This year’s celebration of Exchange Day will be held on Monday, August 7, 2023. Traditionally, international exchange participants and community stakeholders come together under the slogan "Eat, Play, and Give", to organize local community events, share cultural diversity and American customs, give back to their communities, and have some fun.

In this article, we will delve into the most popular cultural activities in San Francisco that captivate the hearts and minds of internationals, creating unforgettable memories and a true sense of adventure.

Merve Yuksek won first place in the ITN & Odyssey’s Scholarship Competition in 2022. 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.

From the initial application until the completion of your program in the United States, you will receive accurate and transparent information from our experts in the field. With that in mind, we put together a list of the most important reminders for your J-1 Internship or Trainee Program with ITN & Odyssey International Exchange.

What’s the best part of the BridgeUSA Cultural Exchange Program?  Other than having a professional development experience at a reputable host company in a unique location in the US? Well, the 30 Day Grace period, of course!

Denver is a consolidated city and county, the capital, and the most populous city of the American state of Colorado. The city is unique and attracts people from all around the world due to it’s vibrant arts and culture scene, diverse population and amazing natural beauty. The most popular attraction, the Rocky Mountains, is visible from almost every part of the city and many choose to leave the city and hike to the famous mountains.

The Form DS-2019 or "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status" is the official document that allows you to seek an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in order to obtain the J-1 Visa. The J-1 Visa is needed for internationals to enter in the United States and start a BridgeUSA J-1 Intern or Trainee Program.

The beauty of the United States is grounded in the diversity of cultures, habits, lifestyles and customs. As the country is so complex in its diversity of cultures, there’s an unique multitude of celebrations, festivals, parades and events that take place every year.

We are more than happy to announce some exciting new features on our website. With a mission to make the process of finding training opportunities easier for our international candidates, our team worked on adding new features to the website. The new features boast a clean design and intuitive and consistent site-wide navigation to help our international candidates find their dream hospitality opportunities in the United States.

Los Angeles may have a reputation for being all about entertainment, glitz and glamor, but there’s much more to this city than just Hollywood. L.A. is a melting pot of cultures, and there are plenty of activities that will help you get in touch with the diverse range of traditions that make up this city.

The Form DS-7002, Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP), or normally called a “Training Plan” is a controlled document of the U.S. Department of State and an integral part of a BridgeUSA J-1 Intern or Trainee Program. The document represents a framework or summary of activities that a participant and their host company follow for the duration of their program in the United States.

J-1 Camp Counselor participants have the opportunity to immerse themselves into the American culture and values, and to live an authentic summer camp experience that may help them improve their personal skills.

Chicago is a city with a long and rich history. There are many cultural attractions that help to make the Windy City what it is today. From world-class museums to iconic sports venues, there is something for everyone in Chicago.

In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the best cultural activities and attractions that the city has to offer.

It’s difficult to think of another industry that is more dynamic, fast-paced, exciting, diverse, and sometimes stressful, as the hospitality industry. In this ever-evolving world of hospitality, every day is different and you will rarely experience the same situation twice.

Preparing for a J-1 interview with the host company of your dreams might seem intimidating at first, but getting prepared and practicing in advance will definitely help you boost your confidence and perform better.

Enrolling in a J-1 hospitality internship or trainee program in the United States is a great way to learn and gain practical international experience, which is necessary for anyone who wants to pursue a career in the hospitality industry.

Moving overseas to start your American journey can be an exciting experience and often you will find yourself exploring new places, meeting new people, and trying different cultural activities. However, it may happen that in the beginning of your journey, especially if this is your first time traveling and living abroad, that you will experience culture shock.

A guide for participants in the J-1 Internship and Trainee Program in the United States. Find out how to apply for the Social Security Number (SSN).

As a hospitality professional, it’s important to research, stay aligned and understand the new trends and challenges that the industry is facing. Learn about upcoming hospitality trends in 2022 and their impact, and how to jump-start your career in the hospitality industry.

Want to experience Miami in its most authentic form? Here are the seven best activities in Miami to indulge in when visiting this beautiful city. Immerse yourself into its authentic history, art, and culture.