Ambassador Scholars take on Winter in the United States!

Greenheart’s Winter 2023 Ambassador Scholars have been on their work and travel program for the past few weeks and some have been experiencing snow for the very first time.

Greenheart’s Work and Travel program provides students from all around the world an opportunity to live and work in the United States during their university Summer break. During this time, they experience and are exposed to the people and way of life in the United States. While the USA starts to feel summer weather around May through August, countries below the equator experience summer from November through March.

Countries such as Fiji, Argentina, and Costa Rica are on their university breaks right now, giving our current 6 Ambassador Scholars a chance to experience the winter months in Wisconsin, Idaho, and New Mexico. The participants have been busy learning what it is like to work in the United States as college students.

The Ambassador Scholarship Grant has the goal of serving students who would not be able to afford to join this program with financial assistance. Offering them an opportunity to learn about and experience the United States, this grant allows 123 brilliant students from all over the world to have their visa fees, airfare, program fees, and SEVIS fees paid for.

Vasiti from Fiji, mentions that “My first month in America has been a whirlwind of emotions. The work environment here at the resort captivates me the most, emphasizing teamwork. Despite my innate shyness, working in the service industry forces me to engage with diverse individuals daily, challenging my comfort zone.” She continues by mentioning that ‘she has a newfound ease with meeting new people’.

This program helps to build soft skills, like breaking out of one’s comfort zone, but also strives to bring together different and like-minded individuals together to exchange cultural differences.

Nicolas from Argentina has been fostering new friendships since starting his program this past December. His host employer, Sun Valley Resort in Idaho, continues to share their passion for cultural exchange by hosting many college students from around the world. This has given Nicolas the opportunity to meet numerous people with different backgrounds. Nicolas mentions that his program has been amazing thus far and that he has been enjoying his Summer break in the snow.

Manfred from Costa Rica has been placed in the beautiful state of New Mexico at Taos Ski Valley. He is a current English student at his university and has had the opportunity to learn new American dialects from all over the U.S. by working at his host employer.

Besides soft skills, the ambassadors have had opportunities to learn new activities such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and professional snowman building. Taking his first ski lesson, Manfred mentions “I’m still learning. The ski instructors have been incredibly patient and supportive. The whole experience has been cool, and I can feel myself progressing with each turn on the slopes.”

Though our Ambassadors have been in the United States during big holiday moments, Manfred shared a wonderful moment that happened on his birthday. “My boss went above and beyond by organizing a gathering at her house with my work team. She even made a cake for me. This feels like a dream, and I can’t believe it has only just begun.” Greenheart’s hosts try their hardest to make positive impacts on our participants and make them feel at home.

Greenheart’s Work and Travel program strives to make a long-lasting impact on our planet and thus each ambassador had to create a timeline of volunteer work when they applied for the program. These timelines layout volunteer work that will be completed before, during, and after their program. Melany from Costa Rica has been volunteering at the local hospital and community theater center in her host community in New Mexico. Others in the program look forward to helping local libraries, assisting community centers, and planning community events.

Greenheart is thrilled to hear these wonderful stories and hopes each of the Ambassadors continues to experience memories while making positive impacts on their host communities. It is students such as these six who are the reasoning behind this well-deserving grant!

Interested in reading more about what our Ambassadors are up to? You can read blog posts by one of our Ambassadors here.

Interested in hosting stellar Work and Travel participants? Visit greenheartexchange.org/host/host-hire-seasonal-staff/ to find out how.