The BridgeUSA Leadership Development Program brings together exchange visitors from across various J1 categories to participate in a seminar designed to build their leadership skills so they can return and work towards positive change within their communities. Our work and travel participant, Larissa Laurentiz, was selected to attend the program and shares her experience with us below.

I was recently selected among 600 young people from all over the world to participate in an international program called Leadership Development Program, sponsored and promoted by BridgeUSA, which brought together 31 young emerging leaders from different countries and exchange categories (Au Pair, Intern, Trainee, Camp Counselor and Summer Work Travel), with the aim of promoting mutual understanding, creating lasting partnerships and developing solutions to global challenges.

Day 1: Welcome and Program Introduction

On January 30th, I left for Washington D.C., full of expectations and looking forward to what was about to come. I arrived after lunch and the introduction to the BridgeUSA Leadership Development Program was at 7 o'clock that evening. We were immersed in intense intercultural training, with activities, games and questions that were intended to make us open up to each other and make us more vulnerable. This approach took us to a part of our brain responsible for promoting change, which brought us closer and connected, as we shared similar trajectories and goals. The knowledge I gained about their distinctive perspectives, cultures, and life stories was enlightening. We've built a worldwide network of connections and friendships that, I'm confident, will endure for a very long time.

Day 2: Be a Changemaker Challenge and City Exploration

On the second day, after breakfast, we continued with the intercultural training and the challenge called “Be a Changemaker” began, whose objective was to help us identify our passions and relate them to social issues in order to create changes. Throughout that time, we took part in a variety of exercises that guided us in the direction of launching our own social enterprise. It was an incredible opportunity for civic engagement and learning, in addition to being an inspiring and challenging experience as well as a motivating and challenging experience that pushed our creative and teamwork skills as we looked for solutions to actual community problems.

After the challenge, we had the opportunity to tour Washington D.C. monuments with a local guide who taught us more about US history and the significance of each monument. Being able to see these famous sites up close and learn about their significance to American culture was exciting. After the tour, we were free to explore the city however we wanted and enjoyed walking around and sharing experiences with our new international friends.

Day 3: ECA Briefing and Training Closing

On the third day, representatives from the Office of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Department of State, Nicole Elkon, gave us an educational session and motivational speeches, as well as checking in on how our programs were going and if we had any questions or concerns. It was a unique opportunity to hear directly from government representatives about the importance of exchange programs and how they contribute to strengthening international relations, as well as to gain insightful knowledge about leadership and diplomacy.

The "Be a Changemaker" challenge was then concluded with presentations from each group on solutions to issues in our communities. My group, for example, presented an idea to use empty containers as temporary housing for refugee families. By utilizing the resources at hand in a resourceful and effective manner, this proposal aims to provide a short-term and long-term solution to the problem of housing for families who are refugees. The containers, which are durable and resistant structures, can be modified to create a livable space with all the essential amenities, including electricity, running water, and sanitation. They can be transformed into simple yet functional dwellings, offering a safe and dignified shelter for families in search of refuge and protection. One of the main advantages of this idea is the speed of implementation, since containers are already available in large quantities in several ports around the world, often being discarded as waste. Utilizing these underutilized resources can provide a faster and more cost-effective solution compared to conventional housing construction. In addition, the use of containers as temporary housing can have a positive impact on the environment, since it is a way of reusing structures that, otherwise, could become polluting waste. This may be in line with principles of sustainability and environmental awareness.

Another idea presented was the creation of a mentoring program for young people in situations of social vulnerability, aiming to provide them with support and guidance to develop personal and professional skills, as well as access to education and employment opportunities. A third group suggested the creation of an awareness campaign about the importance of social inclusion and the fight against prejudice, with actions such as lectures in schools, debates in communities and dissemination on social networks. It was inspiring to see the participants’ creativity and passion for finding innovative solutions to local and global social issues. The closing of the program was marked by a humorous and fun award ceremony, where we received prizes according to the category of our ideas. It was a special and rewarding moment that celebrated our efforts and achievements during the intensive training days that passed.

The program has also given us a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the United States and other countries around the world. We participated in discussions and debates on issues such as global health, climate change, inclusion and human rights, which broadened our horizons and made us reflect on how we can contribute to a better world.

I thank BridgeUSA for the opportunity to participate in the Leadership Development Program and for connecting me with young leaders from all over the world, my sponsor LIFETRAVELED for connecting us, helping and assisting me throughout the process and CIEE who was responsible for giving us the lectures and training needed in a light and fun way. This unique and transformative experience will forever remain in my memory as one of the best experiences of my life. I’m sure this enriching experience will have a significant impact on my personal and professional journey, and I’m excited to share the lessons learned and apply them in my ongoing commitment to making a difference in my community and the world.