InterExchange

Summer feels like so long ago! But the memories are still big - Grand Canyon big! Vladimir will remember sharing Russian culture with Americans. He said he'll miss the country's weather when he returns home! (Good thing he didn't experience a northern winter!)

What do you have in common with Twitch streamers, fitness models, and chefs? The need for a strong online presence! Whether you're applying to a J-1 visa, or going for a personal record bench press, everyone benefits from putting a little effort into their social media or blog. Find out more:

What's in a word? In a professional setting, quite a lot. What you say, and how you say it, is the key to a successful career. Fortunately, we're here to help! On Wednesday, Oct 21st at 2PM EDT, we're presenting the Career Guidance Webinar: English in the U.S. Workplace. Join us for a discussion on writing emails, speaking on the phone, and common professional terms. Register here: https://buff.ly/2HiS8ZW

"Who uses LinkedIn?" You may think the social network has nothing to offer you. You'd be wrong! Employers regularly use LinkedIn as a recruitment and hiring tool, and students and professionals are also using it in their job and internship searches. Find out how LinkedIn can help you find success:

It's Indigenous Peoples’ Day! Today, we honor Native American peoples, their histories, and cultures. Over five million Native Americans live in the USA, and 14 U.S. states celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Learn how you can as well:

What's your favorite home-cooked dish? Work & Travel USA's Kevin conducted remote check-ins with participants this summer, covering a wide range of cultural topics. Food was one of the most prominent themes - specifically, home-cooked meals. One young Russian woman fondly remembered Syrniki - fried curd cheese pancakes popular in Eastern Slavic countries - which reminded her of spending quality weekend time with her mom and sister. Syrniki is similar to pancakes, but the addition of Tvorog, a dry and tangy Russian cheese, gives them a unique texture and flavor. This type of can cheese can be found in most supermarkets under the name of Farmer’s Cheese. Check out the recipe for Syrniki and see Kevin prepare it, step-by-step:

Americans, did you know that volunteering abroad can lead directly to a job? Madeline spent six months in Sofia, Bulgaria connecting refugees with vital social services. The experience she gained led to a job with Human Rights Watch! Madeline was supported by the InterExchange Christianson Grant, which funds up to $10k for projects focused on topics including public health, environmental conservation, women’s rights, and education. You can apply for a grant as well, but the deadline is coming up! Find out more: https://buff.ly/36FoQzh

"Hiii!!1! When r u free to meet? " We've all seen emails like that. But hopefully you won't see them in your Sent folder; the professional world requires more formality. Brush up on your email skills with these five tips (number four is especially important):

When it comes to prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion, how does an organization "walk the walk" instead of merely talking the talk? Through reflection and action. InterExchange recently reflected on its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (also known as DEI), and we're also taking action. We've formed a DEI Committee that will lead to changes in how InterExchange amplifies the voices of marginalized groups. DEI comprises a set of ways that organizations can understandand create a more representativestaff. With these definitions in mind, the DEI Committee has started open discussion, training, education, and analysis of each of our programs and teams. Through this, we will learn more about how we can act as an organization to impact change. Our ultimate goal is to fundamentally evolve as an organization.

Being an au pair abroad was life-changing for Kianna from Jersey City. Americans, you can have a similar experience (as soon as it's safe to travel )! Join us this Wednesday, 10/7 at 4:00pm EST to learn more about au pair opportunities in Australia, France, New Zealand, Netherlands, and Spain! Our team will go over the basics for each of these destinations and answer your questions. Register here: https://buff.ly/3lhjSg0

What is a "hypebeast," anyway? And how did it evolve from skateboarding culture in 1980s California? If you've ever worn Vans, then this article is for you:

Yesterday, October 1st, a U.S. District Court Judge in Northern California issued an injunction and blocked further implementation of the June 22 Presidential Proclamation that had suspended entry to the U.S. of several categories of visas, including certain J-1 Visas, until January 1, 2021. You might have questions about this injunction. Unfortunately, many aspects are unclear at this time. However, we will provide you with more information as we gather it! Read more: https://buff.ly/33rlLRr

We believe in authentic cultural diversity. The Spring 2020 protests for social justice across the U.S. have shown the world that Black Americans and people from other marginalized groups face a range of challenges. We want to do our part to change this, by fully committing to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Read more here:

You may think that towering mountains and wide, open outdoor space would limit a sense of community. But the U.S. state of Colorado is unique. Each summer, Squeaky B’s - founded by Squeaky Bob, pictured above - hires seasonal J-1 Exchange Visitor students for its four restaurants. Often, the same students return each year, and Squeaky B’s calls them hardworking, professional, and trustworthy. This year was different: the U.S. Government suspension of some J-1 visas reduced the size of this community, but not its strength. Even though there were much fewer international students than usual, Squeaky B’s supported them with food, accommodation, and friendship. It was a difficult summer, but it can only get better. Thanks, Squeaky B’s! See you next season!