Visiting the city zoo and museums, attending sporting events and concerts, enjoying roller coasters at Six Flags, and going to the top of the Arch – these are just a few examples of the cultural activities Mariana, Jordy, and Frank participated in this winter during their J-1 Internship program.
These Colombian engineering students spent four months interning with H-J Enterprises in St. Louis. The experience gave them the opportunity to improve their engineering skills, immerse themselves in U.S. culture, and see snow for the first time!
All three interns expressed how much they valued the program and the new perspective they gained on the U.S.
“The experience of living for a period of time in another country while receiving training is very enriching,” explains Jordy, one of the interns hailing from Pereira. “You learn about other cultures, other ways of doing things, and that opens you to a new horizon of possibilities.”
Intern Frank adds, “I appreciate several aspects of the culture in the USA. Firstly, the emphasis on individual freedoms and personal expression stands out, fostering a diverse and inclusive society. The entrepreneurial spirit and the encouragement of innovation are also notable, creating an environment that values creativity and risk-taking.”
The training they received from their host company helped to increase both their professional and personal skills, including communication skills, self-confidence, and technology competence.
Intern Mariana expresses her gratitude for the host company, saying, “I highly recommend the cultural exchange experience with the H-J family of companies because they offered company, support, complete training and accompaniment during the internship.”
If you’re an engineering student looking for a culturally rich experience, consider a J-1 Internship through InterExchange Career Training USA! We are a partner of BridgeUSA’s Early Career STEM Initiative and offer sponsorship for STEM internships throughout the U.S. Start your application today!
