By Nicholas Berry, Host Relations Account Manager, Work and Travel Program, Greenheart Exchange.
A recent visit to Istanbul for a Job Fair with our partners at StudyZone reinforces the importance of our broader mission at Greenheart as we focus on many core components when hosting travelers abroad: cultural exchange, volunteer service, and environmentalism. During this year’s event, travelers from Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Grand Teton Lodge Company and Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, along with members of the Greenheart and StudyZone teams, seized the moment, planned and spontaneous, to meet this mission and grow connections and understanding of our broader world.
Volunteering in the Local Community
Whether in Türkiye, or any number of Greenheart Job Fair destinations around the globe, a day of service and cultural learning is dedicated for the growth of our travelers. On this first morning together, we piled into a van, heading off to Moda Beach, to meet up with the StudyZone team for a morning of filled with views, conversation and beach conservation. Nearly 20-strong, we walked the coastline cleaning up trash and sharing stories of our homes, travels and jokes alike. Several dozen full trash bags later (and one car tire), the group declared the morning a great success!
Cross-cultural Understanding and Building Connections Over Latte!
Celebrating a small victory for human and marine life alike, we settled in for a latte and casual conversation – taking time to better understand both American and Turkish culture, society and daily life. It’s these moments we celebrate. It’s these moments that build connections, trust and friendships. It’s these moments that develop the foundation for hosts to better understand their future program participants. These moments of personal connection are enhanced by experiencing local culture during a tour of the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar (don’t get lost!) or enjoying a quick Doner kebab or tasty bit of baklava. Experiencing such cultural touchstones alongside our Turkish counterparts provides a deeper and unique understanding.
In-person Hiring Helps Hosts Create Lasting Relationships Across the World!
Though the primary intent of taking time out to travel to an overseas job fair may be about connecting with excellent candidates for summer teams – of whom there are many – these broader experiences enhance the process, allowing hosts to better connect with and understand participants as they begin a lasting relationship during a hiring event, work hand-in-hand during the summer, and maintain lasting friendships when participants return home in the fall.
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.