What is the Work and Travel program? Why are so many undergraduate and graduate students flocking to the USA? What are the pros? Or what are the cons?
I am an ordinary graduate student at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Almaty. For example, let me answer the question: "Why should I go?" In general, going abroad, especially to America, is my main dream and goal. During my bachelor's degree, yes, it was just a dream. An impossible dream. Because not everyone gets the chance to go to America, right? But now it's not a dream, it's a goal. Because I have fully prepared myself. I signed up for English courses, raised my level to pre-intermediate, and am now studying at the intermediate level. Yes, you can go without studying English. But do I need that? My goal is to first get to know the culture of the country I dreamed of, communicate freely with its people, and integrate into that place.
This is a vision board I made during my bachelor's degree. Do you believe it? I made America, specifically New York City, one of the most important parts. Just imagine standing in Times Square and feeling that you have achieved all of this... It is, of course, your hard work. With hard work and striving forward, you can achieve anything. There are no limits in this life; the limits are only in our minds. Turning a "no" into a "yes" is in our own hands. Words to think about.
The main point: be different. Not like everyone else. Earn a lot of money, learn a language, meet new people, broaden your horizons, and take a picture in a place that many dream of visiting until they are old. You can do it.
As I mentioned, I grew up in a simple family in a rural area. For me, America was hard to even dream about. Do you believe it? How much I limited myself? But now I am confident that I can do it.
What is the current Work and Travel program like? I haven't been there myself, of course, but I decided to gather some information and write about it. America is a land for students who have stood tall and proven themselves. We all know that not everyone can do it. Most importantly, you can clearly see the joy, happiness, and zest for life in the faces of students who have returned from the current program. My friend recently returned. Do you know with what happiness he talked about America? His life and self-confidence increased a thousandfold; even his manner of speaking, thinking, and perspective changed. Isn't that the main reason? America changes a person. It opens one's eyes.
Just imagine, America. In a big state. How wonderful! Yes, you will miss your family, it will be hard. But friend, you are in America! Even imagining it is wonderful.
What are the pluses? If there were no pluses, no one would strive for this. My goal is not to go there and make money. I am still young, I will have time to make money. My main goal is to live in America for a long time. Do you think I will have this chance later? Maybe, but who guarantees it? And with the Work and Travel program, students can go. That is why I want to use this chance to the fullest.
In addition, I will find a new environment. That is, I am sure that I will interact and make friends with foreign citizens. I will speak English and improve my level. I will interact and integrate with the American people. I will see with my own eyes the places I saw in movies and cartoons when I was little. That is why it is worth going to America.
How do I imagine the program in 30 or 40 years? Of course, you only see the program you love in a good light. You are guaranteed that it will only be good in the future. However, in my opinion, I see contracts with several companies, working in other states, etc.
A year ago, the phrase "spend the summer in America" seemed like something out of a science fiction series to me. I remember reading the amazing stories of students about their summer in the USA with burning eyes, and I dream of experiencing these wonderful emotions myself.
I want to fulfill the dream of the little Arujan inside me. And I want to realize this dream with the International Exchange Center. I am grateful to you for giving such a chance and organizing the contest!
"Travel, you won't regret it. iPhones, dresses, and other material things are good. But the impressions from travel cannot be replaced by anything."
