Our participant’s health, safety, and well-being are Greenheart Exchange’s top priority. During their time in the United States, our Program Support team is on-call to assist them. The team is trained to deal with any situation and advises how to handle something as serious as medical emergency to dealing with a particularly difficult roommate, Program Support is a participant’s best friend when staying in the U.S.
Senior Manager of Program Support for the Work and Travel program, Lucia Cardoso, sat down to tell us a bit more about herself and her department.
Lucia, tell us about yourself. What led you into this line of work? What do you enjoy about your role?
My Journey into Program Support
As a former Work and Travel participant from the Republic of Moldova, I’ve had a life-changing experience. In May 2011, I arrived in New Hampshire to a totally new culture and discovered a world completely different from my own. It was my first time away from family and out of my comfort zone, however it challenged me to grow in ways I never expected. Altogther, this experience broadened my perspective and allowed me to gain valuable skills that have enriched both my personal and professional life. Now, I have the opportunity to help others embark on similar journeys, guiding them as they build confidence, develop a broader sense of self, and grow through cross-cultural experiences. Being part of their journey is rewarding, and I’m passionate about making their experience as meaningful as mine was.
Who is the Program Support team? What do they do?
Our Program Support Team is the first point of contact for Greenheart sponsored, Bridge USA participants during their program experience. Our dedicated team guides participants from all over the world, offering support with empathy and compassion. Each program has a team of people that focuses on supporting participants during their program – and our Work and Travel team is definitely the biggest!
Our role is to ensure a smooth and enriching experience in the U.S. by addressing various concerns, such as housing, employment, health, and compliance with program regulations. By acting as a liaison between participants and host organizations, we provide guidance on regulatory matters, find solutions, and offer emergency support when needed. Our primary goal is securing the health, safety, and well-being of all of our on-program participants. We also promote program success and foster positive cross-cultural experiences.
Why is it important for hosts to build a relationship with their incoming participants?
Building a strong relationship between hosts and participants is essential, particularly during the first two weeks after arrival. This critical period lays the foundation of trust, which can make future challenges easier to navigate. Hosts play a vital role by ensuring that housing is ready and welcoming, quickly integrating participants into the work schedule and payroll, and providing the agreed-upon hours each week.
Supporting participants as they adjust to their new environment, both at work and in the local community, significantly enhances their overall experience. As a result, by taking these steps, hosts not only make participants feel welcomed but also foster a supportive environment that leads to a successful and enriching experience for both the participants and the host organization.
Thank you, Lucia, for sharing with us your personal and professional experiences of the Work and Travel Program!
If you are a seasonal business interested in hosting international seasonal staff, visit HirewithGreenheart.org to learn more.