In the summers of 2016 and 2017, I had the life-changing opportunity to participate in the U.S. Department of State’s Summer Work and Travel Program, facilitated through InterExchange. It was my first time in the United States — and an unforgettable chance to live, work, and explore a country I had only seen in films and read about in books.
For two consecutive summers, I worked at the stunning Rosario Resort & Spa on Orcas Island, Washington State, a place surrounded by ocean views and towering pines, where nature and hospitality merged seamlessly. But more than a job, the program gave me an education in independence, leadership, and cultural understanding.
What the Program Is
The Summer Work and Travel Program allows university students from around the world to spend several months living and working in the United States. The goal is not only to gain work experience but also to immerse oneself in American life — to learn through people, places, and shared stories.
Working side by side with students from Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa, I experienced just how universal human connection is — and how much we can grow when we step outside our comfort zones.
Life at Rosario Resort
At Rosario Resort, I took on multiple responsibilities, from guest services and housekeeping to kitchen support. The resort welcomed international students with open arms, and the staff became mentors, friends, and cultural bridges. During my second summer, I naturally stepped into a leadership role among the student cohort — helping new participants adapt, coordinating shared responsibilities, and translating both language and workplace expectations for those who needed support.
That experience taught me how to lead by example and support others not just through words, but through action. It also showed me that leadership is not a title — it’s a commitment to empathy, organization, and responsibility.
A Passport Full of Memories
Outside of work, I made the most of my time in the U.S. I visited San Francisco, New York City, and Seattle, among other places. I still remember walking across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise, seeing the Golden Gate shrouded in morning fog, and riding the ferry past the Space Needle. These weren’t just trips — they were lessons in cultural diversity, city life, and the limitless variety of people and ideas that make up the American experience.
Each city taught me something new: how to navigate unfamiliar systems, how to ask for help when needed, and how to absorb as much as possible from every moment.
Lessons I Took Home
Returning home after those summers, I carried more than just souvenirs and snapshots. I brought back confidence, independence, and a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. I became more curious, more motivated, and more willing to take initiative in both academic and community life.
The Summer Work and Travel Program gave me more than a seasonal job — it gave me a global perspective. It reminded me that we grow fastest when we are challenged, and that every new environment is a classroom if we are willing to learn.
I will always look back on those summers not just as time abroad, but as a turning point — one that sparked a lifelong interest in leadership, global communication, and cross-cultural collaboration.
