Route J-1

By Rachel Atterbury, Program Manager, International Culture & Career Exchange

Four teams, three picnic tables, two hot dogs=one great afternoon!

On Saturday, June 11, the hardworking interns packed their reusable bags to the brims with debris left out on the lovely Junipero Beach, which is located 20 miles south of Los Angeles, California. We partnered with an awesome, non-profit organization Surfrider Foundation who guided us in the shore clean up and many local volunteers also helped rid the litter from the soft sand. The bags holding the rubbish were weighed at the conclusion of the clean-up which was then used in the city’s statistical data for future studies. The waste collection certainly made us more conscious about how we need to pay closer attention to restoring our surroundings to their natural beauty.

Karolina, Lead Activity Coordinator (Front) & J-1 interns from Korea work together in gathering the litter scattered on the beach.

After an early morning roll-call for the interns, we hosted a get-together at a nearby park overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The air was filled with the delicious scents from chicken on the grill as we all gathered at the table for a harmonious lunch. We talked about the interns’ home countries and what they enjoyed about living in the United States. Finishing up our food, a large round of frisbee began. We followed that up with a handful of icebreaking games in order to get to know one another a little bit more. Jumping around and creating bizarre noises started our afternoon on a high note.

J-1 interns from the Philippines & Korea pose with young American students (in tie-dye) as they help one another in picking up the beach debris.

We then separated into four teams and were given pamphlets about the causes and effects of marine pollution. Protecting the aquatic environment was the entire theme of our event called “Blue Ocean.” Friendly competition commenced when we were given the tasks to create a slogan and drawing highlighting our fight for marine preservation.

Team 1 developed this slogan on ocean preservation: “Don’t Be a Fool, Recycling is Cool!”

Team 2 invented this catchphrase about clean water: “Think Blue and Go Green”

Team 3 created this saying about ocean pollution: “Clean Ocean, Better Lives”

Team 4 designed this expression about shoreside clean-up: “Keep the Motion in the Ocean, Do the Right Action!”

ICCE J-1 interns collaborating on a team slogan & drawing the summation of
what Blue Ocean means to them.

We were very involved with our teammates and were able to share countless laughs and learn about each other. Later, there was an egg race including positive reinforcement from our team members and loud cheering.

We certainly had a superb turnout for this event and overall a great experience. Luckily, we captured many moments through photographs and videos. Be sure to check out Facebook to see what fun we had!

 Note: This story originally appeared on the International Culture & Career Exchange Inc. website

Categories: Program Spotlight