Every summer, Greenheart Exchange sponsors thousands of international participants who come to spend their summer in the U.S. on a cultural exchange. Designated by the U.S. Department of State as a BridgeUSA J-1 visa sponsor, our Work and Travel Program allows eligible participants to work in a variety of seasonal positions throughout the United States for up to four months. With an intentional emphasis on cultural exchange, our program promotes language exchange, building international friendships, developing cross-cultural understanding and so much more!
Greenheart’s Work and Travel Photo Contest winner, Ana (Spain), tells us in the next few lines how her summer has been going:
Breathing it all in!
If someone had told me a few months ago that I’d be living my dream in New York City — the city that never sleeps, I probably would’ve laughed. But here I am, breathing it all in – the chaos, the charm, the culture, and every single unforgettable moment. From the second I landed; life felt like a movie. There’s something magnetic about this city — it pulls you into its rhythm, and suddenly, you are part of the story.
Work by day, magic by night
My job here has been more than just a job — it’s a journey. I’ve been lucky to work with an incredible team, people who aren’t just coworkers but have become close friends, almost like a second family. We’ve shared laughs over coffee breaks, solved problems like pros, and celebrated small victories like they were Oscar wins. The energy, the diversity, the support — it’s electric.
But what truly makes this experience unforgettable?
Let me take you on a ride: Times Square. The very first time I stood there, it felt like the city was welcoming me with open arms. Bright lights, massive billboards, music in the air — it was like stepping into a dream. I stood in the middle of the chaos, smiling, thinking, “I made it.” Grand Central Terminal. I didn’t expect to be moved by a train station, but Grand Central isn’t just that — it’s a masterpiece. The celestial ceiling above me, the hustle of New Yorkers brushing past… I just stood still, breathing in the history, the elegance, the life. Coney Island. The sun, the sand, the scent of cotton candy. I rode the Cyclone with my heart in my throat and laughter in my lungs. We danced on the boardwalk, shared greasy pizza slices, and watched the sunset melt into the Atlantic. It was pure joy.
Statue of Liberty. There she was — majestic and proud. Seeing her up close was a moment of awe, but more than that, it was symbolic. She reminded me why I came here: for freedom, for growth, for adventure. Wall Street. Walking past the stock exchange, I felt the pulse of ambition. The buzz of suits, the smell of roasted peanuts from street vendors — it’s the intersection of grit and glory. I imagined the deals, the dreams, the pressure — and I felt inspired. Chinatown. Flavor explosion.
From dumplings to bubble tea, I tasted culture in every bite
The narrow streets, the lanterns swaying above, the chatter in different languages — it felt like stepping into a different world, just blocks away from modern skyscrapers. And it didn’t stop there. I’ve danced in rooftop bars in Brooklyn, watched the skyline from the Top of the Rock, biked through Central Park at sunrise, and gotten lost on purpose just to find hidden gems. I’ve made friends from every corner of the globe — we’ve shared meals, stories, dreams. We’ve cheered for each other’s successes, wiped away homesick tears, and created memories that no camera could ever fully capture.
This isn’t just a Work and Travel program, but rather a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. It’s about growth, discovery. It’s about saying “yes” — yes to the unknown, yes to new people, new food, new ways of thinking. New York has challenged me, inspired me, and changed me. And every night, as I walk through the streets with glowing eyes and a full heart, I whisper to myself, “This is what living feels like.”
What Makes this journey Unforgettable
Friends from work who’ve become like family, and housemates who turned a simple apartment into a place filled with laughter, late-night talks, and inside jokes we’ll carry forever. We come from different places, different backgrounds, but here in New York, we found each other — sharing the same adventure, chasing the same dream, and writing a story we’ll tell for the rest of our lives.
If you are a business who would like to host international seasonal staff for a cultural exchange, please visit HirewithGreenheart.org to learn more.
To learn more about Greenheart’s Work and Travel program visit GreenheartExchange.org.