Route J-1

New Year’s is a time to reflect and reminisce about the past year and to look to the year ahead with new goals and resolutions. In the spirit of the season, let’s take a moment to reflect on some of the accomplishments of the Exchange Visitor Program over the past year.

• We’ve seen community groups embrace and expand the reach of the program.
• We’ve worked with over 1,420 sponsors (for-profit, non-profit, federal, state, and local government entities) to create the best possible experiences for participants.
• We’ve built new networks with leaders of other countries to strengthen important bilateral relationships and strengthen the program.
• And we’ve provided opportunities for almost 275,000 foreign visitors to experience the United States, its society and culture, while engaging with Americans.

Let’s look back at some of the highlights from this amazing year:

Assistant Secretary Ryan and Under Secretary for North American Affairs for the Government of Mexico Sergio Alcocer sign the Memorandum of Understanding

Establishing the J-1 U.S.-Mexico Internship Exchange Program: This new initiative expands academic exchange internship opportunities for U.S. and Mexican college students and recent graduates. The program will develop a strong regional workforce and further strengthen the robust economic partnership between the United States and Mexico.

J-1 Exchange Visitors hand out water to runners during the NYC Marathon

Exchange Visitors volunteered at the annual New York City Marathon:  Not only were nearly 870 J-1s part of the world’s most famous marathon, but they also connected and worked alongside individuals from many countries and all walks of life. People came together to support the amazing marathon participants as they pushed themselves to the limits.

DAS Lerner and WEST alumni chat during the margins of the 5th anniversary gala event

The WEST Program Turned Five: The U.S. Embassy in Seoul and the Korean Ministry of Education commemorated the five year anniversary of the WEST program by launching an alumni network. This program offers Korean university students English language training and professional internships through J-1 designated sponsors. In the spirit of reciprocity, American students participate in internships in Korea through the Korean Working Holiday Program.

Au pair volunteers sifting rice into bags for meals.

Au Pairs Helped Package Meals for Children in Need: Nearly 200 J-1 au pairs, their au pair sponsor representatives, and staff from the Renaissance Washington D.C. Downtown Hotel packaged meals to be sent to children in need around the world. This unique volunteer event was organized through a partnership between the sponsor and the organization Stop Hunger Now.

DAS Lerner Sitting on a panel during the “Building Bridges: Strengthening Educational & Citizen Exchange Linkages” symposium

The Exchange Community Discussed People-to-People Engagement with Cuba: The U.S. Department of State held a symposium at George Washington University, in Washington, D.C., on “Building Bridges: Strengthening Educational & Citizen Exchange Linkages,” following the opening of official diplomatic relations with Cuba.  The symposium brought together individuals and organizations working on exchange programs to discuss new approaches to people-to-people engagement with Cuba.

Check out the next blog posting to see the rest of the 2015 highlights.

In the meantime, sit back and think about your favorite J-1 Exchange Visitor Program memory of the year. Let us know using the #RouteJ1 hashtag what you would add to the list

Categories: Program Spotlight