J-1 Internship Program Experience In Hawaii

Cosmin Neag’s J-1 Internship Experience in the United States

In the year of 2019, Cosmin Neag won a full all-inclusive scholarship program, organized by International Trainee Network & Odyssey International Exchange in collaboration with his university, American Hotel Academy. At the time, Cosmin was a student in the second year of a Bachelor’s Degree programme in Hospitality & Tourism Management and decided to use the scholarship towards a J-1 hospitality program in Hawaii.

During his training in Hawaii, Cosmin’s ambition and motivation to learn about American hospitality practices, mixed with his positive attitude, made him stand out as an exemplary J-1 exchange visitor.

His internship experience in the United States turned out to be extremely beneficial both professionally and personally. During his program, he documented some moments from cultural activities in Hawaii and created the video below. Despite Cosmin’s program being cut short due to the pandemic, he still had positive memories and feedback from his experience.  

Here is Cosmin’s testimonial about his J-1 Intern Program in Hawaii:

In 2020, I was announced that my experience in Hawaii will have to end faster than anybody else thought. The mixture of feelings happening in my heart, knowing that I will have to depart the place I got used to call #home, was so strong that made me cry like a baby. Two days after, I got a call from the director of the department stating that he would like to have an exit interview with me. I arrived in his office and we had a small talk. One thing is for sure, I was not the only one being sad about my departure.

My goal in the company was to get an award (e.g. employee of the month, leader of the quarter etc.). I was very disappointed that in the moment I got the call, I didn't achieve my goal.

The moment seen in the pictures is the moment I got rewarded with a brand new award. Taken from my manager's description, this award will only be given to people that will reach the performance and impact I created in the company.

Mahalo & Aloha for the people and colleagues you are! You have played a huge role in my development!

By the way, the award is called "C.O.S.M.I.N.".

My colleagues are better than yours! Brandon J., Alex, Matt, Jacob, Danielle, Andy, Annette Westin Hotels & Resorts, mahalo!

Fast forward to today, Cosmin graduated and reached out to us that he wishes to continue his American journey and enroll in a second J-1 internship program as a J-1 recent graduate. Cosmin hopes to go back to Hawaii for his second hospitality J-1 internship program and to train in the F&B department at a luxury resort in the area.

Current students and recent graduates within 12 months after graduation from an accredited program at the level of an Associate’s Degree in the USA or higher are eligible to participate in a BridgeUSA J-1 Internship program. Even if candidates participate in a J-1 program as a current student, they may be eligible to participate in a second J-1 program after their graduation.

We are excited to continue following Cosmin’s American journey and we are happy to provide wonderful experiences to international candidates from all around the world.

If you are interested in participating in a paid, rotational J-1 internship or trainee program in the United States, complete the application form. Our team will reach out to you via e-mail within 1-2 business days and we will check your J-1 visa eligibility for free. If you cannot find an email from our team within 1-2 business days, please check your inbox or spam/junk folders.