Fourth of July Contest
Congratulations to our Fourth of July Contest winner: Arslan Khabirov
“Not only was I surprised to witness the profound love Americans have for their country, but I was also fortunate enough to experience it firsthand alongside my coworkers. They extended a warm invitation to join them at the lake for the fireworks display, and I gratefully accepted. Arriving at the lake with my coworkers, I was immediately struck by their enthusiasm and excitement for the festivities ahead. It was evident that they, too, shared a deep affection for their country and were eager to celebrate its independence in a memorable way. As we watched the fireworks burst into the sky, I could see the genuine pride and joy on the faces of my coworkers. The air was filled with laughter, cheers, and expressions of appreciation. In that moment, I realized that this love for country extended far beyond my coworkers—it was a sentiment that resonated deeply with people from all walks of life. Leaving the lake that night, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a beautiful celebration, surrounded by coworkers who shared their love for their country so openly. It was a reminder of the bond that exists among Americans and the unique spirit that unites us in our collective appreciation for the land we call home.”
Thank you to all our participants who entered! You can see select submission below.
“The culture of freedom is one of the first aspects of American society that I observed. People have the right to make decisions, express themselves, and be unique. Everyone is treated equally, with no distinctions made based on race, appearance, or character. I feel free to act however and who I want. American people are yet another wonderful aspect of this country. They are really courteous and prepared to help you if you need them. When I was having problems getting on a bus once, two women assisted me as much as they could. It happened more than once, and neither time was I left without assistance. I also adore how everyone greets you with a smile, which lifts my mood all the time.” - Maftuna, Uzbekistan, Summer Work and Travel
“My favorite part of American Culture is that everyone is indeed individualistic but!!! they are not snob, you don’t know everyone but however they greet you, everywhere they are like “how’s it going?” “how are you?” “have good one” even if you don’t know them. I love how people make each others day a good day by a simple greetings. Although I miss filipino cuisines, I liked trying new one, I love the tostitos chips with ground pork then put some cheese tostitos and cut potatoes, I also love american’s pizza. I also tried corona drinks and it was quite good, I liked it, also the fireworks is so long and very pretty!! I hope everyone gets to see it.” - Mayena, Philippines, Summer Work and Travel
“Hello, my name is Nicha. i’m from Thailand. I work at holiday world & splashin safari indiana. This is my first time to coming here. I really like Christmas festival. That's why I chose to live in Santa Claus, Indiana. people here are nice and kind, friendly, I love this place, I love the culture here. when strangers greet each other, They will say the words “ have a good day “ It's a short sentence that I really like. when I encounter bad things it made me feel better. I've done things I've never done before. such as watched baseball. my first time, it was fun even though I didn't know how to play or the rules. Lol 😂 On the 4th of July, I celebrated with my friends and watched the 400 drone show fireworks in the sky. It was a great experience. I will never forget the good memories in here. 🇺🇸🦅” - Nicha, Thailand, Summer Work and Travel
“My favorite part of American Culture is the Independence day. I enjoyed watching fireworks and eat burger, pizza and drink with my friends. I’m always having fun here in America, people are so kind and friendly as they always greet people. I also wear our outfit that I am comfortable to wear. We really love staying here in America I hope I can go back here again someday.” - Stephanie, Philippines, Summer Work and Travel
“The camp experience has been an exhilarating one. The 4th of July celebration was commemorative of the American culture I got to participate in food prepared from the fire place, smores, sweet corn you name it and the fire works was beautiful. I have a new theme song from Gallahue "Party in the USA"!!!!” - Ludisha, Jamaica, Camp Counselor
“Their events are fantastic ! Wether it’s baseball, thanksgiving, Fourth of July etc they always go big for it and it’s so fun.” - Layla, Scotland, Camp Counselor
“The true essence of Cultural Exchange - Having fun meeting new people and enjoying the celebration of 4th of July with these people around the globe!” - Laiana, Philippines, Summer Work and Travel
“Happy 4th of July America. In my thoughts I am one of the luckiest person having witnessed this significant historical celebration in this country. Being a cultural exchange visitor for almost 3 months now I can say that I enjoyed every minute of my life living in this so called first world country. I learned to lived my life away from my family and started to live independently here at MaryLand, USA. Having my internship at Baltimore Country Club, I was able to learned and experienced american culture and some of my favorite aspect of it is the american's way of treating their employees fairly by just compensation, their love of country or nationalistic evidenced on the way they celebrated anniversaries like this one, friendly people, the foods and beverages which adds color on their culture and most of all I like their sense of independency. American's were trained to be independent while still young and at age of 18 they were expected to live on their own.
As I celebrate this memorial independence day, im proud that i am also celebrating my self as an independent person now as I am living myself the way I wanted. I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank my sponsor the worldwide cultural exchange, who is also part of my dream come true .” - Xristel, Philippines, Intern