In this blog, we are sharing the stories of several Work and Travel alumni. They tell us what the program meant to them, helped them accomplish, personally and professionally. Some of these alumni also had the opportunity to travel back to the Unted States and participate in the Greenheart Global Leadership Conference (GGLC) in 2026!
Faber Chinchilla
Coming from Colombia, I wanted more than just a summer job—I wanted to improve my English, experience a new culture, and challenge myself. This program gave me all of that and much more. Working in the United States helped me become more independent, confident, and responsible. I improved my communication skills by using English every day and learned the importance of teamwork while working with people from different countries and backgrounds.
One of my favorite parts of the program was the cultural exchange. I enjoyed sharing my Colombian culture with my coworkers and learning about American traditions and the cultures of other international students. Celebrating special moments together and exploring new places made this experience unforgettable.
This program has had a lasting impact on me because it taught me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace new opportunities. I am grateful for everything I learned and for the friendships I made along the way.
I would definitely recommend that U.S. businesses continue hosting international seasonal staff because these experiences create meaningful cultural connections and help students grow both personally and professionally.
Ivanna Herrera
My name is Ivanna Herrera, and I’m from Guatemala. I participated in the Greenheart Work and Travel Program as an Ambassador Scholar during the 2024–2025 season. I worked at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, as a Lift Operator. This incredible program had a huge impact on me. I improved my English, became more independent, and learned so much by interacting with people from different cultures. It also gave me more confidence to communicate and work in international environments. During my exchange program, I learned the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and adaptability. Living in another country taught me independence and stepping outside my comfort zone. I also learned to appreciate different cultures and perspectives. These experiences strengthened my communication and leadership skills and gave me valuable international work experience. The program prepared me for my current career, where I work with people from different cultural backgrounds, and use English daily.
I had the opportunity to visit different tourist attractions, attend a basketball game, and celebrate cultural events with international friends. I shared traditions from Guatemala, too. These experiences made my exchange even more meaningful and allowed me to build lifelong friendships. Why did I want to participate in Greenheart’s Work and Travel Program? I wanted to visit the United States for the first time and gain international work experience. I also wanted to improve my English and immerse myself in a new culture while sharing my own. It exceeded all of my expectations, and I am truly grateful for everything I learned and experienced through the program.
Marios Ioannis Skarletos
My name is Marios Ioannis Skarletos and I was a participant of the Work and Travel Program for Summer 2025. I worked as Guest Relations Ambassador at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Shedd Aquarium is an environmental institution. It’s a tourist attraction with a diverse plethora of aquatic animals dwelling there and millions of guests visiting annually. I provided information and conversations that sparked the interest of our guests in aquatic life. I completed procedural tasks such as supervising the operation of a 4-D theatre.
My American and international colleagues greeted me openly and were happy for me to be there. The biggest event we attended was a baseball match. I was amazed by the size of the stadium and the car ride that I had later with American coworkers around Chicago in the rain. Another thing that I really liked was a barbecue that took place inside the aquarium for all the workers on my last day in the U.S. That day, I had bought a white T-shirt, and I gave it to all of my colleagues to sign on it. I still have this T-shirt in Greece, and it hangs proudly in my wardrobe as a monument of the friendships that I made there.
My host organization showed hospitality as I had never experienced
Their hospitality was not simply greeting the guests or guiding them around the aquarium. They depict the beauty of the humane mission to spark the interest in aquatic life. I was taught that when I am doing a presentation or if someone visits me, the ideal level of hospitality would be to guide him around my personality and my ideals and not only around my house. Therefore, with respect to the personality of each person, I became much better in expressing myself and the message that I would like my listener to hear from me. This is a gift that I cannot forget.
The whole experience was a once-in-a-lifetime gift
The experience was a vivid proof that international relations can benefit human life. It helps evolve intercultural understanding and friendship through programs like Work and Travel.
Prince Sithole
My name is Prince Sithole, and my host organization is Montage Big Sky, where I served as a front desk agent. My U.S. exchange program has had a profound, long-term impact on me. It has significantly improved my professional skills and given me a much broader understanding of the hospitality field. This experience has motivated and inspired me to work toward opening my own business in the future.
During my exchange program, I learned a great deal about different cultures. I gained a deeper appreciation for how people’s backgrounds and beliefs influence how they view life, what they want out of it, and how they behave. On a professional level, my host organization taught me invaluable skills. I am most proud of my ability to multitask seamlessly and address any situation in a proper, professional manner.
Beyond skill development, the program played a crucial role in helping me get to where I am today. Greenheart supported me step-by-step through the entire process, from interview preparation and securing all required documentation to assisting with flight bookings. This support system prepared me for major life changes and has been instrumental in guiding my decision-making regarding my future career path.
What originally interested me about Greenheart’s exchange programs is that it offers the opportunity to travel abroad regardless of your background, ensuring personal and professional growth throughout the process. During my time in the U.S., I also had the chance to participate in the local community. I attended a local event called “Music in the Mountains,” which took place every Thursday in the city.
Thank you, all, for sharing your amazing Work and Travel Program experiences with us! We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
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.