Meet Jefferson! Jefferson is a BridgeUSA Culinary Intern from the Philippines, who is spending his program near Charlottesville, Virginia. Charlottesville is a quaint historical city that is home to the University of Virginia and has a lot to offer for a J-1 participant.
Learning about US Culture
Living near a city like Charlottesville means there are plenty of opportunities participants to enjoy dining, shopping, and other cultural activities. It is also easy access to government services like the Social Security office. “We toured around Charlottesville North Downtown and eat in a Thai Cuisine with my co interns and friends. I really enjoyed the food because it is so delicious,” Jefferson says.
One of the most unique cultural activities that Jefferson participated in with his colleagues was a painting event. “We went to Charlottesville North Downtown to do an activity which is painting. It was fun and enjoyable activity because we are all together. All of the interns and J-1 participants.”
Fine-Dining Culinary Training
Jefferson’s Host Company is a 4-star hotel property in the Charlotte area. As a Culinary Intern, he has been learning a variety of things such as learning more about Western cuisine and learning how to focus while in the kitchen. “It’s been almost 2 months since I started my training here and I learned a lot here. I am now focused on the things that I am doing inside the kitchen. I also learned to love and appreciate what I am doing.”
Thank you for sharing with us, Jefferson! If you’d like to learn more about participating in Spirit’s Internship Program in the US, click here.