Bringing international interns into the office has strengthened one organization’s commitment to its overall mission.
“Our work is internationally-based and we work on international issues, but we don’t do exchange programs ourselves so it’s very nice for us to have a little international atmosphere in the office,” said Michael McCarry, the executive director of the Washington, D.C.-based Alliance for International Educational and Cultural Exchange.
“In our office, we’re big fans of the J-1 Intern Program,” he added. “We like it because it adds a little international flavor to our office and it allows us to help out young people who have ambitions and want to succeed in their field.”
McCarry praised the background and qualifications of past interns.
“They’re bright, they’re energetic and they’re highly motivated. They really want to take advantage of their 12 months in the United States to improve their professional skills, to learn more about the U.S.,” he said.
McCarry shared some advice for organizations considering participating in the J-1 Intern Program:
“I would really encourage any American employer to look at this program carefully because I think you get really top-notch people. And you’re able to help really top-notch people,” he said. “It’s always great to have talent in your office.”
