Every summer, Greenheart Exchange staff members hit the road on “Going Greenheart Tours” (GGHTs) 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.
In this blog post, our own Taylor Kay, Senior Director, Work and Travel Program gives us a deep dive into the wonderful role of GGHTs in extending program success. He explains the plethora of benefits for staff, participants, host organizations and the local communities hosting Greenheart Work and Travel participants.
GGHTs are an Opportunity for Further Cultural Activities and Exchange
The cultural exchange aspect is an essential consideration. Participants are coming to the United States with the expectations of learning about American culture and participating in this American community. In those communities where transportation is less available, there needs to be a more deliberate connection to activities. I think back on my own experience right after college. I, an Easterner, worked on tradition-steeped guest ranch in Wyoming for a couple summers along with about 60 other from-away staff. The ranch, nine miles down a dirt road and 20 miles from the nearest small town, allowed us to ride horses, play golf and shoot skeet, and fish the streams. The head wrangler put on a staff rodeo and the ranch sponsored staff socials. They also arranged for staff to play in the local softball league and connected us with events such as the county fair and the Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Businesses that are in the middle of the action with lots of festivals and concerts, like in Ocean City, Maryland or Bar Harbor, Maine don’t necessarily need to offer the same perks as say a ski resort in rural Vermont or a KOA on the edge of a national park, but it’s still important to put events on an employee bulletin board or in the newsletter.
Greenheart’s Work and Travel Participants Help American Businesses and Communities
I’ve visited hundreds of US businesses that run international programs. That was both as part of my job and with my family on vacation. Time after time, I’ve observed how Work and Travel participants become integrated into the business. In many seasonal areas, the Work and Travel program provides a surge of enthusiasm at the moment that these businesses are ramping up for the season and on the other end, allows them to stay open later into the fall than US high school and college students are usually able to stick around.
According to an Alliance for International Exchange report published in February, 76% of host employers involved in the Summer Work Travel program report they would see a decline in their level of service to customers if this program no longer existed. Because these businesses can extend their season and their offerings to customers – whether that be a mid-Atlantic swimming pool opening in May or a Montana rafting outfitter staying open till the end of September, our economy benefits to the tune of $43 billion annually. Thankfully, the pandemic-era staffing shortages are in the rearview mirror now but in areas without large year-round populations such as Provincetown, Massachusetts, Seward, Alaska and Whitefish, Montana, they are an evergreen challenge.
For Current and Returning Greenheart Host Organizations – Continue Hosting!
Work Travel has endured for more than 55 years. The number of participants is once again at or very close the annual limit. This demonstrates its value to U.S. communities and businesses such as yours. Bipartisan support on Capitol Hill reflects its positive impact on our economy and public diplomacy. We know that the exchange experience creates a foundation for positive relationships and trust within our country. Furthermore, your Congressional representatives hear from you about how Work Travel allows you to run and grow your business.
We encourage you to join Americans for Cultural Exchange to receive the latest on what’s going on in Washington, DC. Also, follow Greenheart’s blog for frequent federal updates.
Take a Leap of Faith and Host Work and Travel Participants with Greenheart!
Greenheart has helped many host employers establish an international program. Contact us and read more on our website about program regulations. Advice from those at other area businesses and any community support group can be invaluable.
Thank you, Taylor, for such a positive input on the role of by GGHTs in advancing cultural exchange! We also thank our host organizations for hosting our Work and Travel participants.
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.