Merve Yuksek’s Culinary J-1 Internship Experience in the United States

Merve Yuksek won first place in the ITN & Odyssey’s Scholarship Competition in 2022. The Scholarship Competition is an annual competition held by International Trainee Network (ITN) and Odyssey International Exchange, which provides international students, graduates, and young professionals the opportunity to experience American culture while training in the hospitality or culinary industry.

Keep an eye on our social media channels for the Scholarship Competition news and updates in 2023!

Participants in the competition have the chance to win a Free Full All-Inclusive J-1 Internship/Trainee Program or promotional discounts on the fees that are associated with a J-1 Intern/Trainee Program. This is just one of our initiatives that have the purpose to empower the next generation of hospitality and culinary leaders from around the world.

As a current student in an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts in Turkey, Merve was eligible to participate in a Culinary J-1 Intern Program in the United States and decided to use her scholarship towards a professional and rotational J-1 Culinary Program with the stunning Fairmont Dallas in Texas.

Merve showed her creativity, ambition, motivation, and professionalism not only through the video that she submitted for the Scholarship Competition but also at the host company after starting her internship program. After only 5 months since the start of her culinary training, she was awarded the “The Sparkle of the Month” award at her host company and feels that she’s growing on both professional and personal levels. Let’s not forget about all the American cultural activities she has experienced so far!

We believe it’s better to hear more about the experience directly from our participants who are living the #ITNLife to the fullest in the United States. Here are some words from Merve about her Culinary J-1 Intern Program in Texas:

“My career in the kitchen started in my home country. I was a Culinary Arts student who looks for new adventures. It is always exciting to travel and have different experiences but first of all I needed to work with an organization which I would feel comfortable to ask my questions and get advices; so that I reached out ITN.

I had so much motivation to start a new journey and they are always ready to help you to take a step! The most memorable day of my life was when I received an email from ITN which starts with “Congratulations! You are the winner of the ITN & Odyssey Scholarship Competition 2022."

And then the process started quickly. Everything was well organized and explained. According to their foresight and experiences they informed and prepared me for a brand new adventure.

It has been almost 5 months after I started my internship program in Dallas. I enjoy sharing and gathering with many people from seven different continents. Some days we train in a rush, some days we teach each others our cultural values and some days we cook our favorite foods from our childhood to tell our stories. Collecting amazing memories while being a family is priceless.

All my dreams about the future are getting stronger here, therefore everyday I start my shift with all my curiosity. From the first day of the training I show my passion about my career and it is always nice to be recognized. In April my chefs and hotel directors rewarded me as “The Sparkle of the Month” which is a recognition of taking pride in what I do while being open to learning.

Everyday is a new day, a new opportunity and a new chance. I am so thankful to have this chance to be here!

I enjoy being in US, visit different States, learn more about American culture, meet local people, visit American Michelin Star Restaurants, learn more about American chefs and get unforgettable food experiences.

It is a big pleasure to be in US and have the chance to get the best service from ITN & Odyssey!”

Way to go, Merve! Keep rocking your Culinary J-1 Internship Program in the United States and we are excited to hear more about your experiences soon!

Inspired to Chase Your Dreams and Start Your Own American Journey?

Fairmont Dallas is currently recruiting more international students, graduates or young professionals who want to join their Culinary Department for a program for 12 months. If you meet the eligibility criteria for a J-1 Intern or Trainee Program, our team will be more than happy to assist you with your application.

For over 50-years and ideally located in the heart of the downtown Dallas Arts District, surrounded by an array of fine-dining restaurants, shopping, arts and entertainment, Fairmont Dallas has been a cornerstone in Dallas and Texas hospitality. Combining the elegance of classic hospitality with an authentic Texan flair, this iconic luxury hotel is located a few blocks from the Central Business District, less than one mile from the world-famous Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, chronicling the life, death and legacy of President John F. Kennedy, walking distance.

If you are interested to apply for any of our Hospitality or Culinary J-1 Intern or Trainee Programs in the United States, click on the button below and complete the application form on our website. Our team will reach out to you via email within 1-2 business days:

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