Route J-1

By Thato Khasuli, J-1 intern from South Africa

Thato hiking in Mount Willard, one of the popular Mountains in Bretton Woods, NH.

Editor’s Note: We asked J-1 participants to answer a few questions about their experience. Below are responses from intern Thato Khasuli.

What does your exchange experience mean to you?

The J-1 cultural experience has been a blessing upon my life and career. Before this experience I had never been on a plane, let alone traveled abroad. The experience means a lot to me because I made new friends, enhanced my skills and knowledge in the travel and tourism sector, and had the opportunity to travel around the United States. This experience also provided me with the opportunity to provide for my family, my mother and my little sister, and to discover myself – who I am, where I am, and where I want to be. The program gave me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.

What impact has the program had on your life?

In the past 10 months I have not only met a lot of amazing people, but I also created amazing relationships with some of the locals, who taught me the culture of New England and introduced me to skiing, snowboarding and hiking. I also went to Washington D.C. with the Intern Leadership program, where I networked with amazing young leaders from all over the world and I believe one day we will work together to make the world a better place.

Thato receiving the Best Volunteer Award from the Alliance Abroad WYSTC 2015.

What was the single most influential or meaningful experience of your Exchange Visitor Program?  

The most influential experience of my program was being given the opportunity to rotate amongst different departments at the Omni Mount Washington Resort. I worked at the Front Desk, in housekeeping as a Supervisor, and am currently working as a Concierge. This experience has given me a broader understanding of the hospitality sector as a whole, as well as a better understanding of how each department functions and how the different departments directly and indirectly influence one another. I never thought it would be possible for a young man from a small township (Phuthaditjhaba) in South Africa to ever work at one of the best ski resorts in the U.S., but this experience has taught me that anything is possible as long as you believe and work hard for it.

Participants from Thato’s Intern Leadership Enrichment program in front of the White House in Washington D.C.

What do you plan to do after you complete the Exchange Visitor Program?

After I finish my program, I plan to go back home and give it my utmost best to develop the tourism industry in the town of Qwa Qwa. I also want to visit the local schools in the area and tell them about my Exchange Visitor Program experiences. I want to show people that hospitality is a career option. Where I come from, one is encouraged to become a doctor or an accountant, but no one will motivate you to become a tour guide, travel agent, hospitality manager and so forth.

What advice would you give to others who are interested in coming to the U.S. on the Exchange Visitor Program?

It is the best choice you will ever make! The program doesn’t only introduce you to career options, but you’ll also you get to make amazing friends who have the same ambitions as you, while having the opportunity to exchange ideas and action plans. And who knows, one day you might even end up being business partners and making a difference in the world together!

Categories: Program Spotlight