InterExplorer 2016 Summer Winners
3 minute read
Congratulations to the winners of the Summer 2016 InterExplorer contest and thank all participants who submitted! Our participants have been a part of fun, enthralling experiences across the United States; they’ve shown us there’s no one way to immerse yourself in American culture.
The InterExplorer contest challenges our J-1 exchange visitors to explore the United States more deeply, and then share their photos, videos, and experiences with us and with each other through our Facebook group. Activities can include parades, volunteer activities, festivals, food, national parks, sports, and much more!
Introducing the winners of the Summer 2016 InterExplorer contest:
Bruna from Japan and Brazil First Place
Bruna I. is an au pair in sunny San Diego, California. Bruna took advantage of being close to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other great cities in California! She also visited a number of breathtaking beaches in this beautiful part of the country.
Hiking with a friend
Hollywood sign!
Vistiting Imperial Beach
Visiting Santa Monica Beach
Sunset Cliffs
With friends at Washington Square!
Suzanne from the Netherlands Second Place
Suzanne A. is also an au pair in San Diego, California. Suzanne also visited a number of sweeping sites in California! Her host kids have also showed her a number of fun attractions, such as a baseball games, parks, and other fun outdoor activities.
With friends at a concert
Body boarding!
With friends in Carlsbad
Visiting Central Perk
Seeing a Padres game
Visiting the famous Las Vegas with friends
Kelly from the Netherlands Third Place
Kelly M. is an au pair in Germantown, Maryland. Kelly became thoroughly engaged in her community, even involving her Crossfit gym in the competition. It’s clear that Kelly has really bonded with her host kids, as they’ve had adventures at the park, the movies, and more!
Kelly's Crossfit Gym
Walking dogs in the neighborhood!
Visiting Great Falls
Visiting Miami
Visiting NYC and seeing the Statue of Liberty
Celina from El Salvador Forth Place
Celina O. is an au pair in West Milford, New Jersey. Celina took advantage of her proximity to New York City and visited locations around the city and in her host community! She also traveled the East Coast, spending time in the historic cities of Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.!
Visiting the Botanic Gardens
Visiting the Lincoln Memorial
Visiting Philly
With some friends at the Washington Monument
Walking over the Brooklyn Bridge
A Tie for Fifth Place!
It was a tight race this year! Gintvilė and Yannicka who tied for fifth place both had exciting experiences to share.
Gintvilė from Lithuania
Gintvilė V. is a Work & Travel USA participant who was placed in Cutchogue, Long Island. She had the opportunity to sample delicious food, meeting new people, and seeing all there is to see along the East Coast!
Visit to Boston
Eating some delicious pizza!
Seeing Manhattan from the Staten Island Ferry
Yannicka from the Netherlands
Yannicka van E. is a Camp USA participant who spent the summer in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. During her placement, Yannicka embarked on an epic road trip across the United States! Yannicka tried all kinds of American snacks, from s’mores to cheese curds to Ring Pops, and she saw some beautiful national landmarks around the country.
Yannicka on her road trip
Visiting Big Sioux Falls
Visiting Mount Rushmore
Congratulations to all six winners, and to everyone who participated in this summer’s contest. Keep exploring!
By Stephanie WillhideStephanie started her career working for a cultural exchange program that supports English language learning in Chilean public schools. She came to InterExchange's Au Pair USA program in 2013, and now works as the Web Developer.
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