Interviewer (hereinafter – I): The year 2039. Goosebumps... How much could have happened in nineteen years, how much could have changed! I never thought I would say this in earnest, but today we are interviewing a student from tomorrow. Literally. Hello, Dana! We, the cavemen from 2020, demand that you clear the fog over the future and tell us how the kids are conquering the land of the American agreement in the coming year 2039.

Dana (hereinafter – D): Hello, hello. Thanks for having me, the idea is awesome. Although, I hope the signal doesn't lose quality on its way to prehistoric receivers... Just kidding! Although... No, I'm really glad to share all the necessary information. I've been to ten countries in a year, my suitcase is covered in every sticker imaginable, three albums are filled with photos... and it all started with Long Island and a friendship with CMO and the Work and Travel program. In a sense, it was the booster for all subsequent wanderings, I won't be afraid to assign it such a title.

I: Is it true that your first serious trip was through the program?

D: Exactly! I will never forget those jitters... And it was only a year ago, in 2038, when I, a sophomore, first stumbled upon information about the program. My first thought was, 'What? Pay that much money for a program just to go and WORK all summer? Wow, give me two.' Naive child! I underestimated it, but I fixed the situation as soon as I scoured YouTube, listened to the guys who had been there, and convinced myself that life wouldn't be worth living without this trip. I spent almost a week on my 'research,' and do you know how long registration took?

I: Here in 2020, few people manage to do it in one visit to an agency; first a consultation, then signing the contract, then bringing in documents... I bet on two days.

D: Less than an hour! And that's only because my dog was distracting me... The consultation and a small interview were done via video call, everything was explained and broken down. Then I registered and signed the contract. Actually, I just uploaded the entire list of documents to the platform – the certificate from the university, by the way, I also received it through the university website with an electronic signature – and voila! The future, technology... Not Marty McFly's hoverboard, but you don't have to wait ten days like before. I also sealed the contract with an electronic signature. And right there on the platform, I made the first payment. Everything is fast, cool. Thanks to the coordinator team.

I: A paradise for those who like to act here and now, it's hard to argue. So where did you end up flying to, Long Island? How did you pack, did you spend a lot of nerves? How do you like New York in general?

D: Yes, I flew to Long Island, where a friend invited me to a Greek restaurant. Honestly, I couldn't have dreamed of such a place, especially for my first trip... I couldn't believe what was happening until the very interview at the consulate. That's where I was shaking, I swear. It worked out! As for the nerves... you know, I'll tell you as briefly as I can.

I: And we will listen with pleasure.

D: The guys from CMO have personal accounts on the platform, and from the beginning of March, video and text materials regarding the consulate interview, preparation for it, smart packing, work ethics in the States... and in general, tons and tons of useful information, tips, guides, addresses are uploaded to the accounts. And nothing extra! Literally everything that used to be dug up from YouTube videos, stories from other guys, blogs - EVERYTHING is on the platform, minus the fluff. It's such a thrill when all the necessary info is structured and served on a silver platter... Something thick and lazy in me rejoiced with terrible force. University studies are mostly remote now, but no less intense, so the need for clear organization of materials has increased terribly, since they are all on devices. In general, CMO has outdone itself to make life easier for students. And there's more! In addition, in-person meetings and trainings are held in the spring, and if you have studied the posted material, and didn't even get lazy to drop by the guys for an English tea party - then there won't be a more prepared worker-slash-traveler in the States than you. The nervousness will disappear, scout's honor.

I: Sounds promising... What should we, the cavemen, do, where to run, call? We want the learning platform!

D: You can rewind this interview, let them listen to how I squeal with delight, praise it in every way... It might work.

I: We believe in tomorrow, as they say. What were your first impressions of New York after all?

D: That's a separate story. New York... loud, bright, and sleepless. By the way, whoever I asked, whoever I talked to - everyone arrived at JFK airport in pouring rain. Everyone! However, no one - I repeat, NO ONE - was stopped by this, and everyone stubbornly walked to take pictures in Times Square, because the next day they had to scatter in all directions to their towns. I'm used to the rain, I'm from St. Petersburg, but... In general, I was lucky, in 2030 they launched a high-speed train to East Hampton on Long Island. No more transfers, one hour from Penn Station to Bridgehampton! I love the future. My point is - I spent my weekends in New York. You might not believe me now, and I'll understand, because I've heard all sorts of things from the elders, but... You can actually figure out the New York subway on the first try now.

I: ...No. I mean, what? No way. No, no, and no. We have a strictly honest interview!

D: I'm serious!

I: I think we and the listeners are ready to believe even in flying cars. Heck, we'll believe in a time machine. But the New York subway... unfortunately, we are not in J.K. Rowling's books, although I would really like to be.

D: It's okay, you'll believe it in nineteen years. And in general, half of the youth in the States travels now, because it's much easier than before. Well, by the feel of it. The circulation of young people around the States is really impressive, and it's not even connected with any inventions, but with the spread of group trips in motorhomes. Everyone is driving like that now! I went to California in the fall with five guys, we didn't spend as much money as we thought, by the way. It was damn fun, I would travel the whole world like that, and definitely in a diverse company, so that there is constant integration and exchange of experience, so that through companions you can learn about someone else's culture, somehow change your views, supplement them, expand your horizons. In general, road magic in all its glory, as I call it. I started my nomad wanderings right after all this. Anticipating the question - yes, I am still a student, even if without an incredibly huge, pocket-weighing scholarship. If anything - that's sarcasm. A matter of priorities, gentlemen! I'm going for the second time, by the way. I can't sit still at all now. What have you done, CMO...

I: And why was I needed here, actually?.. Dana, you interviewed yourself! Taking my bread? But seriously, the future of a student-traveler sounds different, but at the same time, not alien-different. Not foreign.

D: Well, yes, we still have to wait for excursions to the Moon, but in general, the essence is in the details that make life more comfortable. Calm but confident changes here and there, something like that. Although, who knows, perhaps somewhere a time machine and a perpetual motion machine are already waiting for their hour... and we, mere mortals, will for now enjoy traveling on high-speed trains and in motorhomes.

I: A sound thought, a sound one. Unfortunately, our interview is coming to an end... The future has surely been waiting for you. Perhaps you want to wish something to CMO for its thirtieth anniversary? The Center celebrated its jubilee!

D: Oh yes, absolutely! Ahem. Dear CMO, in three years you will reach adulthood by hobbit standards, so... so don't forget to throw the most magnificent party for this occasion! Okay? Thank you for everything. Seriously, thank you, there are no words to express all the gratitude. Happy birthday. I still have a huge journey ahead of me, but I will never forget where I started, scout's honor, and you even more so. So... yes. Yes, I think we crossed paths for a reason. See you in tomorrow!