"What is the most resilient parasite? Bacteria? A virus? An idea! It is resilient and highly contagious. Once an idea has taken hold of the brain, it is almost impossible to get rid of it. I mean a fully formed, conscious idea." ©

The idea to participate in the program formed completely by accident. It was April 2014, and while walking through the university building, I caught a glimpse of the phrase "Work and Travel USA" on a brochure. Looking closer, I saw a link to a website with full information about the program. During a lecture, I went online and started reading everything I could about it (bad Russian student). That was the exact moment the idea of going to the USA took over my brain. I infected my friend with it. And so, two ambitious comrades set out to conquer America. Realizing we were too late for the 2014 season, we decided to try the following year and eagerly awaited the start of the new season.

All summer I watched various videos of students who had already been to America, their impressions and reviews. Every day I wanted more and more to experience all those sensations that the guys conveyed in their stories. I also clearly understood that I needed to improve my English level. Having bought a self-study guide, I spent 3 wonderful months with that book. I gained a lot of new knowledge (London is the capital of Great Britain) and confirmed my opinion that the best education is self-education.

October arrived. Recruitment was open, and we went to the agency for all the information. All my friends and family were "for" this trip, except for my grandmother. "Why on earth do you need that America," she repeated time and again, but later she came to terms with it and supported me in every way. After going through all the difficulties of currency exchange, when the rate was exceeding psychological marks every day, paying for the program, and the agonizing wait for a response from a potential employer, I finally received a job offer and was ready to head to the embassy.

Fate decreed that my friend and I were going to different places (it's bad). I was expected in a small town called Wisconsin Dells, and a job at one of the most popular coffee chains in America, "Dunkin’ Donuts" (sounds great).

My interview was scheduled for May 13th. I was looking forward to this day; I had a premonition of success. Arriving in Yekaterinburg, I confidently entered the embassy, my J-1 Visa was approved immediately, and I was handed my passport with a stamp and a wish for a great summer (You lie!). Okay, nevertheless, everything went wonderfully, my visa was approved, and all that remained was to pack my bags, settle all issues at the university, and set off on the farthest and most exciting journey.