Engaged Employer - Four Seasons, Baltimore

Every component of a participant's program counts towards the overall experience they have - from their sponsor, to their housing, to their employer. We appreciate, as do our participants, the employers that go above and beyond to welcome the participants into their workplace and help them achieve the cultural goals of the J1 program.

The Four Seasons in Baltimore, Maryland is one of our employers who exemplifies an engaged employer as they always have a high approval rating from our participants, and they provide cultural actives such as city tours and baseball games. Donna Romano, Director of Human Resources, gave an insight on why the program is so beneficial to the hotel and the participants. 

Why did Four Seasons Baltimore choose to have a J1 program, and how has it been beneficial to the hotel? Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore needed seasonal staff during the spring and summer months for two additional outlets that are opened during the spring/summer season.  Working with WWCE and the J1 program has benefitted the Hotel with our recruitment needs and has created a great partnership with WWCE. 
  
How has the J1 program had an impact on the non-seasonal staff? Our 'regular' staff enjoy working with the students, introducing them to Baltimore and sharing in their culture. 
  
How do you see the participants grow over the course of the program? The students have become independent and more confident. 
  
What has been the most positive aspect of the J1 program for you? It has been wonderful meeting students from Philippines, Turkey & China and sharing our culture with them.  They work incredibly hard and are dedicated to delivering the best guest service.  The students are opened to learning and improving their skills.