I lived and worked in New York for 10 months and worked as a marketing assistant in a busy advertising agency - it was everything I had dreamed of and I am so thankful for the experience. The variety of work was always really interesting and the people were fun yet professional ! At the weekends we traveled all over upstate NY, Montauk - I would re live the experience all over again! - Ann from Cork

I moved to San Francisco with an IWT internship after graduating as an engineer in Dublin. Before long I was working in a renewable energy company and learning from world renowned experts in the field. I could not have asked for a more enjoyable and rewarding learning experience, not to mention the fun I had living in California. It is tough finding a placement when you initially go over but there are so many opportunities in the U.S. that you will find something right for you as long as you put the work in. The company I worked for have asked me back so I am looking forward to returning soon, this time on the USIT Internship USA Programme! - Ben Johnston from Dublin

My time on the IWT visa was one of the best years of my life. I was in Washington DC for my visa year and was lucky enough to get a really great internship. My time in DC taught so much about myself and it was great to be out there and be learning about a new culture, lifestyle and professional world. The best thing about the IWT visa, aside from getting to see a new part of the world, is the opportunity it presents to learn about yourself, get some independence and really gain confidence at being able to make it for a whole year over there.

The one piece of advice I would give is to take every opportunity. In DC I got to travel to nearby places like New York City for the weekend or the beaches in Virginia or the historical places just outside the city. There is so much to see and do in the states that I would really advise making sure you get to see and explore as much as you can in the year. You'll make so many friends and memories!

My more practical advice would be to make sure you're organized - you will need your social security number so get it as soon as you can and don't forget that you have to give 6 weeks notice if you're leaving the country for holidays or even home for Christmas. And don't forget to pack your teabags!

I would highly recommend the IWT visa to anybody looking for a new experience and a chance to learn about life in the States and about yourself. I loved it so much I might even do it again! Have fun!- Washington DC