Story about the W&T program
How did I learn about the program?
Seeing America... - it has been a long-standing dream. Probably, my favorite films and
TV series produced by American studios, songs in English, and what is even worth mentioning, the beloved GTA?;) had a big influence on this.
I learned about the Work and
Travel program quite a long time ago, while I was in high school; I think, like most, through YouTube;) Since then my recommendations have aligned properly, and I often got lost watching videos about the States.
But, observing the beautiful picture from the screens of my computer and phone, this big dream seemed something very distant and unattainable, something exclusively for the "chosen", "rich", "especially gifted", in short, not like everyone else... or... not like me... But that was only for a while. Then I found out that my acquaintance was in America and, as it turned out, through this program! What a surprise! He made it! So it's possible! Why am I any worse? After viewing his photos along with a bunch of interesting stories about the experience he gained at work, the town he lived in and the second vivid part of the program - travel, I realized - I must act! This is not a dream, this is a desire and a goal!
So what did I learn about the W&T program?
Work and Travel is a program that gathers thousands, tens of thousands of students from around the world in the USA for the summer holidays, a program that gives the opportunity not only to immerse yourself in "American life", but also to meet a number of other nationalities, their culture and everyday life, as well as to introduce them to your native culture and, probably, break many stereotypes and prejudices.
The coolest thing about the program, in my opinion, is its duration, because during that time you can really get to know the new country, its people, mental traits, their traditions, and also the division of the program into two parts, namely Work and Travel. To work hard all summer in order to, with the money you earned yourself, plan all the details and go on an unforgettable journey!
And how many beautiful things you can see:
The main symbol of America, reflecting the whole essence of the American mentality – Statue of Liberty, the lights of the city that never sleeps Times
Square, the most beautiful and well-known Central Park, the tallest building in New York – the majestic Empire
State Building, the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge, without exaggeration, a WONDER of nature –
Niagara Falls, the calling card of the state of Arizona - the spectacular and majestic Grand Canyon, and the biggest dream – the most famous bridge in the world, that very embodiment of beautiful San Francisco – Golden Gate Bridge! Of course, a great desire to visit the heart of the state of Massachusetts – Boston, the great, oldest university in the USA – Harvard University, to visit Los Angeles, to get acquainted with the main embodiment of the global film industry – Hollywood, to stroll along the famous
Walk of Fame, to be a guest at the most famous amusement parks in the world – Disneyland and
Disneyworld,
Universal
Studios and,
I am convinced, many many more equally beautiful and wonderful places!
What do I hope to learn and achieve by becoming a participant in the program?
Of course, first and foremost, to get to know the country, its locals, to learn the features of their culture from the inside, to make friends and acquaintances from other countries, to improve my conversational English, to plunge into the world of independence, responsibility, running a household, making important decisions without anyone's help, TRAVEL and, of course, a ton of new emotions and impressions!
How will participation in the program help me in my future career?
I am currently a second-year university student majoring in Tourism. I believe that participating in the program will make a huge contribution to my development not only as a person, which is very important, but also as a professional in the tourism industry! It is a new country, its history, culture, traditions, international work experience, the formation and improvement of communication skills, increasing the level of English and breaking the language barrier, and also meeting people from many other cultures of different ages and different statuses, both students and the multinational residents of America, because it is no secret that the USA is a country of immigrants, accordingly, a place of concentration of many different cultures, and, of course, an opportunity to create strong connections and find friends and acquaintances from the most diverse corners of our beautiful planet!
Conclusion
Summing up, I would like to say that I realize that Work and Travel is a real school of life with many difficulties and the acceptance of important, independent decisions, the necessity to learn to understand people with a completely different background, but what an invaluable experience it truly is to live all this while being a student. In my opinion, the uniqueness of this program lies in communication, new acquaintances, friends, both local and fellow students gathered in one place from different ends of the globe and, of course, the opportunity to travel!!!
I hope that my next story will already be published from the perspective of a 'jayvan' who has gone through this path, with a sea of impressions and a new unforgettable experience that I will share with readers and future potential participants of the program.
As they say, "dreams come true", I believe that the day will come when mine will too!