Route J-1

Irish J-1 alumni at the “J-1 Connect” event, hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Dublin, Ireland

J-1 exchanges have had a lasting influence on Irish society.  As highlighted in my post in the State Department’s official blog, Irish officials estimate that some 150,000 Irish citizens have participated in J-1 programs since the Exchange Visitor Program officially began.  The net result is a group of influential members of Irish society across a broad range of sectors, including government, academics, arts, culture, sports and business, that all have a very special connection to the United States.  This is definitely something to celebrate so I am pleased to report we did just that.

Charge d’affaires of U.S. Embassy Dublin Stuart Dwyer introducing Irish Deputy Prime Minister Joan Burton, a J-1 alum

Two weeks ago, I joined the U.S. Embassy in Dublin, Ireland to commemorate the legacy of J-1 exchange programs during a day-long celebration called, “J-1 Connect.”  This innovative event brought together alumni of all ages to share their J-1 experiences and to participate in seminars about pursuing higher education, social media, entrepreneurship, and traveling in the United States.  Irish Deputy Prime Minister Joan Burton joined the celebration and recounted her experience as a Summer Work Travel (SWT) participant in Chicago, Illinois some years ago.  She told us she will never forget how much she learned during that summer and the friends she made from all over the world.  Ms. Burton continues to remain in touch with these friends today.

DAS Robin Lerner and the panel of prominent Irish J-1 alumni (Left to Right: Dave Fanning, RTE Radio Presenter; Alan Brogan, Dublin GAA Footballer; DAS Robin Lerner; Deputy Sean Sherlock T.D., Irish Minister of State; Stuart Dwyer, Charge d’affaires of U.S. Embassy Dublin; John Hegarty, former Provost of Trinity College; Cian Hughes, Head of Operations of the Irish Technology Leaders Group; and Michelle Darmody, Restaurant Owner and Weekly Columnist for “The Irish Examiner”.)

I had the pleasure of joining a panel of distinguished alumni whose J-1 programs can be traced back to as early as the 1960s.  Michelle Darmody, a well-known Dublin restaurateur and columnist, also former SWT participant, credits her successful career in the food industry to her J-1 exchange experience.  Michelle explained that she learned a great deal about the ins and outs of American customer service and ethics during her summers in the United States.  The panel also included other Irish notables, such as a professional football player from the Dublin Gaelic Athletic Association and former Provost of the prestigious Trinity College.  Oh, and I would be remiss to fail to mention the moderator for this panel, the famous Dave Fanning.  Mr. Fanning, a J-1 alum, is the biggest name in Irish radio and a well-known pal of the beloved Irish rock band, U2.  This impressive group confirmed that the J-1 EVP attracts a diversity of individuals, and starts their path toward success.  

Prominent J-1 alum Dave Fanning, a famous radio personality in Ireland and friend of the Irish rock band U2

One alum who participated in the J-1 EVP in 1969 shared one of the most touching stories I’ve yet heard.  Terry Murray went to Cape Cod, Massachusetts for his J-1 exchange where he stayed with a married couple—Mr. and Mrs. Allen.  After the program ended, he returned to Dublin and remained very close with Mr. and Mrs. Allen, exchanging letter upon letter until 1995, when the Allens both passed.  To his great surprise, he received a special delivery from their family shortly after—a package of all the letters he had sent them over the years.  Mr. and Mrs. Allen had treasured and saved each and every one in a box.  He now had a record of this enduring relationship and the various phases of his life over the years written in his very own words.  I couldn’t create a more perfect tale to describe the very essence of people-to-people exchange.

Collection of letters saved by J-1 alum Terry Murray’s host mom, Mrs. Allen, from Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Towards the end of the “J-1 Connect” celebrations, I announced the winners of a photo contest held by the U.S. Embassy.  This contest invited all former Irish SWT participants to submit photos they had taken while living, working, and traveling throughout the United States.   I marveled at their talent and the ingenious and creative ways these J-1 alums had captured their experiences in the United States.  Much like these photos that will be enjoyed for years to come, the J-1 experience has an enduring impact in the lives of participants from Ireland and countries all over the world. 

“A Dream Summer” taken by SWT alum Joanne McDonaugh in Florida

“Taking over Times Square” taken by SWT alum Gordon Harty in New York | “Watching with Awe as the Sun Sets Behind the Imposing Manhattan Skyline” taken by SWT alum Gearoid Gibbs in New York

“Tour de San Diego” taken by SWT alum Elimear Feeney in California | “University of Notre Dame #Go Irish” taken by SWT alum Ruaidhri O’Dowd in Indiana

Categories: J-1 Visa, Participants, Program Spotlight