This summer, Greenheart Exchange staff members hit the road on “Going Greenheart Tours” (GGHT) to meet with international Summer Work and Travel participants, host organizations, and other program stakeholders. During GGHT trips, staff, participants and host representatives also volunteer in the local communities through service projects with community organizations.
By Tom Stillwell, Senior Host Relations Manager, Work and Travel
While visiting South Dakota for a Going Greenheart tour, my first stop was at Hart Ranch Camping Resort Club in Rapid City. Hart Ranch is an RV resort with cabins, a restaurant, and all sorts of activities available, including an on-site rodeo!
A Unique Work and Travel Host!
Hart Ranch is a new employer to the Work and Travel program, and they were hosting their first exchange visitors. Randor and Adrickson are visiting the US from the Dominican Republic, while Raouf hails from Egypt. Between the three there’s a doctor, software engineer, and a cyber security expert in the making.
I met Christy Cameron, a few members of her local staff, and the three participants who are working at Hart Ranch this summer. Over lunch, we talked about their experiences so far with both participants and staff. Both seemed to be meshing well. The host was very happy with the program and the participants. The participants were very happy to be working at Hart. They wish to return to Hart next season, which was echoed by the host. The participants have been doing many cultural activities, including visiting the Cosmos Mystery Area.
The participants love being in the South for the friendly people and natural beauty. Hart isn’t a big host, but the impact as a placement for meaningful cultural exchange is great!
Thank you, Tom, for the wonderful story from your GGHTs! We would like to also thank and express our appreciation to the host organizations for hosting our Work and Travel participants and offering them incredible opportunities for cultural enrichment and growth.
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.