Greenheart Exchange’s Summer Work Travel program connects U.S. businesses with international students to fulfill their seasonal hiring needs, while also allowing participants to explore the country for up to four months! Here’s Taras, a Work and Travel alumnus, telling us his exchange story and how it had such a meaningful experience on his life!
Imagine being born in a post-Soviet country, right after the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 1992, a wave of Western goods started flooding in. American brands—food, drinks, clothes, movies, and music filled the void left by the USSR. The American culture spread rapidly and became incredibly popular in Ukraine during the ’90s and early 2000s. It was a strange feeling growing up with American culture everywhere, but never having direct access to it. My only connection to it was through music, movies, and Coca-Cola. I could see the image, but I couldn’t quite touch it. I grew up feeling like the U.S. wasn’t real, because the reality around me was completely different.
Travelling on Greenheart’s Work and Travel Program
Fast forward 20 years, I bought tickets to New York. I couldn’t believe it was actually happening—my long-time dream was slowly turning into reality. When I got on the plane, I was so excited that I couldn’t sleep the whole flight. After 12 hours, I looked out the window and there it was—New York. It all felt surreal. Upon arrival in Harrisburg, I met other international students and started my job at the Hershey Hotel. Gradually, things started to feel more familiar. By the end of the summer, it was like I’d lived in Pennsylvania my whole life.
Cultural Exchange Promotes Cross-cultural Understanding
I met incredible people and experienced the American culture firsthand. What I enjoyed the most was attending baseball games, local events, and spending time with American friends. I travelled to iconic places like Niagara Falls and the Lincoln Memorial and visited Atlantic City and Baltimore. I can’t describe how special those moments were. It was like living a dream.
Participants Improve their English Language Skills and Gain Professional Experience
Furthermore, my English improved so much during that adventure. That made a huge difference in my professional life. I worked at Google for two years, thanks to my fluency in English. I now run my own business; a digital marketing agency called Clickmagic. 80% of our clients are from the U.S. Our first customer was someone I met during my time in the U.S. He helped us get through tough times, and now we have hundreds of companies of all sizes. We’ve even collaborated with big names like CHANEL, Nike, and Peak Sport. I’ll always be grateful for the chance to visit the U.S. and for everything that journey gave me. Without that experience, I’d be a completely different person, and Clickmagic wouldn’t exist. Huge shoutout to Greenheart and everyone who made my trip possible!
Travelling on a Cultural Exchange Opens Doors of Opportunities
Joining the Work and Travel program (2012-2014) was one of the best decisions of my life. It was a one-of-a-kind experience, in a unique time and place. After the program, I went back to the U.S. as a tourist after the program, and it was fun. Conversely, it was not as exciting as during my Work and Travel Program. Henceforth, if you’re thinking about joining this program and aren’t sure yet don’t hesitate, I say go for it! Trust me—it will be one of the best memories of your life.
Thank you, Taras, for sharing your inspiring story!
Are you a U.S. business owner and want to host international seasonal staff for a cultural exchange? Visit HirewithGreenheart.org to learn more.