Designated a BridgeUSA sponsor by the U.S. Department of State, our program allows host organizations (U.S. seasonal businesses) to host participants from over 30 countries for up to four months. Greenheart’s Work and Travel Program forges cultural understanding, further public diplomacy and help U.S. communities.
Let’s learn more from Tom Stillwell, Work and Travel Senior Host Relations Manager at Greenheart. Tom recently visited one of our summer host organizations in Oklahoma City, OK.
I had the pleasure of visiting with Greenheart participants and local staff at Okana Resort and Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma City, OK. Okana Resort is a newly opened property owned and operated by the Chickasaw Nation. Okana Resort incorporates an indoor waterpark, an outdoor lagoon, several restaurants, retail, an arcade, and a family themed hotel with meeting spaces. The Okana campus also includes the First Americans Museum where visitors can experience of cultures of 39 distinctive First Nations people.
Greenheart’s Work and Travel Program Benefits the Participants, American Businesses and Communities
Okana is currently hosting 22 participants from China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and the Philippines. The participants relayed to me that the local staff and customers have been incredibly friendly and welcoming. Participants were also very excited since the city was abuzz with the Oklahoma City Thunder winning the NBA championship! I also met with Okana’s leadership team. We discussed the Work and Travel program and the benefits it brings for hosts, participants, and the local communities. It was encouraging to see the support leadership at Okana is investing in the Work and Travel program.
The Unique Characteristics of Okana Resort as a Host Organization
Okana Resort is poised to provide a unique experience for exchange visitors. One of the reasons is the involvement of the Chickasaw Nation and the First Americans Museum. It also offers a deep dive into the Native American history and culture.
Thank you, Tom, for sharing your reflections from the site visit to Okana Resort! We wish our Work and Travel participants a wonderful remainder of their program in the United States.
Are you a U.S. business and want 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.