Last month, Spirit representative Katherine joined Host Employers, community members, and other sponsors for the Wisconsin Dells BridgeUSA Host Employer Forum. This was a great opportunity to share information and get excited for the upcoming summer season.
Katherine and sponsor representatives from Greenheart, InterExchange, Intrax, and AAG spoke about the program and how Host Employers can help participants have a successful season. They gave an overview of program requirements and shared advice on helping participants through culture shock, best practices for housing and transportation, and how sponsors can help support participants and Host Employers.
The local Social Security Office also sent representatives with helpful tips for participants applying for their Social Security Numbers.
Social Security Office representatives presenting tips
Representatives from Lake Delton Fire Department and Sauk County Emergency Management presented next to raise awareness of public safety issues that can affect participants, particularly in dormitory housing. They shared issues they had noticed in the last year and strategies for housing providers to address these concerns and help keep participants and the community safe.
Next, a representative from Bringing Cultures Together – Wisconsin Dells spoke about some of the cultural activities planned for this summer to welcome participants to the US and help them meet local Americans.
The keynote speaker of the Host Employer Forum was Mark Howard, Director for the Office of Private Sector Exchange Program Administration in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. He talked about how the BridgeUSA program is an important tool of people-to-people diplomacy that allows Americans to learn more about other cultures while participants learn what it is like to live and work in the United States.
Mark Howard talks about the BridgeUSA program
Mark also spoke about how the Department of State is working to promote and protect exchange programs looking forward and was excited to see the community involvement in the program.
Later that evening, sponsors hosted a bowling cultural activity for the spring participants currently in Wisconsin Dells. Participants were able to learn about bowling, enjoy some food, meet their sponsors, and have a great time with friends!
Spring participants enjoying a bowling cultural activity
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