Job fairs are just one way Greenheart Exchange helps our Host Organizations interview and select seasonal staff they host in the coming summer. With Greenheart’s International Job Fairs, Host Organizations travel with Greenheart in order to conduct in-person interviews with candidates and hire the seasonal staff they need in just four days. Greenheart works with our partners to ensure candidates are pre-screened for their English language proficiency and prepared for the job for which they are interviewing. Our international candidates enjoy meeting representatives of their potential Host Organizations and discussing their previous experiences. Host Organizations like meeting candidates face-to-face to select the staff that is best for their business and getting a chance to experience the culture of countries from where they hire seasonal staff.
Our Account Management Coordinator, Raymond Preston, shares his reflections on the event:
Greenheart’s Job Fair in Madrid
We were fortunate to attend the final international Job Fair of the season. It turned into an unforgettable week in Madrid, Spain. This event marked a special moment for us. We were able to meet with four of Greenheart’s long-time Host Organizations in the Work and Travel Program. The experience was not only professionally rewarding but also personally enriching.
Volunteering at the Banco de Alimentos Madrid
Let’s Live USA, our partner organization, put together a packed and immersive schedule. The pre-planned events made our time in Madrid even more enjoyable. True to Greenheart’s mission of fostering global connections and meaningful experiences, we experienced some of the most impactful moments of our trip while volunteering at Banco de Alimentos Madrid. We spent four hours working alongside local volunteers, sorting and organizing large pallets of food. These donations would later be distributed throughout Madrid, ensuring that those in need received essential items, including remaining Christmas food packages for families. The local volunteers were incredibly welcoming and made us feel like we were part of their team, highlighting the power of community involvement.
Spanish Excursion
Beyond work and volunteering, we also had the chance to fully experience Spanish culture. From attending a live Flamenco show to participating in a private four-hour tapas cooking class, our time in Madrid was filled with cultural exploration. We shared stories, enjoyed delicious food, and laughed a lot during our excursion in Madrid. These moments not only deepened our appreciation for Spain but also created lasting memories that we will cherish.
The Job Fair
The highlight of our trip was the job fair. On the event day, we were thrilled to meet 113 enthusiastic participants from across Spain. The participants, eager to embark on Greenheart’s Work and Travel journey, arrived with energy and excitement. They were ready to interview with one of our Host Organizations and learn more about life in the United States. Let’s Live USA had thoughtfully prepared a space for our introductory presentations, as well as private rooms for interviews. It was a fantastic setting for our Host Organizations to connect with the participants and make thoughtful hosting decisions.
Final Thoughts
Our week in Madrid was a perfect blend of professional engagement, cultural immersion, and community service. It was a reminder of our passion about Greenheart’s Work and Travel Program and the opportunity it provides to young people worldwide. We left Madrid feeling inspired and grateful for the experiences shared, the connections made, and the chance to make a meaningful impact. The season’s final International Job Fair was truly a success, and we can’t wait for what’s to come in the future.
Are you a U.S.-based business and would like to host international seasonal staff for a cultural exchange? Please visit HirewithGreenheart.org to learn more.