The University of Baguio is dedicated to providing new opportunities for growth and personal development to its students. In the pursuit of excellence and professional competency, the university offers various activities and programs geared toward honing skills and building good character.
The recently concluded Bridge USA J1 Visa Cultural Exchange program is one of the initiatives that allows students to continue their learning beyond the four walls of their classroom. Standing for Broadening Reach through International Development and Global Experience, the Bridge USA J1 Visa program gives full-time third- and fourth-year students the chance to experience American culture firsthand through a three-month exchange program during the summer when the students are on vacation from their regular schooling.
“Embracing the idea of ‘fear of the unknown,’ I ventured into unexplored territory, realizing that an array of unfamiliar experiences awaited on the other side of the world’s borders. Pursuing a less traveled path, I found myself enrolled in a program that was clearly beyond my comfort zone. However, rather than viewing it as a decision riddled with uncertainty, I viewed it as an invitation – an opportunity to embrace personal growth, overcome new challenges, and immerse myself in a different world.”
– Karen R. Garcia, 2023 Bridge USA participant
Over the course of their stay participants become fully independent; they are deployed to work at their temporary jobs and put in charge of their own housing arrangements and finances. Students under the J1 exchange visitor visa are also allowed to travel during their spare time, giving them the chance to explore the United States and have a more immersive experience of the country and its culture.
This year’s batch of participants included sixteen (16) students from the School of Nursing (SN), the School of Natural Sciences (SNS), and Medical Technology students, making UB the first university in the Philippines to send allied medical students off to join the program.
All sixteen participants were sent to different parts of the United States for their work and travel program, being assigned to hospitality and tourism outfits like Camelback Resort in Pennsylvania and Mariott International in Texas.
“Just as people leave, new individuals enter our lives, bringing with them fresh perspectives and opportunities. Embracing this cycle opens doors to exciting new chapters and the chance to create new meaningful connections. Recognizing that the departure of one person often paves the way for the arrival of another can bring a sense of hope and anticipation.”
– Joseph Raqueno, 2023 Bridge USA participant
As the students engaged with their work and the people around them, they were faced with a wide variety of challenges that pushed them to work harder and more efficiently. Whether it was dealing with difficult customers or having to accomplish the difficult manual labor of cleaning an entire hotel room, being on the job was a test of patience and professionalism that they passed with flying colors. The students gave it their all during their time working at their host companies, persevering through the challenges and coming out with a polished skillset and a commendable work ethic from their days spent working on the clock.
The time away from work was also filled with memorable moments spent travelling around the country. Going on adventures and experiencing the sights and sounds that the different states and cities have to offer is an integral part of the program, allowing the participants to immerse themselves in America and American culture.
All sixteen participants experienced a summer full of fun and professional growth during the Bridge USA J1 Visa Cultural Exchange program. Through a combination of work and leisure, the students all gained valuable life experiences that will build up their practical skills as future professionals and leave them with lasting fond memories.As the university continues to nurture lifelong learners and future empowered professionals, it aims to continue providing opportunities for those seeking to grow as individuals and make meaningful memories that will last them a lifetime.
