How is it helpful to visit the country that some of your participants come from?
Stephanie: It was helpful to go to the Ancient City and learn about the history and the culture.
Cody: It helps to understand where and what they come from to help understand their expectations.
Do you have a favorite food here (Thailand)?
C: Pad Thai
S: Mango Sticky Rice
What is one thing you learned about the culture that surprised you or that you thought was interesting?
S: All the rules of the temple about women having to dress conservatively to show their high respect for the religion. I also didn't know they had a king, so that was cool to learn about.
C: That in the Buddhist culture, Buddha is happy if you just try.
What does your company do to encourage cultural exchange in the workplace?
C: When planning housing, we try to make it as mixed as possible with roommates.
S & C: We plan as many after work activities as possible for students to attend. They also create their own exchange, which is jump started by the after-work activities.
What have you learned by participating in the Summer Work Travel program?
S: The world is much smaller than you think it is. Everyone gets along and can make friends from different cultures.
C: Makes you feel fortunate about where you came from. I also like religion, so it is cool to see all the connections through the different religions.
Do you have any advice for companies interested in hosting international students?
C: Housing! Also, hire from as many countries as possible.
S: Keep an open mind! Think about where they come from and their culture.
What is the benefit of hosting J-1 participants to the larger community?
S: It is cool to see American students learn about the different cultures and then they are inspired to travel!
C: It is fun to see guests interact with the students and learn about where they are from. We have guests try to meet as many participants from different countries during one visit.
Special thanks to Cody, Stephanie, and the team at Noah's Ark Waterpark!