9 Reasons You Should Absolutely Go On A J1 To San Francisco

Going on a J1 is one of the best decisions you'll ever make in your life. It's a summer full of making new friends, experiencing a different culture and mostly having the craic. For a lot of people, it's their first time living away from home and learning how to survive by yourself.

Although you're more than likely living in a single bed room with 6 other people, you're having so much fun it doesn't even bother you. However there's something special about one J1 destination in particular – San Francisco. It's one of the most culture-rich cities in the US, and isn't like anything you've ever seen before.

Whether it's cycling across the Golden Gate bridge, hitting up Pappy's in Berkeley or star-gazing in the Planetarium, San Francisco is the best place to head on your J1.

1. The minimum wage is UNREAL

Since July, the minimum wage has risen to $13 an hour. Although as a waiter or waitress you might get below minimum wage if you get tips, this means people working in retail or hospitality can have a great income too.

2. Being able to live in Berkeley

Most people work in San Francisco and live in Berkeley. As a Chinese girl I was working with once said, 'Berkeley is to Irish people like Chinatown is to Chinese.' All the Irish live there and to be honest, there's always something happening.

3. Pappy's and Kips

These places deserve a point on their own. If you're looking for a cheap night out these are the places to go. Pappy's and Kips are both located on the same street, Telegraph Avenue and are hot spots for a bit of craic. There's always cheap drinks, dancing and cringe-worthy throwback music.

4. The hippie culture

Haight and Ashbury in the city is one of the coolest neighbourhoods you'll ever go to. It's where the hippie movement all started and is right opposite Golden Gate park. Expect to see vintage stores, funky cafes and real-life hippies wearing tie-dye t-shirts.

5. It's not too hot when working outdoors

Being honest, San Francisco is a warmer Ireland that never rains. This is great for outdoor workers who are normally dying in muggy cities like New York, Chicago or even Myrtle Beach. San Francisco is just the right temperature and as long as you have a light jacket you'll be flying.

6. There's such a European culture

There's so much cool things to do. From visiting the Planetarium, chilling with speakers in Dolores park, checking out SFMOMA ( San Francisco Museum Of Modern Art) and renting a bike and cycling around the city.

7. It's one of the only American bike-friendly cities

You're allowed to bring your bike on buses, on the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transport) aka the high-speed train and there are bike lanes all over the city. It's a great way to cut your commute and you can buy a cheap set of wheels on Craigslist.

8. You're so close to Vegas and other Californian cities

There's much more jobs in San Francisco compared to San Diego – that's a fact. However renting a car is so easy so travelling to these cities is a piece of cake.

9. There's a real sense of community

If you live in Berkeley, you'll notice how everyone helps each other out. Whether it's with changing jobs, finding somewhere to live or even just wanting to hang out, the people you'll meet there will be your best friends when you're back in Ireland.