Route J-1

A/S Ryan with J-1 interns and trainees inside the UN building in New York City

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 plans for changing the world during these meetings.  The 15 remarkable J-1 interns and trainees I met in New York carried on that tradition. In this group of 15, they represented 12 different countries including Serbia, Uganda, and Argentina. What a slice of the world!

I found myself carried away by the positive energy in the room as our conversation moved along. One woman talked about her new Americanized English, another about her new workplace confidence and voice, and yet another about her boss valuing her contributions. I heard their careers plans and ambitions, ideas for start-ups and – what impressed me most – the concrete ways they intended to share their new skills with others.

Our J-1 intern and trainee programs provide effective avenues for young people with that entrepreneurial spirit to get started on their ambitious life plans. When these young people described their prestigious placements, I honestly wanted to trade places. They were training with U.S. technology and management companies, fashion houses, architecture firms, theaters, and health policy organizations – such diverse and important fields.

J-1 interns and trainees sharing about their exchange experiences in New York City

These young participants seemed to be pinching themselves each day for being placed in New York City – the cultural and financial capital of the world.  The unique “melting pot” quality had seeped into their skins and forever changed their outlooks. I love that quality about New York as well, and for people from a different environment, the diversity of cultures in a small space tends to be one of the most lasting impressions. One intern noted that she was learning a lot about tolerance, inclusion, and respect for diversity.  Another young man told me that he planned to move to a different borough every month so he could take full advantage of the diversity of experiences New York City has to offer. That’s an energy I can’t match!

This roundtable allowed me to see that our J-1 intern and trainee exchanges are doing exactly what they were designed to do by bringing driven and dynamic young people to the United States to contribute to a workplace while furthering their professional skills and learning about our country. It’s a true win-win.

A/S Ryan’s roundtable meeting with J-1 interns and trainees

Categories: J-1 Visa, Participants, Program Spotlight