Program Reflection Contest 2024

BridgeUSA programs positively impact individuals and communities, in the USA and abroad. We invited our exchange visitors to reflect on their program’s impact and are happy to share their heart-warming submissions below.

Congratulations to the winner of the Program Reflection Contest - Jhoel Heslop, a Jamaican exchange visitor who spent his summer at Shady Oaks Camp in Home Glen, Illinois.

During my time at Shady Oaks Camp, a camp for individuals with special needs, I witnessed the transformative power of music in a way that deeply connected me to my roots. Every session, the camp hosted a talent show, and this particular session brought me closer to someone who shared my love for music. We bonded over melodies, our life stories unfolding in rhythm and harmony.

One day, I stumbled upon an old piano in the performance room. It hadn’t been touched in a long time, but I found it powered up. Instinctively, I began to play, and from that moment, the piano became a vessel for both personal expression and connection.

One of the campers, who had experienced a medical event, shared his wish to perform something special for his wife, who had been his endless source of support. Music, once again, became the bridge. Despite his physical challenges, we worked together to create a piece dedicated to her.

When the night of the talent show came, the performance unfolded, and to everyone’s amazement, he played with both hands. His wife was stunned. It was in that moment, watching her face light up, that I was reminded of the power of music to heal, empower, and transcend limitations—just as it does in my Jamaican culture.

This moment of cultural exchange was one of unity, resilience, and love—values deeply embedded in Jamaica’s spirit. Through music, I was able to share a piece of my home with others, even in a faraway place. For me, this experience was more than just a performance; it was a testament to the transformative power of international connection and cultural exchange.

Music unites us all, and I’m proud to represent Jamaica in this journey.

My biggest takeaway is gratitude. A little gratitude goes a long way. It could always be worse, not to trivialize our adversities and struggles. Simply reflecting on another perspective or story helps us realize how blessed we are. Good things do compound over time - good memories, laughter, amazing friends & allies along the way. Even now, I still sit and rewatch some of the video memories over the summer, recalling moments of laughter in moments of struggle, it reminds me how fortunate I am, how beautiful life truly is, and how much gratitude I should carry.

The Exchange Visitor Program offers more than just a chance to travel, it’s an invitation to expand the boundaries of your understanding. When you step into a new culture, you begin to see the world through a different lens, gaining insights that textbooks and media can't provide. You learn not only about others, but also about yourself - what you value, what you can adapt to, and how diverse human experiences truly are. These experiences foster empathy, enrich careers, and ultimately contribute to building a world that is more inclusive, open, and connected. Participation in the Exchange Visitor Program isn't just a chance to experience a new culture, but a chance to experience a new self.

Gwynneth / Philippines / Work & Travel

“Travel is not just about the places you visit, but the people you meet along the way, each of them a new chapter in your story.”
When I arrived at my housing, I met so many Filipinos, but it was the people from Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Mongolia, and Jamaica who really made an impact on me. We became close friends, and I loved connecting with people from all over the world.
At work, as a rides operator at the theme park, I was intimidated by the Americans at first. But they made me feel so welcome. I had always thought I knew a lot about America because I was such a big fan of Hollywood, but living there is so different. You can’t really know a place until you’re actually living in it. Every day, I greeted kids with a smile, and when they hugged me after the ride and said, “Thank you for the ride!” it made my heart melt. Those little moments made every single day special.
One day, I got a text from one of my American friends inviting me to speak at a club event. It was the Optimist Club, made up of retired professionals who get together to help their community. They asked us to share stories about life in our countries, and after the event, they gave us certificates and shared a meal with us. It was amazing to be part of such a kind and welcoming community.

Cristobal / Ecuador / Work & Travel

Working at WonderWorks in Orlando became the perfect environment for growth. My coworkers and even the visitors were incredibly supportive, encouraging me to express myself without fear. Day by day, my confidence grew, and so did my English skills. I started having real conversations, sharing laughs, and connecting with people in ways I never thought possible. This was more than just improving a language, it was about finding my voice.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe how far I’ve come. At the start, I was hesitant and unsure, but with the support and encouragement I received, I discovered that the world isn’t as intimidating as it seems when you’re willing to try. One night, as I stood under the stars in Orlando, I thought, “Life is so much bigger than the limits we sometimes set for ourselves.” This experience reminded me that the world is full of possibilities waiting to be explored.

Hannah / Jamaica / Camp Counselor

Camp had a great impact on my life. Being a camp counselor gave me a great deal of experience and exposure, especially in the classroom. My experience for the past 3 summers has impacted me so much the training that I received is very informative and I have learned so much about special needs and various techniques and strategies that can be used within the classroom. I am an early childhood teacher back home in Jamaica and we have children with special needs. The area where I work hardly caters to these children and I am so grateful to learn new ways and strategies that can be used in the classroom.

Ariadne / Philippines / Work & Travel

Participating in the Summer Work and Travel Program as a ride operator at Holiday World and Splashin' Safari was an unforgettable experience that had a huge impact on my personal development. One unforgettable incident happened on a particularly busy day at the park. A young girl approached me, apparently sad because she was too short to ride her favorite attraction. Understanding her dismay, I spoke with her and explained safety regulations before offering her an alternative ride that was equally thrilling but appropriate for her height. By engaging with her in a sympathetic manner, I was able to change her frown into a smile, reinforcing my belief in the value of customer service. This experience taught me that simple acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's day, and it underlined my responsibility in creating memorable experiences for guests.

Micaela / Argentina / Work & Travel

During my time volunteering at the Epcot Marathon in Disney World, I had the privilege of working at the finish line, where I handed out medals to the runners as they crossed it. It was such a special moment, seeing the runners’ faces light up with pride and exhaustion after completing such a challenging race.

But one encounter that I will never forget happened with an elderly woman, whose smile reminded me so much of my grandmother, who had passed away a few years ago. As she approached the finish line, I noticed she was moving slowly, but her determination was evident. When she finally crossed, I was there to place the medal around her neck. She looked up at me with tears in her eyes and said, "Thank you, dear. This medal means more to me than you’ll ever know. My grandmother always told me, ‘It’s never about how fast you go, but about how you keep moving forward.’ And today, I kept moving, just like she would have wanted."

In that moment, something in my heart shifted. Her words struck a deep chord within me, as if I were hearing my own grandmother’s voice. I smiled and hugged her, and as she walked away, I couldn’t help but feel that, somehow, my grandmother was there too, smiling at me. That brief interaction, filled with such heartfelt emotion, made me realize how connected we all are through memories, love, and the wisdom passed down through generations. It was a simple moment, but it left a lasting impact on my heart.

Ashley / Jamaica / Camp Counselor

I had the chance to share my Jamaican culture with both campers and coworkers, and this was something that brought me a great deal of joy. Many people were fascinated by the stories I shared about Jamaica—our food, music, traditions, and way of life. It was wonderful to see their curiosity and appreciation, and I felt proud to represent my country in such a meaningful way. It also gave me the opportunity to learn about American culture and customs, which was fascinating in its own right. I remember trying local favorites like the biscuits at Texas Roadhouse, which were absolutely incredible, and I was introduced to so many new places in Indiana by my amazing assistant director, who took us to the pool and even showed us around the city.
The heart of my experience at camp, however, was the incredible relationships I formed with the campers. I was able to connect with so many of them on a deep level, particularly two campers who were going through a difficult time at home due to their parents' divorce. It was a tough situation for them, but they felt comfortable opening up to me. Knowing that I was able to provide them with a safe space to talk and be themselves made me feel like I was truly making a difference in their lives. They often told me how much my presence at camp had helped them escape their troubles and just have fun. It was incredibly rewarding to hear that I had such a positive impact on them.

Sabrina / Jamaica / Camp Counselor

This camp was heartwarming and fulfilling, making me feel like I had a purpose, coming here on this exchange program. As a black Caribbean person, it makes me feel good in myself knowing that there are no limits to what we can do or where we travel to. We all can come and make a difference somehow so never doubt yourself and feel like it’s not for you. This experience will help me in my future career as I aspire to be a school psychologist. Gaining this exposure in working with different children from different backgrounds, with illnesses has really added to my development. It has opened my mind more into the different approaches that I can take to get to understand these children better as society and everything around us evolve. We might all be different but here we are as one working together to make a difference for persons around us and also making a difference in our own lives as well without even knowing it.

Claudia / Peru / Work & Travel

One of the most transformative moments came during the holiday season when I joined a group of Filipinos for caroling. The invitation came from Hope, a sister from my Seventh-day Adventist church. She warmly invited me to join their caroling group, and her enthusiasm was contagious. Hope explained that caroling was a cherished tradition within their community and that it was a way to spread joy and share the Christmas spirit. Intrigued and eager to connect with others, I decided to join. On the evening of the event, I was greeted with open arms by the group. Many of them were from the Philippines, and though we came from different parts of the world, they made me feel instantly welcome. We dressed in festive outfits, carried small instruments, and set out into the crisp San Francisco night. The songs ranged from classic Christmas carols to traditional Filipino songs like "Pasko Na Naman." They even taught me the lyrics and encouraged me to lead a verse. One of the most touching moments was at a home where an elderly couple answered the door. As we sang, their eyes filled with tears. Afterward, the husband shared that they hadn’t celebrated Christmas properly in years because their children lived far away. Seeing their joy reminded me of the power of small gestures to create meaningful connections. This experience taught me how music can transcend cultural barriers and bring people together. Despite coming from different backgrounds—Peru and the Philippines—we found common ground in the universal language of music and shared values of faith, love, and community.

Yolanda / Jamaica / Camp Counselor

The program allowed me to experience working with kids from America of which they made me so happy to work with them, they were so excited to be at camp, they also learnt so much about our Jamaican culture and I was happy to share our culture through our food, dance, dressing and lots more. On specific days we made our Jamaican dishes, dressed up in our Jamaican colors and they were extremely excited to even dress like us on days they were given the opportunity to do so. The directors made us feel at home, even though we were miles away from home, we rode horses, went white water rafting and even went to water world where we were able to go on all the rides which I never experienced before, I am extremely grateful to be a part of this program.

Jan / Philippines / Intern

Throughout my time at Loews Kansas City, I developed a passion for service, realizing that I pour my heart into everything I do. It’s incredibly satisfying to provide high-quality, genuine service to guests, and that passion continues to fuel me. One unforgettable moment from my internship was when I worked as a barista in the hotel’s café. We had a regular customer, Mr. David, who would visit every day for his usual order—a drip coffee, croissant, and banana. Since he was older, he often had difficulty carrying his order to his usual seat in the lobby. Even though it wasn’t my responsibility, I always offered to assist him. Helping him brought me so much joy, and I found it rewarding to provide such genuine service.

Rita / Egypt / Camp Counselor

Being an exchange visitor was an eye-opening experience. Traveling independently, living, and learning in a different country helped me discover my true potential. As a medical student, working as a camp counselor on an exchange program was incredibly enriching. Not only did my language skills improve, but I also gained confidence in my ability to communicate and connect with people from diverse backgrounds – a crucial skill for my future career as a doctor. This was truly an unforgettable adventure. I made friends from around the world and experienced the country as a local. Almost everyone, including my campers, asked me questions about my country (Egypt) and culture. I was delighted to share information about Egyptian traditions and lifestyle. I remember one camper was particularly interested in Egyptian architecture, and I believe exploring a country's architecture is a fascinating way to learn more about its history and culture. One of the highlights of this experience was forming strong friendships with my fellow counselors and the camp staff. They were incredibly inspiring and supportive throughout my time there.

Zahiris / Dominican Republic / Work & Travel

As a journalist being able to communicate has been one of the most meaningful things in my life, traveling to a different country speaking a different language into a different perspective of the American civilization means for me that my goals are been achieved, I am able to communicate, use my voice as my power to connect my passions with other people around me and to know that my voice can be heard and impact.

Ashley / Ecuador / Work & Travel

One of the most beautiful aspects of this experience was meeting other participants from countries like Argentina, Peru, and Thailand. Each of them brought their own unique perspectives, stories, and cultures, and our conversations often turned into lessons about life. Despite our different backgrounds, we shared a common dream of growth and discovery. Those friendships reminded me that no matter where we come from, kindness and understanding can build bridges that cross oceans.
At WonderWorks, I was surrounded by coworkers who treated me with such warmth and care that I began to feel a sense of belonging, even in a place far from home. They inspired me to pay that kindness forward, to create moments of connection for others, whether it was through a thoughtful conversation, a shared laugh, or simply being present for someone who needed support. It was here that I realized that even in our most challenging moments, we have the power to be a light for someone else.

Shanalee / Jamaica / Camp Counselor

Acceptance, inclusion, love and safety are some of the positive feelings that I can recall experiencing during my time at camp. I felt like I belonged there with everyone and that my talents and unique personality was appreciated and accepted. As a future clinical psychologist an appreciation for cultural diversity is an invaluable asset. I have grown to love the American culture, and I’ve made a number of close friends with whom I am still in contact with. My time in the United States was very impactful and I will never forget the memories I made there.

Shanice / Jamaica / Camp Counselor

Through this experience, I learned firsthand the importance of building connections, both across cultures and within communities. I had the chance to connect deeply with several campers, and one specific relationship stands out. There was a camper who struggled initially with being away from home, feeling disconnected and overwhelmed by the new environment. Through our conversations, I helped her navigate her feelings, and I was able to introduce her to the idea of seeing challenges as opportunities for growth. By the end of her stay, she had blossomed into someone who was not only more confident but also more open to embracing new cultures and friendships.
Additionally, my experience in the USA helped me to overcome cultural differences in ways I never expected. One particular conversation stands out, where a fellow volunteer and I initially struggled to understand each other's perspectives on certain social issues. However, through active listening and an open dialogue, we were able to come to a mutual understanding, which was a valuable lesson in communication and cultural sensitivity. This experience taught me the importance of patience, empathy, and being open-minded when approaching people from different backgrounds.
All of these experiences have played a key role in my personal growth, and I now feel more equipped to navigate the world with a broader and more inclusive worldview.

Chaitanya / India / Trainee

The J1 program has been a transformative experience. I plan to use the skills and knowledge I gained to elevate the culinary standards in my home country, introducing new techniques and dishes inspired by my time abroad. Additionally, I aim to mentor aspiring chefs, sharing the importance of cultural exchange in the culinary world. This experience has also inspired me to explore other cuisines globally, reinforcing my belief that food is a universal language that brings people together.

Onassis / Jamaica / Camp Counselor

My experience at Camp Fire Camp El Tesoro in 2024 was nothing short of transformative. From the very beginning, I was struck by the strong bond shared among the team of counselors and the management team. Their camaraderie and shared sense of purpose created an uplifting atmosphere that made the camp feel like a close-knit community. It was inspiring to see how they supported each other, collaborated, and worked seamlessly to create an environment where both the staff and campers felt valued.

Briangely / Dominican Republic / Intern

One of the moments that left a lasting impact on me was my visit to the Milwaukee Aquarium. It wasn’t just about seeing fascinating marine life; it was about learning how to respect and care for animals and their habitats. Witnessing the dedication of the staff to educating visitors about conservation inspired me to think about my own actions and how I could contribute to protecting the environment. Beyond that, the program also taught me the value of community and cultural exchange. I volunteered at a local event organized by a community center where I helped serve meals to underprivileged families. It was heartwarming to see how small acts of kindness could bring people together, regardless of cultural or language differences. Another memorable experience was a heartfelt conversation I had with a coworker who shared her challenges adjusting to life in a multicultural workplace. We bonded over our shared struggles and exchanged ideas about overcoming cultural barriers. It reminded me of the importance of empathy and understanding in building relationships. This program not only allowed me to grow personally but also prepared me for my future career in the hospitality and tourism industry. Learning to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and adapting to new environments has given me skills that I know will benefit me professionally.