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By: Abigail Graszl of InterExchange From researching cell cytotoxicity in a molecular biology lab to having technical discussions with electrical engineers, Career Training USA interns and trainees are completing amazing programs in STEM (that’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics)! InterExchange is a proud partner of the BridgeUSA Early Career STEM Research Initiative, and these programs strengthen international connections and contribute to the flow of ideas across continents. We recently caught up with some of our female participants to see how their time in the U.S. helped further their careers in these traditionally male-dominated fields. Eva K. Molecular Biology Eva K. from Germany…

By Marcellin Niset, J-1 Secondary School Student from Belgium This story was originally featured on Rotary Voices The Italian-American author and actress Vanna Bonta wrote, “There’s no hospitality like understanding.” That quote stuck with me as a Rotary Youth Exchange student to Alaska in 2015-16. I arrived in Alaska, a wilderness filled with beauty and love, determined to make my exchange purposeful and beneficial for myself, my host community, and the world. An exchange is not only about a student going abroad, it is about all the people that make this exchange possible, and the ones that are impacted, directly…

The State Department is serious about relationship building with our exchange participants. That’s why we support alumni networks around the world. Recently, many of our embassies have increased efforts to engage participants from J-1 privately-funded jexchanges, so that the investment participants have made in their futures can be leveraged through association with other participants. We are excited to include these participants in our long-term alumni networks and outreach, and have seen much interest from participants to stay in touch with our embassies overseas. Today, I’d like to share a successful alumni engagement effort by the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava, Slovakia.…

“International exchanges – especially those for young people taking the first steps of their professional lives – are strong and life changing experiences. It’s important to keep the international connections you make during an exchange alive because they have a powerful impact on your life, as well as others. Let’s face it, at the heart of it, international exchanges are about the relationships you make and maintain.” This is one of the messages that I emphasized during my keynote address at the 69th annual International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE) Conference in Prague. IAESTE is…

As the cold settles in here in Washington, D.C. and the Northeastern United States, I want to revisit summer. My colleague Travis Parsley made a visit to Wayne County, Pennsylvania, during summer camp season. I will let Travis take it from here. Enjoy. “It’s the whole shebang!” That’s precisely how Lathaniel Dyer, a J-1 camp counselor from the United Kingdom, described his feelings about Camp Summit. I thought that was a strange response, until I spent some time at the simultaneously tranquil and high octane camps in Wayne County, Pennsylvania. J-1 camp counselors have to dial up the enthusiasm to…

Who needs water? During last Sunday’s grueling New York City Marathon almost EVERYONE needed water, and – especially between mile markers 17 and 22 – there was a good chance the smiling person with the extended hand offering water and Gatorade was a J-1 Exchange Visitor. Many of my U.S. State Department colleagues, including staff from our ECA New York Program Branch, had a unique opportunity to join nearly 870 J-1 Exchange Visitors, from 15 different program categories, as they volunteered at the annual New York City Marathon. The State Department J-1 team was part of more than 10,000 volunteers…

While everyone in New York at this time of year shares the sweet anticipation of the upcoming Halloween festivities, for more than 50,000 runners from 135 countries it also means gearing up for a different kind of sweet treat: the proud accomplishment of completing the NYC Marathon. Among the 10,000 volunteers helping out at the world’s largest marathon on Sunday, you will find more than 850 of our J-1 participants. Experiencing the American tradition of volunteerism first hand, they will distribute water, cheer on athletes from their home countries, and share their cultures with their fellow volunteers and the runners.…

Young people always dream about what they will be when they grow up. Will they bring about world peace? Will they end poverty? Will they win an Oscar for their moving documentary? Will they invent the next big thing that radically changes technology? Here in the J-1 world, we jump out of our seats and cheer each time the J-1 internship program brings those young dreamers closer to their life-changing goals. It is a noisy place around here. I took Route J-1 to California’s Silicon Valley recently, where the world’s most innovative tech companies are hosting J-1 interns and turning dreams…

This week, I wrote a State Department blog outlining a few things you should know about the J-1 Visa program, in hope of reaching a larger audience. While the program is well known abroad and to the readers of Route J-1, many Americans are unaware of the amazing work being done by J-1 participants. So, how much do you know about our J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program? Check out the full blog for answers to these questions and more: How likely is it that an American has been impacted by the J-1 program? Why do international students tell us they…

Autumn begins this week, and with the change in seasons we have closed out our concentrated summer monitoring and travel for 2015. Route J-1 will continue, of course, so keep checking in. I want to close out summer 2015 with a report from the Outer Banks of North Carolina (OBX for short), a popular summer destination for Washingtonians and those from the North Carolina Research Triangle. OBX’s natural sandy beaches stretch for miles and miles, and offer a beautiful place to reconnect with family and forget about work. Part of the reason OBX is such a wonderful experience is the…

Recently, my colleagues Ethan Bursofsky and Julia Saltzman joined more than 200 J-1 lifeguards, their sponsor, and host employer representatives at a Washington Nationals game to experience a great American pastime: baseball. Baseball is deeply rooted in U.S. culture, and has a unique place in American history. For many D.C. residents, a summer Nat’s game is a season staple. Yet for the J-1 participants that attended the Washington Nationals game against the New York Mets on a recent summer evening, almost everything about the game was new. Peter, a lifeguard from Bulgaria said he had never seen a stadium as…

In addition to the rodeo, my colleagues Stacey Gomelsky and Nadine Zaatar also made their way to Yellowstone National Park, the second leg of their tour of Wyoming. You can read about their visits with J-1 exchange visitors at this famous and historic location. You have likely heard of the unparalleled scenic views of the Yellowstone National Park that span three western states and more than 3,400 square miles (that is the states of Delaware and Rhode Island combined!).  Yellowstone is home to the “Old Faithful” natural geyser, a famous geological marvel and a star attraction at our nation’s oldest…

Earlier this summer, my colleagues Stacey Gomelsky and Nadine Zaatar traveled to Wyoming, where they attended a rodeo event with J-1 participants.  You can read all about it below. Wyoming is a state best known for its diverse ecosystems of scenic mountain ranges interspersed with sparkling rivers and alpine lakes, vast green landscapes stretching to the horizon, free-ranging herds of bison, and frequent human encounters with bears.  Wyoming is also known for its enduring “Western spirit,” which for Americans summons images of pioneers heading across the open range into the new frontier of early America. A group of 25 Summer…

J-1 Exchange Visitor Programs leave a lasting impression on both participants and host communities. I see it everywhere I go. This year, I was excited to meet four amazing participants who have dreamed of building their skills in the United States, but needed some assistance to make their dreams a reality. Through an innovative new program developed by their sponsor, these four received scholarships to participate in the SWT program – and are now excelling in their respective placements. The scholarship idea was a way to support stellar participants from countries that have historically lower participant levels in the program.…

For the past few years, a number of sponsors across the country, in partnership with the Alliance, have encouraged their participants to take a whole day – or even a few hours – and participate in something bigger than all of us, giving back while having fun. Called, “J Day”, it has become a tradition, and is a part of the broader emphasis on cultural activities within the Summer Work Travel program. Yesterday, people across the country used the hashtags #CelebrateJDay and #eatplaygive and showed us some of the amazing ways J-1 participants impact U.S. communities. 10,152 meals packaged! Thank…

As I wrote from Florida, I am on the lookout for J-1s wherever I go this summer. While up in New England visiting family last week, I made my way to the iconic Mt. Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. A living history book, it opened in 1902 as a luxury summer residence for wealthy city dwellers who were carried by train almost straight to the hotel doors. Nestled in the White Mountains, it is a popular destination for hikers, as well as ghost hunters, international monetary policy wonks, and J-1 Summer Work Travelers and Trainees. Diego Fernando López de…

Last week, my colleague Grace Cho joined me for a visit to the Shenandoah National Park and wrote about our visit below. Happy reading! Shenandoah National Park is a truly breathtaking terrain nestled in the heart of the Virginia Appalachians.  Established in 1935, it welcomes approximately 1.2 million visitors annually, who come to explore its mountain landscape, lush forests, and waterfalls. Travelers journey from the world over to find refreshment – and quaint and rustic lodging – at Shenandoah’s Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge. Some of those world travelers are J-1 Interns and Summer Work Travel participants.  Last week,…

In this post, my State Department colleague Stacey Gomelsky describes her recent experience volunteering with J-1 Au Pairs in Washington, D.C.  (Photo credits to Yupa Khin Nyunt.) “We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill More and more, J-1 participants are involved in volunteer activities while on their U.S. programs. That certainly is true for J-1 au pairs. Recently, we joined nearly 200 J-1 au pairs, their au pair sponsor representatives, and staff from the Renaissance Washington D.C. Downtown Hotel to package meals to be sent to children…

Route J-1’s subtext is “Discovering the World in Your Hometown” because of the sheer number of hosting communities all across the United States. People are often astonished to learn that the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program bridges communities in all 50 states with participants from 200 countries around the world. Two hundred! In every state! Our website’s handy tool allows you to see how many participants are currently on program in each state. The EVP brings to life international cultures and faraway countries for the American public. These days, as a part of my vacation preparation routine, I check to see…

The Fourth of July, U.S. Independence Day, is quite often the highlight of the J-1 summer, and the holiday leaves a strong impression on our visitors. We love to hear stories of participants being invited to experience the diverse ways in which Americans celebrate this important holiday.  This year, we asked our Summer Work Travel and Camp Counselor sponsors to share some of their favorite Fourth of July moments.  Below is a montage of some of them. These photos illustrate the cultural exchange that happens in neighborhoods all across the country, thanks to the phenomenal exchange visitors and support by…

In this post, my State Department colleague, Nadine Zaatar, describes her recent visit to Block Island, RI, where she met with the local community and J-1 exchange visitors. J-1 Summer Work Travel participants are lucky to call Block Island home. A truly picturesque isle off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island is home to over 200 Summer Work Travel (SWT) participants from 19 countries each summer. Block Island also happens to be the home of a volunteer community group with the mission of embracing these participants who help keep the island running during the busiest season. I met with…

As you read this, J-1 SWT participants are landing in airports across the United States and heading to their summer destinations. Some are with friends, some on their own--all with unique expectations. I often remark about how ambitious, outgoing, and ready these students are for adventure. However, I want to see them coming on the program fully prepared for what lies ahead. I know from my own overseas experiences that flying across the world for a brand new experience without proper preparation and expectation-setting can bring on a strong case of nerves, even for the most seasoned traveler. Post-arrival orientations…

I loved being up in New York to kick off  the second summer Route J-1 roadtrip. After a day of inspiration at Liberty Island, I headed upstate to Bear Mountain, NY.  Just an hour or so outside of the Big Apple, and you are in pristine nature. Since 1984, this beautiful place has been the home of a special camp called, Camp Homeward Bound. Created by the Coalition for the Homeless, CHB is the nation’s first summer sleep-away camp designed specifically for homeless kids in the New York shelter system.  Camp director, Beverly McEntarfer, told me that nearly 40 percent…

It is now officially summer! This means that I have packed my bags and am hitting Route J-1 for a summer road trip once again.  My staff will be joining in the adventure, and we look forward to showcasing the extraordinary J-1 participants who will make the United States their home this summer.  Like last year, I decided to kick off the summer version of my road trip in New York City. For young people, New York evokes a desire to dream big, so it is the perfect place to start.  For the past 130 years, a special lady has been…

I was about to post a new blog from New York City kicking off my 2015 Route J-1 summer road trip, but that will have to wait. Today, we are all taking a moment to pay tribute to the Irish J-1 students who lost their lives, and those who were critically injured, when a balcony collapsed in Berkeley, California yesterday. The positive impact of the J-1 Summer Work Travel program on Irish society is simply a fact. I know this firsthand. Last year, I posted a State Department blog post from Dublin, where I met alumni from many generations whose…

The U.S.-Mexico Internship Exchange Program – as chronicled in previous posts (see Mexico MOU Signing Ceremony) – is a central pillar in the bilateral strategy to vastly increase two-way exchanges between our countries. The strength of our relationship and the excitement on both sides of the border to increase cooperation on exchanges encouraged us to try something new. We worked closely with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, the Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Affairs, and their academic and government partners to arrange a study tour for interested J-1 designated intern sponsors to visit Mexico City and Puebla, Mexico. Our goal…

French Class Poster, Haynes Academy of Advanced Studies, New Orleans, Louisiana The French influence in New Orleans, Louisiana is world-renowned. The cuisine, music, and architecture reflect the city’s roots and rich multicultural heritage. And, thanks to some very dedicated teachers who are in the United States as part of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, French and American youth have the unique opportunity to further explore each other’s culture online and in-person. Ms. Maiwena Gadegbeku, an English and drama teacher from France’s Brittany region, is a dynamo of energy, creativity, and cultural exchange. I saw her in action at Haynes Academy…

Earlier this year, I met Gaby Olimon, a wildlife biologist and J-1 Trainee from Ensenada, Mexico, at Grand Canyon National Park. In addition to her on-the-ground training to run wildlife protection and educational programs at the park,Grand Canyon’s distance learning program allows Gaby to multiply her experience by connecting with classrooms around the United States. During the last academic year, the program reached 4,078 students from California to New Jersey in 26 different states. Gaby spent the past year uniquely contributing to the Canyon's distance learning by conducting educational programs in Spanish. By combining lessons about wildlife preservation with reinforcement of language skills, Gaby allows Grand Canyon's…

Earlier this fall, 15 J-1 interns and trainees gathered inside the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York City to meet with my boss, Assistant Secretary Evan Ryan.  As Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, she oversees all U.S. exchange programs, and she has made it her goal to meet as many international exchange visitors as possible.  She recorded her impressions of their experiences in the post below. One of the greatest benefits of my job is getting to know exchange visitors from around the world.  I have heard incredible life stories and grand…

Are you a current or hopeful J-1 exchange visitor interested in attending a university in the United States, or even just visiting a campus?  Many J-1 designated sponsors arrange campus visits to U.S. universities for exchange visitors on their programs.  Whether or not you dream of studying here, your proximity to an American university campus offers a really fun opportunity.  My colleague, Deb Shetler, took a campus tour in Madison, Wisconsin with a group of Summer Work Travel (SWT) students this summer doing just that.  Posting this story gives me the chance to highlight a wonderful State Department resource called…

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. Two weeks ago, I joined the…

What do you get when you cross semiconductor chips with American cultural diplomacy? Thirty engineers from China and the Philippines joining their American supervisors in some good old fashioned back to school volunteerism! I visited Phoenix during the third leg of this summer’s Route J1, and stopped in at Intel to join their international trainees in a corporate volunteer activity. Intel is a long-standing J-1 Intern and Trainee host, and they have challenged themselves to create robust and diverse cultural offerings for their J-1 trainees. The Intel training program draws from individuals working at their locations in other countries. Through the J-1 Exchange…

After a few stunning days at Grand Canyon National Park, I headed for Sedona, Arizona. It was so hard to leave the awesome beauty of Grand Canyon, so I was thankful to be heading nearby to Sedona to enjoy the spectacular red rocks before ending this leg of Route J-1. Enchantment Resort in Sedona has hosted J-1 Summer Work Travel students for many years. With a full staff of about 500 American employees, they hosted around 20 international students in the Summer Work Travel program this summer, and two culinary interns. I went to have a firsthand look at how…

There are times when certain individuals capture your heart and inspire you. Two young J-1 Summer Work Travel (SWT) participants I recently met at Grand Canyon National Park showed me – in living color – what a can-do, entrepreneurial spirit really looks like, and how lucky we are that such motivated and impressive individuals regularly choose to take part in J-1 programs. Eliada Miron is an extraordinary young woman from Romania who spent this summer working in the reception department at the Yavapai Lodge. I had the privilege of spending some one-on-one time with Eliada and it only took a…

In this post, my colleague, Molly Dillon, shares her experience during her recent trip to San Francisco. How does spending your summer surrounded by delicious chocolate, the breezy Pacific, and the bustling city of San Francisco sound? For Ecaterina, a Summer Work Travel participant from Romania, that sounded like the perfect way to spend a few months of her summer break. Ecaterina lives within walking distance of the Original Ghirardelli Chocolate Manufactory, which makes for an easy and enjoyable commute to work. Being surrounded by chocolate five times a week is tempting, so the walk to work also comes in handy…

Greetings from Ashby, Minnesota (population = 456). The people in this scenic small town in the Minnesota lakes district will give you a huge hug and welcome you home for supper. I came here to celebrate “Ashby Appreciation Day” with town residents and J-1 international interns and trainees from Brazil, Ukraine, Haiti, El Salvador, Mexico, Georgia, Moldova, Germany, and Switzerland. One of our sponsors brilliantly took advantage of the celebration and organized a weekend festival for their students to simultaneously introduce them to local residents. It was a sweet mix! The local residents and international trainees competed together and cheered…