SAYIT
The 'other' student travel company in Ireland. Setup as a rival to USIT, it also offers the same package at basically the same price. Handy to know if you go to Trinity or if you live in Cork!

Student Loans
Its probably a little late for you now, but it is nice to know that there are loans available to students out there who wish to go on the J1. This could also apply now if you wanted to go to the states on a 'holiday' visa. The loan requires a guarantor, usually a parent or guardian.
This link is also useful though for when you return because one of the taxback services available will loan your money to you until they get it back from the US government. I will go into more detail in this later when you are all returning home.
USIT
 

ID
Getting a US driving license or ID
Click on the map to find your local DMV where you will be able to get an American ID whether you drive or not. Depending on the documentaion required, you may be able to get one if you are not yet 21 by using 'irregular' methods.

 

Message Boards
Students and J1's Message Board
You need to register as a member of Irish Abroad to post a message, but it's free! If you're bringing a lap-top with you, you can also register with the free ISP before you go.

 

San Diego Netlinks
San Diego Insider
All you need to know about what is going on in San Diego. All the news, entertainment, beach reports, surf and weather reports and much more...

 

San Fran Netlinks
Johnny Foleys
Irish pub in San Francisco. Only two years old. I was there the day it opened. Has Bewleys feel to the decor but the atmosphere is only rapid! If you become a regular here for the Summer then you'll have a good time. The perfect place to lay the foundations of a good night out.

San Fran Info
Basically, the complete website for San Fran. Everything from jobs to accommodation here. Also other stuff like news and things of little interest to a J1 student.

San Fran GAA
All the GAA info you need for San Francisco and more. Schedules, clubs, results and other links.

San Francisco Weather
Although I have experienced the weather in San Fran and would say that it is not Californian in the least, I will give you the opportunity to see for yourselves. Basically, if you are going away for the weather don't go to San Fran. Ireland will have the same weather. However, go inland, north or south a few miles and you will easily appreciate that San Fran is a strange anomally as far as weather is concerned in California.