Mike, Mike’s wife Marilyn, and Layla visit the Lincoln Center to see “Swan Lake” performed by the American Ballet Theater. Image courtesy of Mike.
When Mike Paluszek, President of Princeton Satellite Systems, decided to host an international intern, he didn’t just open the doors to his company—he opened a gateway to cultural exchange and professional growth. This summer, Mike’s company welcomed Layla, a computer science student from Egypt with a passion for space technology. Their story illustrates how the InterExchange Career Training USA program can transform both host companies and interns, creating an impact that reaches far beyond the office walls. We recently spoke with Mike about his hosting experience. Read on below to hear firsthand from him what hosting has been like!
Layla and her hosts explore the National Air and Space Museums in Chantilly and DC. Image courtesy of Mike.
Cultural Exchange: Exploring American Life
InterExchange: What has been the most enjoyable aspect of hosting an international intern?
Mike: The most enjoyable aspect is getting to know Layla. It is also fun to see America from the point of view of a foreign student.
Did you do anything special to help Layla get settled into American life and your company culture?
Mike: We took Layla to brunch. We then showed her Princeton University. We took Layla to New York City to see the American Ballet Theater performance of Swan Lake. We had dinner at The Smith across the street from Lincoln Center. We took Layla to Philadelphia. We visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art. We then went to the historical area and saw the Liberty Bell. We finished the visit with dinner at El Vez, a trendy Mexican restaurant. My wife Marilyn took Layla to a farmer’s market in Hopewell. They saw farm animals, sampled food and tried their hand at archery. Marilyn and I also took Layla to Washington, D.C. We visited the National Air and Space Museums in Chantilly and DC. During Layla’s last week we visited MIT in Cambridge, MA. She discussed graduate school with Professor Daniel Hastings.
Mike and Marilyn enjoy a meal together with their intern Layla. Image courtesy of Mike.
The Ripple Effect: Connections Beyond the Internship
Mike: Layla shares an office with three other summer interns. Josephine is from Princeton University. Ian and Kailey are from MIT. Josephine often gives Layla a ride to work. I introduced Layla to the faculty at Princeton University including Professor Howard Stone, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department Chair. She will also visit the university and meet with the faculty next week as she may be interested in applying to Princeton University for graduate school.
Also, I introduced Layla to Nazli Ucar, a Ph.D. student at Boston University. I met Nazli at the International Space Station Research and Development Conference in Boston. This Friday we are having a pizza party for the interns and our newest staff member. We’ll watch the movie Apollo 13. The movie is directly relevant to our line of work. Also, I recently made a connection for Layla with Hazzaa AlMansoori, UAE astronaut. I met him at the International Space Station Research and Development conference. She met with Professor Daniel Hastings at MIT.
Professional Growth: Layla’s Contributions and Learning
Layla explores artwork at museums in Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. Image courtesy of Mike.
In what ways have you seen Layla grow professionally during her time with your organization?
Mike: Layla has expanded her software development knowledge. She has made significant contributions to our other programs. These include optical communication and launch. She is a quick learner. She finishes assignments far faster than expected. She is also an innovative person. She is not afraid to suggest new approaches to problems. She takes initiative and comes up with new ideas. On every project, she thinks two steps ahead.
Layla explores Philadelphia with her hosts, including the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art stairs where Rocky was filmed! Image courtesy of Mike.
Unexpected Benefits: How Hosting Enriches the Company
While hosting has there been an experience that changed the way you think about where your participant is from or how you think about the U.S.?
Mike: It is fun to see Layla learn more about the U.S. It has also been great for me/us to learn more about Egypt.
Would you recommend hosting through the J-1 program to others, and if so, why?
Mike: Yes. With InterExchange’s help, it is not much more difficult than hiring a U.S. intern. Introducing a J-1 student to American culture is great fun! We’ve done a lot of activities that we wouldn’t have done had Layla not been here.
As you can see from Mike and Layla’s experience, there are infinite opportunities to learn and exchange culture through hosting! And research supports that cultural exchange programs like the J-1 Intern Visa program can have far-reaching and long-lasting impacts. For companies like Princeton Satellite Systems, hosting an international intern can inject fresh energy and perspectives into their workplace. For interns like Layla, it’s an opportunity to gain valuable (and very unique) experience while immersing themselves in American culture.
If you’re ready to host through the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program to help make a difference in your organization and community, here’s what you need to know:
