Another busy summer for Greenheart Exchange staff! We hit the road on “Going Greenheart Tours” (GGHT) to meet with hundreds of 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 Kathy Coleman, Host Relations Account Manager, Work and Travel
When most people think of Alaska, they picture towering mountains, glaciers, and endless summer daylight. Those landscapes certainly leave an unforgettable first impression, especially from the window of an airplane as you descend into Anchorage—but after spending a week visiting Greenheart host organizations (seasonal businesses) and participants, I came away with a different perspective.
What makes Work and Travel in Alaska truly unique isn’t the scenery. It’s the people.
Alaska presents challenges that many seasonal destinations don’t. Distances are greater, transportation is limited, and simply settling into a new community can feel overwhelmingr someone arriving from another country. Yet again and again, I saw host organizations stepping up in ways that went far beyond providing a job.
forget.
Our adventure started in Anchorage. At Great Alaskan Holidays, I met a team that welcomed Greenheart participants as valued members of their workplace from day one. At Once in a Blue Moose Gift Shop, students shared how their employer provided thoughtful, hands-on support during those important first weeks in Alaska. Whether it was staying on-site until the Wi-Fi was working, helping participants learn the local transportation system, or simply making sure they felt comfortable and supported, these personal touches helped transform a new city into a welcoming home. At Glacier Brewhouse, participants spoke proudly about the skills they were developing working alongside experienced culinary professionals in one of Anchorage’s busiest restaurants.
Cultural Exchange Happens Naturally in Alaska!
Perhaps my biggest surprise was seeing how naturally cultural exchange happens in Alaska. It isn’t limited to organized activities or special events. It happens through shared meals with coworkers, conversations with travelers from around the world, and the friendships incubated through working toward common goals.
Throughout the week, I was reminded that our host organizations are much more than seasonal businesses. They are mentors, community partners, and ambassadors for Alaska. Their investment in participants helps create bonds that extend far beyond the summer season.
Unforgettable Smiles, Conversations and Connections!
I returned home with incredible photos of mountains and glaciers, but the images I’ll remember most are the smiles, conversations, and connections that demonstrate what Greenheart Exchange is all about. In Alaska, the landscapes may draw people in, but it’s the relationships that leave the most lasting impression.
Thank you, Kathy, for such a positive update on GGHTs! We also thank and appreciate our host organizations for hosting our Summer 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.