Karla from Panama having a fun winter night skiing with a friend!
As the final cohort of the Global Greenheart Ambassador Scholarship grant begins their program, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on this winter scholarship. Every scholar can be defined as a bold leader eager for positive world change. This last cohort embodied everything the program was created to inspire; curiosity, global awareness, and a commitment to making a meaningful change in their host and home communities. Join us as we celebrate the beginning of their journeys.
The Ambassador Scholarship Grant was awarded to Greenheart by the Department of State and continues to be implemented until the end of the Winter Season of 2025. This opportunity is a merit-based scholarship that allows those interested in joining the Work and Travel program to do so without having to worry about financial strain.
Check out the 12 scholars leaving their footprint this winter:
All 12 will complete volunteer work, grow from cross-cultural experiences, and gain leadership skills to help them on their future paths.
Jennifer from Papua New Guinea shares that, “When I first got introduced to this program; I was really surprised because I never thought programs like this were offered to international students. I applied for it, and I got selected; personally, as someone who is close to finishing school, I have seen that as an achievement for me and my family because I know at some point that my career pathway is gradually developing at a distinct level.”
Jennifer is wearing a traditional headdress belonging to a province in Papua New Guinea, as she took part in a fashion show to celebrate the country’s independence.
The Work and Travel program is not an easy task to accomplish. Each participant leaves behind their family, their country, and the familiarity of what home feels like. She goes on to say that she is excited, nervous, and worried at the same time, but is ready to step out of her comfort zone to experience new challenges.
Bayron from Costa Rica enjoying the snowy festivities in his host community in Wisconsin.
Ambassador Scholar Bayron Vega from Costa Rica has been on program for a few weeks now and shared that he was also a bit nervous about the beginning, but is now very comfortable on program, especially having other Work and Travel participants around him. This comment made by Bayron is a wonderful addition to any cultural exchange program. The “friendships I build here,” shared Vega.
As many Work and Travel participants head to the United States for the very first time, a sense of, “will I feel lonely? Am I the only one from a different country?” Due to regulations of the program itself, it is extremely likely that any participant would be surrounded by other participants from all around the world. Not only do our participants learn about the United States culture, but they learn about different cultures from their coworkers, roommates, and new friends they meet on program.
Regina from Argentina is bracing the Wisconsin cold air with her new friends on program.
“I am making so many friends and getting to know people from different countries. I hope to learn more about other cultures and countries as well as sharing my own culture,” Regina shared.
Goals of making new friends, learning new cultures, improving their English, and seeing snow for the first time are just a few inspirations of attending the Work and Travel program. Greenheart knows that this program will encourage leadership, create strength in world views, and ultimately be a life-changing experience for all our scholars.
Deborah is fully prepared for the snowy climate at her host organization!
As the final Winter cycle of the Greenheart’s Ambassador Scholarship Fund begins, we want to wish Bayron, Christopher, Zinnah, Jennifer, Bathsheba, Alexis, Karla, Milagros, Regina, María, Deborah, and Vasiti a huge congratulations and safe travels as they begin their journey as Ambassador Scholars in the United States. Cheers!
What’s next? Greenheart continues to team up with the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece to bring 3 Ambassador Scholars on program this Summer. Stay tuned!
Interested in hiring exceptional Work and Travel participants for your seasonal business? Click here for more information.
To learn more about the Ambassador Scholarship Fund, click here.