Route J-1

Panoramic view of Block Island, Rhode Island

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.

Block Island

I met with members of Block Island’s local community and exchange visitors. I was thrilled to learn that the local residents had taken a keen interest in the international students and wanted to do more to integrate them into their community. Block Island host employers, program sponsors, and local support services have worked with the International Student Workers Coalition and the International Student Center (ISC) to build a strong foundation of support for the island’s participants. This new coalition has worked hard to encourage and develop cross-cultural activities for both local residents and exchange visitors.

For example, community members have volunteered their time and culinary skills to provide two free dinners each week for exchange visitors, hosted by the Harbor Church. The ISC has also recently renovated their recreation room at the Harbor Church, which now offers free Wi-Fi and activities like basketball, volleyball, and ping-pong. Most importantly for cultural exchange, the ISC encourages exchange visitors to volunteer in their host communities. The ISC is currently working on a mentorship program that would facilitate an exchange of cultural traditions and values between these visitors and island residents.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Ecaterina Albu from Moldova dresses a mannequin at a local shop, Wild Flowers.	Goran Ristic from Bosnia and Herzegovina makes a taco for a diner at the Oar.

As a secluded isle, Block Island is different from most east coast beach towns, which is why the development of a community group is so special. Challenges of island life there include limited access to services, as many are only available by ferry or plane. Understanding these challenges, the community is engaged and ready to ensure exchange visitors become acclimated and immersed in the island’s way of life. Block Island truly sets an excellent example for all of us to follow.

Exchange visitors enjoy a presentation hosted by the International Student Workers Coalition.

Categories: J-1 Visa, Participants, Program Spotlight