J1 Student Information
Please review the following information BEFORE you begin making your travel arrangements.
- Stellar Employee Expectations!
We’re thrilled you chose Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park Resort for you Bridge USA – Summer Work and Travel Experience. In order for you to be successful on your program, we expect you to have exceptional English skills. Our desire is that you must be friendly, personable, and consistently bring a SMILE to work! Your uniform should always be clean and we expect you to be well-groomed upon reporting for work.
You only get one chance to make a good first impression!
- Contact Information
Please understand that Mt. Olympus is host to hundreds of Work and Travel students each year. We are always happy to assist you, but please refer to your resources first for the fastest resolution to your questions or concerns.
For general inquiries, please email [email protected]
When emailing with any questions or concerns, please include your full name as it appears on your passport, along with the country you live in and the position you were hired for.
Contact Phone Numbers:
The direct phone for Human Resources is: 1-608-253-8447 (long distance) and 253-8447 (locally)
After hours arrival you may call Mt. Olympus’ front desk: 1-608-254-6871 ext.677 or 1-800-800-4997 (in the U.S. from a pay phone). They will be able to contact Human Resources after business hours if you have an emergency. - What Documents to Bring
Be very careful with all of your travel documents. In order to receive a Social Security Number and to exit the country, you must have your:
Passport
Visa
DS2019
I-94
- Planning Your Arrival
You May Arrive to Wisconsin Dells 1 Day Prior to your DS Start Date*
The contract you signed with your start date and end date are the dates you should be at work. You may arrive to the Dells 1 day prior to your DS start date, but NO later than 5 days from your start date. Do not purchase travel tickets earlier than your last day of work. Most students arrive at the Chicago airport. You will need to take a bus or train to “The Dells”. Please see Travel Tips for more information.
*You can arrive in the US up to 7 days before your start date if you decide to visit other places
Avoid Holidays and Weekends
If you arrive on a holiday or weekend, the entire town could have “No Vacancies”. Traveling on or around these dates will be more expensive and availability will be limited.
Housing Check In Times and Locations
Please see Housing Assignments for detailed information on scheduling your arrival, where to check in to housing based on your Housing Assignment and Time of Arrival.
- Travel Tips
It isn’t easy to get to Wisconsin Dells. Because our town is small, there are only two buses and one train that arrive daily from Chicago. Here are some travel suggestions that should make it a little easier for you.
We suggest you to fly into Chicago, Madison, or Milwaukee. Most international students fly into Chicago O’Hare International Airport and take a public train called Blue Line (“L” train) to the Greyhound Bus Station or Amtrak Train Station.
From Chicago
You can take Greyhound bus or Amtrak train. The least expensive way to get to the bus or train from the Chicago O’ Hare Airport is taking the “L” train. It can cost $2.25 per train, but we recommend purchasing a full day pass (around $5-$10). Please be ready with cash and change, sometimes debit or credit cards are not accepted.
To find where the “L” Train is, look for signs or ask at an information stand (you will usually have to take the elevator to go down). The “L” Train serves O’Hare Airport 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trains operate every few minutes during the day and every 15-30 minutes overnight. You could also take a taxi from the airport, but this would cost you about $40.
Greyhound bus:
The Greyhound bus is located at: 630 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607. Take the CTA blue line to the Clinton Street drop off (approximately 50 minutes). Get off the train and exit the station. Walk one block south on Clinton Street to Harrison Street. Go right on Harrison Street. The Downtown Chicago Greyhound Bus Station will be one block ahead.
Usually it can cost from $50 – 80. Please check the website for an accurate price: https://www.greyhound.com.
Amtrak train:
The Amtrak train is located at: 225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606. Take the Clinton Street drop off also, this place is located at the corner of Canal and Jackson Streets.
Usually it can cost from $40 – $65, and only runs once a day. Please check the website for the current schedule and price: https://www.amtrak.com.
From Milkwaukee
If you arrive in Milwaukee (General Mitchell International Airport), check the Greyhound Bus schedule for their departures to Wisconsin Dells, the bus stop is right at the airport.
From Madison
Although Madison is the closest city, you still have to take a Greyhound bus (4 Collins Ct, Madison, WI 53716) from Madison to Wisconsin Dells so it’s easier and less expensive* to take the bus from Chicago. If you arrive in Madison, taking a taxi from there to the Dells is also an option, but it’s expensive if you are traveling alone.
*Also, the flight tickets are cheaper to Chicago airport, $200 difference in average
What should I do when I arrive at the Dells?
Unless you take a taxi from the airport, you should call a taxi to pick you up at the bus or train station and go to Hiawatha Residence. For detailed information, please see Wisconsin Dells Taxis below.
Additional tips:
1. Check your arrival time because many flights arrive AFTER the last bus or train leaves for “The Dells” and, if that happens, you may have to spend the night in Chicago, Madison, or Milwaukee.
2. For information regarding hostels in the Chicago area, go to: www.hiayh.org or http://www.hostels.com. AGAIN … check your arrival time. If you arrive too late to make a connection and you don’t want to spend the money for a hotel room, the airport is a relatively safe place to stay. Find a comfortable seat and sleep there.
3. DO NOT stay overnight at the bus or train stations, they may not be safe.
4. Be sure to check the departure times, buses and trains are often late.
5. If you need an airport trip, you can pre arrange “I like Mike” – [email protected]. You may get a better price and better service if you notify them of your arrival with plenty of advance notice. Here are some of the options they can offer you:
If you are a single or a group, they can pick you up in Madison (one hour away), Milwaukee (two hours away) or even at the airport in Chicago (three hours away). You will be charged according to group size and distance/miles. I don’t recommend these long-distance pick-ups for a single person because of the cost but if you are comfortable with the expense (usually $100 to $400 or more), it is an option. Larger groups can share the cost.
- Housing Assignments
All Work & Travel students must stay in Mt. Olympus provided housing. This will be at International Residence Hall
International Residence Hall (Formerly Hiawatha Residence Hall)
Address: 200 W Hiawatha Dr., Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm, Saturday – Sunday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm.
Email: [email protected] / Phone: 608-253-0020
Plan to arrive at International Residence Hall Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
*If you are unable to arrive during business hours, you must contact Hiawatha to inform them of your late arrival. A key will be prepared for you that you may pick up at Hiawatha. The following morning, you must report to the Hiawatha Office to check in to your unit and provide the housing deposit and rent.
Communicate your Arrival Date
You must communicate your arrival date and time with International Residence Hall at least 7 days prior to your arrival. Please email [email protected]
Provide Them With:
Your Full Name
Host Company Mt. Olympus
Arrival Date and Estimated Arrival TimeAny roommate requests you may have
Deposit And Rent
Security Deposit is $200 and must be paid 30 days before arrival to guarantee a bed. We will not guarantee a bed if security deposit is not paid. When you sign the lease agreement on-line you will have to pay the deposit with a credit card. In the event that you don’t obtain an approved visa, you will need to send us a proof of visa denial. Upon receipt, IRH will full refund the deposit, however it must be not less than 14 days before schedule arrival. IRH will not provide a refund if you cancel your arrival within 14 days of your scheduled arrival date.
Security deposit will be refunded when the program is completed and the room has no damage and its clean . The security deposit will be refunded to the same credit card that security deposit was paid with.
Rent -$100 a week per person
Administration fee is $75 non-refundable
Laundry Fee is $35 for the length of your program.
- For more information on IRH please refer to the following sources
Roommates
Roommate requests are not guaranteed. IRH will take roommate requests when you communicate your arrival date/time.
Please be considerate of your roommates. Housing will be FULL, when you unpack please keep your belongings in your assigned area. Inspections will take place and fines or eviction will be enforced. Refer to the Housing Contract for rules and expectations.
- When Can I Start Working?
You cannot begin working until your DS2019 Start Date. You can complete orientation/onboarding at Human Resources the day before your DS2019 Start Date. See “Onboarding in Human Resources” below for more information about the process.
- Onboarding in Human Resources
Onboarding
Before starting work, you must attend onboarding at the Human Resources office, located on the 2nd floor at Mt. Olympus Building # 10. You must schedule your onboarding before your arrival using this website: https://calendly.com/orientation23/j1-orientation?month=2023-05
Human Resources Address
Mt. Olympus Resorts, Building 10
1435 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965**You can put this address on Google maps to get there
What Documents to Bring
You must bring your:
- Passport
- Visa
- DS2019
- Social Security Card (if you have one)
- International Residence Hall Room Number
We will then begin your new hire paperwork and orientation. We will also schedule you for a time to get a Social Security Card (if you need one), and with the bank to open a bank account.
- Social Security Cards
Applying for a Social Security Card
A social security trip will be scheduled for you by Human Resources (if you do not already have one when you arrive).
Due to Covid-19, appointments with the social security office are limited. Once scheduled by Human Resources, you will receive your scheduled time by email. We will provide as much notice as possible, but please check your email often!
It is important that you attend the appointment as scheduled. We recommend arriving a little early to allow time to find the location of pick up. If you miss the appointment or if you are late, you will be responsible for providing your own transportation to the social security office. The social security office is located in Portage, WI and is roughly a 30 minute drive from Mt. Olympus Resort.
Things to bring to your appointment:
Passport
DS2019
Social Security Application (Provided to you during Onboarding)
Retrieving your social security card
You will receive an email from Human Resources once your Social Security Card has arrived.
- Bank Accounts and Debit Cards
It is extremely important that you open a bank account as soon as possible once you arrive. If you do not set up a bank account, your last check will be mailed to your sponsor. This process may take weeks or months before you receive your paycheck.
Opening an Account
Depending on your arrival date, Mt. Olympus may schedule a bank meeting for you. This information will provided during onboarding.
If Mt. Olympus does not schedule the bank meeting for you, if you are late or if you miss the scheduled meeting: you will be responsible for setting up an account on your own. We recommend BMO Harris Bank (Downtown Wisc Dells) and Associated Bank ( 750 Viking Drive Reedsburg, WI 53959 (608) 524-1873)
Associated Bank-Website to schedule appointments independantly as well as accessing their online bank: https://www.associatedbank.com/locations/WI/reedsburg/750-viking-dr
Resetting Passwords:
https://digitalbanking.associatedbank.com/#pre-auth/forgot-password
Direct Deposit
Once you have an open account, please provide your account and routing number to Mt. Olympus Human Resources. It can take up to 14 days for direct deposit to become active. In the mean time, you will continue to receive paper checks which can be picked up in your department.
BMO Harris Bank
Address: 502 Broadway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965.
Phone: (608) 254-2514 Do NOT wait until the last minute to open an account.
Resetting Passwords: https://bmoharrisdemos.com/en/course/start/public-resetting-your-password/emulator-public-resetting-your-password/emulator
FAQ: https://www.bmoharris.com/main/personal/digital-banking/faqs/
More demonstrations: https://bmoharrisdemos.com/en/home
- Your First Shift – Where To Go
If you have NOT completed onboarding, please see Onboarding in Human Resources.
You will be provided with the time/date of your first scheduled shift during onboarding. Please report to the appropriate location based on your department.
Map Version 1
https://www.mtolympuspark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/park-map2-2019.pdf
Map Version 2 – Interactive
Room Attendants, Houseperson, Hotel General Cleaner, PM Housekeeping
1st Floor, Building 10: 1435 Wisconsin Dells Pkwy, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Lifeguards
Indoor Waterpark, Building 1 (Connected to Hotel Rome via Skywalk): 1701 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Ride Attendants, Tickets, Park General Cleaners
Park Break Room, located behind the Indoor Theme Park (Parthenon/Shops at Mt. Olympus): 1701 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Front Desk
Front Desk, Building 39: 655 North Frontage Rd., Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
Retail / Barista
Kafe Opa, Hotel Rome: 1701 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965
- Checking In With SEVIS
Please wait until you arrive at Mt. Olympus Human Resources before you check in with SEVIS or your sponsor. SEVIS requires you to add your room number to the address. You will not have this information until you arrive at Mt. Olympus Human Resources and are assigned to housing. If you do not have this information, this will cause problems and you may be denied a social security card.
- Wisconsin Dells Taxis
Wisconsin Dells does not have public transportation systems such as a bus or trolley, but taxis and uber are available in the Wisconsin Dells Area.
Wisconsin Dells Taxi – 1-608-253-7433
http://www.wisconsindellstaxi.comCity Taxi – 1-608-448-1818 (Mon-Fri) | Also available by WhatsApp
http://www.dellscitytaxi.business.site/ - Packages and Mail
There is a $5 handling fee for each package received due at pick up. If you are ordering things on-line or expecting packages from home, this is the procedure that you must follow. If you don’t follow this procedure, your package will be returned to the sender.
Packages should be sent to:
Mt. Olympus (Your Name)
1435 Wisconsin Dells Parkway
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 USA - Mt. Olympus Uniform Requirements
These are the uniform requirements for all departments.
Please review the suggested items you should bring with you.
Some items can be purchased locally, but remember there are thousands of students arriving and you may have difficulties finding your size.
Housekeeping (Room Attendant, Laundry, Runner, Houseman, Hotel General Cleaners)
Your uniform shirt will be issued. If you choose to wear a shirt under your uniform it must be solid black or white.
You will need to provide your own:
- Solid black shoes (closed toe, comfortable, sneakers suggested)
- Black socks
- Solid black pants or shorts (just above the knee)
- Belt
Housekeeping Department Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MTOHouse
Lifeguard
Your uniform will be issued. You will need to provide your own water shoes, sandals or flip flops.
Link to the Mt. Olympus Lifeguard Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/200221856677155/
Theme Park (Rides, Tickets, Park General Cleaners, Retail)
Your uniform shirt will be issued. If you choose to wear a shirt under your uniform it must be solid black or white.
You will need to provide your own:
- Solid black shoes (closed toe, comfortable, sneakers suggested)
- Black socks
- Black pants
- NO BLACK DENIM JEAN, LEGGINGS OR YOGA PANTS
Theme Park Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mtotp
Front Desk (Reservations)
Your uniform shirt will be issued. If you choose to wear a shirt under your uniform it must be solid black or white.
You will need to provide your own:
- Solid black shoes (closed toe, comfortable, sneakers suggested)
- Black socks
- Solid black pants or shorts (just above the knee)
- Belt
- Lifeguard Department Information
Link to the Mt. Olympus Lifeguard Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/200221856677155/
Request to join
Once accepted, please click on the “Docs” tab as pictured below. You are expected to read through and understand each of the docs within 2 weeks of your employment. You can also check your schedule; find subs by posting on the wall, etc.
Questions?
Email Troy Loferski, Waterpark Manager: [email protected]
- In Case of Emergency – Dial 911
In an emergency, dial 911 or your local emergency number immediately. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department or ambulance.
After Returning Home
- Reset Your Dayforce Password
- Company: mto
- Username: your employee number
- Password: the password you created upon hire
You will be required to change your password
- Must use one capital letter
- Must use one lower case letter
- Must use numbers
- Must be at least 8 characters long
- Do not use any part of your name
- Earning Statements and W2 Form
Log into your Dayforce Account on a DESKTOP computer (do not use mobile devices)
Website: www.dayforcehcm.com
Retrieving your Earning Statements:
- Click on Earnings
- Click on the Earning Statement you would like to print
- Click on Statement
- Click on Print
Retrieving your W2:
- Click on Year End Forms
- Click on 2023 W-2 – Mt. Olympus….
- Click Print
- You will not be able to get your W2 for 2023 until January 31, 2024.
- Returning In 2024
If you would like to return next year, Mt. Olympus Human Resources will send a Google Form Link one month after your end of contract to all eligible participants. There will be a deadline to complete the form in order to return the following year. Completing this form does not guarantee you a position the following year.
You will need to contact your local agency to let them know you are interested in returning.
If you are eligible for rehire, we will fill out your self-placed job offer and email it back to you. (CCUSA, Interexchange, and CIEE). If you are an AAG or Intrax participant we will email them your information.
BE PATIENT – Last year we had over 300 self-placed job offers to process. The faster you get us your information the sooner we can start the process
If you need to cancel and are not able to come on the program, please notify us IMMEDIATELY
DEADLINE to let us know you would like to return in 2024/2025:
Summer Participants- October 07, 2023
Winter Participants- March 28th, 2024
Spring Participants- June 15th, 2024
After you receive your self-placed job offer, keep us informed of any changes.