Spirit Kazakhstan Tour: Celebrating Connections Through Cultural Exchange

Spirit Cultural Exchange staffer Christina Loranz recently visited our partner, Opportunity Programs, in Kazakhstan to conduct a job fair, attend embassy meetings, and host an alumni reception.

The job fair with one of our Host Employers from the Wisconsin Dells was highly successful and a rewarding experience. It was a pleasure meeting so many bright, enthusiastic students eager to gain work experience in the United States and build cultural ties with their American hosts. Seeing their excitement and determination firsthand reaffirmed why we do this work—it’s all about creating opportunities that allow people to connect across cultures and broaden their horizons.

The trip would not have been complete without connecting with the incredible alumni who have already participated on the Summer Work and Travel program. While in Astana, Christina had the honor of speaking to alumni at the event hosted at Opportunity Programs offices. This reunion was a chance to hear their stories, relive their experiences in the US, talk about what they learned or how they changed, and then also to share ways to build on the experience for future opportunities.

Hearing from participants about their life-changing experience was a reminder of the profound impact that these programs have on participants, and how the relationships and skills they build can transcend borders.

In addition to our recruitment efforts and alumni engagement, Christina also had the privilege of attending two meetings with officials at the US Embassy in Astana and the Consulate in Almaty. These meetings were an excellent opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the sponsor community and embassy officials, as well as answer questions the embassy staff have about the program. We discussed how participants prepare for life in the US and how they are supported and engaged while living and working here.

The embassy meetings were particularly insightful, as they allowed us to convey key goals for cultural exchange between Kazakhstan and the United States. With the support of embassy officials and local partners, we’re confident that the J-1 BridgeUSA program will continue to grow in Kazakhstan and offer even more young people exciting new opportunities for cultural and professional development abroad.

From the wonderful hosting by Opportunity Programs, the enthusiasm of participants and host employers at the fair, and the heartfelt conversations with alumni, along with the productive discussions with embassy officials, the trip was a reminder of how far-reaching the impact of cultural exchange programs can be.

As we continue to build bridges between Kazakhstan and the US, we’re excited to see more students take part in the J-1 program, fostering understanding and connections that will last a lifetime.