student Outreach
The Myrtle Beach Police Department provides a local International Student Outreach Program for students living and working in the area.
MYRTLE BEACH J-1 SUPPORTYou Have the Right to Report a Problem
If you believe you are being exploited, threatened, abused or placed in an unsafe situation, seek help. When it is safe to do so, keep photographs, messages, schedules, paystubs, receipts, housing documents, names and dates that may help explain what happened.
EXPLOITATION & TRAFFICKING HELP CRIME VICTIM HELP MYRTLE BEACH J1 GUIDEYou Don't Know Who to Call First?
Start with your designated J-1 sponsor. If there is an immediate emergency or danger, call 911.
A MESSAGE FROM STRAND
You came to the Grand Strand to work, experience our community, meet people, and return home with good memories. You deserve to feel safe, welcomed, and to be treated with dignity and respect while you're here.
Strand Hospitality & Asset Solutions created J-1 Know Before You Go as a free community resource to help international Summer Work Travel students better understand the Grand Strand, find trusted information, and know where to turn when they need help.
Welcome to the Grand Strand.
We're glad you're here.