The cubs of the Celtic Tiger are just as keen as their parents were on visas enabling them to work in the US for the summer. But it appears they are more interested in the travel and adventure than the money.
When the J1 visa programme opened on February 2nd, there were queues for three days at the USIT office at Aston Quay, Dublin, and the programme is filling fast.
Ms Aideen Masterson of USIT explained that 10 per cent of the 7,500 visas are available to those who have had one in a previous year.
It was these which were being allocated yesterday. She expected the 750 to be snapped up by the end of the day. "The interest is incredible," she said.
The visas entitle holders to live and work in the US from June 1st to October 19th. Surveys taken by USIT of those who used them last year found they earned on average $3,200 (about £2,000) and that 86 per cent of them spent some of their time travelling in the US, visiting on average four cities.
Given the current shortage of labour in areas like catering, it is likely that most students would earn at least that much money at home, and not be faced with travel costs.
But those queuing for J1 visas seem more interested in the travel and US experience than the money.
Irish students spending their summers in the US are becoming more adventurous, according to Ms Masterson. "While Massachusetts and the east coast are still the most popular destinations, we have students working in places like Alaska, Hawaii, Kentucky and Indiana," she said.