Route J-1

By SunJeong Lee, Client Relations Officer, Cultural Vistas

This story was originally published on the Cultural Vistas Blog

Salima Ismaylova, a J-1 trainee from Azerbaijan, poses here with her extended American family: “This is a picture of all the amazing people I spend my life here with. This is a huge family who embraced me the way I am, full and complete.”

Recently, exchange visitors were asked how their perceptions of America had changed after living, working, studying, and traveling in the United States for their J-1 exchange program.

While always a work in progress, many exchange visitors were amazed at how diverse cultures coexist in the United States.

“I was not aware of the incredible diversity in workplaces and in the community here. It has taught me a lot – and it’s a part of the reason that I’m so thankful for coming here,” said an intern from Örebro in Sweden.

A French intern from Paris added: “U.S. culture is way richer and more complex than I would have thought. The mix of very important traditional values, and at the same time openness to change, really impressed me.”

Earlier this August, international interns, trainees, and scholars across the country came together to celebrate the value of J-1 exchange on J Day.

Others noticed how much American culture values free speech and fairness.

“In the United States, every opinion counts, all employees are treated equally, and there are very good relationships between employers and employees. The U.S. is the most democratic country, with an open minded society, I have personally ever experienced. Human rights are highly protected and valued, which is one of the most positive impressions I will leave this country with. I’m surrounded by loving and caring friends and their families who try to make me feel a part of their life, which is a very positive breakthrough for me given the American stereotypes we have gotten so far from Hollywood and media,” said Salima, a J-1 trainee from Azerbaijan.

J-1 Korea WEST interns visit Roosevelt High School in Washington, D.C. during International Education Week to share their culture and traditions with U.S. youth.

Another J-1 trainee from India mentioned that the “culture here is very open and welcoming. There are lots of opportunities for hard working people to achieve the American dream.”

Another student from India added that his perception about America has changed significantly due to the fair treatment he received while here. “I initially believed I would face some discrimination in the course of my program, but did not face any and was never made to feel like a junior. I felt that there was a strong sense of equality among U.S. citizens, which is extremely important. This sense of equality is what increased my confidence,” he said.

Join us next week to see how J-1s are discovering strength in vulnerability.

Categories: Program Spotlight