At InterExchange, we rely on International Cooperators—local partner agencies in participants’ home countries—to manage on-the-ground recruitment, ensure strict regulatory compliance, and provide localized support for cultural exchange programs like the BridgeUSA programs.
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with representatives from two of these international exchange organizations, both of whom were in town to run in the NYC Marathon.
Valentin was chosen as the flag bearer for Moldova at the parade of nations in Central Park before the race!
Valentin Madan, of Moldova, works at Acord Travel as the Director of Programs. He has been working in cultural exchange for over 20 years and recently began partnering with InterExchange this year.
Javier Contreras has worked in cultural exchange for nearly 25 years! He was a participant on the Summer Work Travel program in 1999 in Boston. He founded his company, FLIPP Colombia, in 2010 and has been partnering with InterExchange since 2024.
They are both dedicated marathon runners, and what they taught me about their training got me thinking about how preparing for a marathon isn’t unlike being a visitor on an Exchange Visitor program with BridgeUSA.
Javier with his medal finishing his 4th road marathon! He has done 2 ultramarathons!
Here’s what I learned and my thoughts on how you can use their wisdom when you’re abroad:
1. Have a mantra.
Drawing from the late Argentine artist Gustavo Cerati of the band Soda Stereo, Javier looks to the phrase “El tiempo es arena en mis manos” (“Time is sand in my hands”). He uses this specific lyric from the song “Lago en el Cielo” as a mental tool to feel in control of his time and pace when a race gets overwhelmingly difficult. He also repeats, “If I can do this, I can do whatever” when he needs to push through the pain. As an exchange visitor, adopting your own personal mantra can help ground you during moments of homesickness, culture shock, or when navigating a challenging new environment.
2. Go farther, together!
Find others who are passionate about similar activities that you might do in your home country, like seeing live music or joining a club. Valentin emphasized that participating in major marathons in cities like Tokyo and London allows him to connect with people from all over the world, creating a powerful cultural exchange experience and building community. Javier also highlighted how his family gets involved; his wife ran the Chicago Marathon, and his son greeted him at mile 25, creating unforgettable shared memories.
For exchange visitors, building a local community—whether through a hobby, a host family, or fellow participants—turns a daunting international experience into a shared adventure.
3. The limits are in your head.
Javier traveled from Bogota, Colombia, determined to cross the finish line despite a recently torn ankle tendon. After a podiatrist told him he needed immediate surgery and strictly prohibited him from running, Javier decided to pivot his training to stationary cycling and strength work instead of giving up. Javier set out to start the race on November 1st, determined to walk, crawl, or take the subway if necessary. Guess what? He crossed the finish line!
Much like Javier’s determination, exchange visitors will inevitably face unexpected roadblocks or changes in plans, but success comes from pivoting your strategy rather than abandoning your goals.
4. Have courage, grit and resilience.
During the Berlin marathon, Valentin had food poisoning and was forced to stop, but that didn’t stop him from trying again; he is now on track to complete all six major world marathons. Before stopping for emergency medical attention and fluids, he actually managed to push through 30 kilometers with severe stomach issues. Valentin reflected that hitting “the wall” taught him the importance of consistency and discipline, lessons that he applies directly to his business life. When you go through hard times or hit a wall abroad, go back to your plan and stay consistent—remember all the reasons you wanted to do the program and know that these are the moments when we grow, when we push ourselves, and go out of our comfort zones.
5. Get Moving! Go for a run! (or bike or walk!)
Valentin shares that his favorite way of discovering new places is through running, combining travel with major cultural events that draw 50,000 runners. Both Javier and Valentin view their international marathon journeys as great ways to learn about other cities, noting that running around the world gave them a different lens from which to appreciate a place. Running provides mental clarity and energy; Valentin noted that getting outside helps clear his mind so constructive ideas can flow naturally without forcing the process.
On November 1, 2026, InterExchange participants volunteered at the NYC Marathon’s Mile 19 water station in East Harlem.
