Route J-1

J-1 exchange visitors in front of the New York Public Library during their post-arrival orientation.

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 are turning out to be a popular way to transition participants into their new cultures and communities. Through orientations, sponsors or host employers bring recently-arrived participants together for a program on all the do’s and don’ts, often with cultural orientations and outings, and introductions to new friends from around the world. Through these orientations, exchange visitors review all the information they were given during the months leading up to their programs. Hitting refresh once actually in the United States has proven effective.

While not mandatory, we increasingly see post arrival orientations as a best practice to address important and sensitive topics upfront, such as personal safety and understanding of the environments in which they will be placed. We enjoyed participating in orientations in New York, Boston, and on Block Island earlier this month.

J-1 exchange visitors participate in an orientation program with interactive role playing scenarios and skits to be fully prepared for their SWT experience in the United States.

In New York City, one SWT orientation included a group outing to the social security office, as well as a tour of the New York Public Library.  During an International Camp Counselor session, new participants learned how to succeed in the specific camp environment.  In Rhode Island, two sponsors collaborated to put on interactive presentations, including role-playing customer service scenarios and cultural lessons through skits. As a former camp counselor, I know that a summer program simply would not be complete without skits!

J-1 exchange visitors enjoy a tour of historic and significant locations throughout New York City during their post arrival orientation.

I am so pleased to see the inclusion of post-arrival orientations in J-1 summer programs and to see participants getting excited and well-prepared for their most important jobs -– to grow, learn, share, and enjoy the United States.

Categories: J-1 Visa, Participants, Program Spotlight