Cinco de Mayo is a day that not only commemorates the 1862 Battle of Puebla and the defeat against the French but also the rich Mexican-American heritage in the United States. The rich ethnic influences of Mexico have greatly shaped American culture in the arts, cuisine, and sports. Margaritas, tacos, salsa and celebrity icons like Jessica Alba and Salma Hayek are just a few things that come to mind when one thinks of Mexican culture. Read More »
April 12, 2012 – 11:17 am
Every year in mid-April, cities across Thailand prepare for battle – for the world’s largest water gun fight. In 2011, Bangkok broke the Guinness World Records for the largest water gun fight with over 3,400 participants. This event, called Songkran or the “big splash”, marks the celebration of the Thai New Year. This year, Songkran will start on Friday, April 13 and last till the 15th. However for certain parts of Northern Thailand, the celebration may extend to a week! Read More »
Since the opening of the first Madame Tussauds in London, many branches have unfolded across major cities in the United States such as New York, Washington, D.C. and Hollywood. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum’s main attraction is that it allows visitors to rub shoulders with the rich and famous. Want to mingle with the actors of Breakfast at Tiffany’s or take a photo with President Obama? Madame Tussauds features politicians, music and entertainment icons as well as beloved animated characters such as Shrek. Read More »
March 16, 2012 – 11:06 am
While “Lin-sanity” might be wearing off, NBA fans are looking to the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament to fill their hunger. The NCAA or the National Collegiate Athletic Association includes almost all American colleges and universities. This association hosts a single-elimination tournament in March where 64 teams compete for the championship title. This time of the year is known as March Madness or the Big Dance as many fans take part in “bracketing” or seeding predictions of who will win. Many prominent figures and celebrities take part in predicting the outcome as well. Even President Obama’s bracket is posted on the White House website! Read More »
Ocean City, Maryland is a famous tourist destination for many Americans. Although the population of this town is only 7,102, they host around 320,000 to 345,000 visitors each summer. Our Work & Travel participants who find jobs in Ocean City can enjoy many cultural and outdoor activities there, and if you are working or traveling nearby, Ocean City is worth a visit! Here are just a few activities that many students participate in:
Wildlife
Courtesy of ococean.com
Swim with dolphins and manta rays and see all the famous wildlife of Assateague. Go whale watching or catch the spectacular sunset over Ocean City’s pristine waters.
Fishing
Courtesy of ococean.com
Many spectators flock to the 38th Annual White Marlin Open from August 6 – August 10, 2012 as contestants try to catch the largest marlin, shark and other fish. Prizes go up to $1 million for the largest marlin, and other prizes can total to over $2 million.
Free Movies & Concerts on the Beach
Courtesy of ococean.com
If you’re tight on cash, Ocean City offers weekly free movies Monday and Friday evenings on a 16-foot projector. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy free concerts every Wednesday night in July and August right on the beach!
Horseback riding
Courtesy of ococean.com
Ocean City now offers horseback riding on the beach during winter to early spring.
If you need ideas for more things to do in Ocean City, visit ococean.com for 100 more free activities!
February 27, 2012 – 11:58 am
Many of our participants in the InterExchange Work & Travel USA program have the opportunity to travel across the United States visiting museums, galleries and historical landmarks. One of our students from the Summer 2011 program submitted this photo of her visit to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), which featured an enormous exhibit of Tim Burton’s work. Read More »
February 17, 2012 – 8:01 pm
Originally, President’s Day was known as Washington Day and was celebrated on February 22nd. This was in honor of the birthday of the first president of the United States, George Washington. After the assassination of Abraham Lincoln in 1865, America began celebrating Lincoln’s birthday on February 12th. However in 1971, both federal holidays were combined to become President’s Day, a celebration not just for Washington and Lincoln but dedicated to all U.S. presidents. President’s Day is now celebrated on the third Monday in February and is a popular holiday for traveling in the United States.
Presidents’ Day weekend is a great time to visit historic landmarks and national parks in the United States. Here are some great trip ideas! Read More »
February 8, 2012 – 4:10 pm
If you received a paycheck during your work and travel program in the U.S. during 2011, taxes were likely withheld from your pay. It’s important that you file a tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by April 17, 2012 in order to receive any refund that you may be due. Read More »
February 2, 2012 – 12:03 pm
Super Bowl Sunday has become an unofficial national American holiday! The Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League (NFL) and this year’s Super Bowl XLVI (46) takes place in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 5, 2012. This final game is a face-off between our hometown New York Giants and the New England Patriots. If this is your first Super Bowl game, then here are some fun facts and tips for watching this Sunday.
Image courtesy of ibtimes.com
Read More »
January 9, 2012 – 3:56 pm
Calling all Work & Travel Winter 2011 participants! This is your chance to enter the Work & Travel USA 2011 Winter Photo Contest!
You could win a $100 gift card if your photo is selected as the winner!
All entries are due before February 15, 2012!
2011 Summer Work & Travel USA Photo Contest Winner!
InterExchange Work & Travel USA is happy to announce our annual Winter Photo Contest. We’re looking for photos that best capture what Work & Travel USA is really about. Send us your favorite photo of your everyday work experiences or fun adventures you have been on. Whether your photo shows you hard at work, having a lunch break with your coworkers or backpacking across the country—wow us with your work & travel experiences in the United States!
Enter now! First prize is a $100 gift card! Second prize is a $50 gift card.
To enter, fill out our online entry form today with your name, country of citizenship and employment location. Make sure each photo is at high resolution (3 MB or higher). No more than 3 images per entry.
Your picture will then be uploaded on InterExchange Work & Travel’s facebook page. All you have to do is log onto facebook and “Like” your photo on Work & Travel’s page and share them with family and friends! The participant with the most “Likes” by March 1st, 2012 will be the Work & Travel USA 2011 Winter Photo Contest winner!
- All entries will be edited for content.
- Click here to view Summer 2011 submissions on Flickr.
We can’t wait to see your work and travel adventures!
*All prizes are in the form of a gift card to one of the following retailers: Old Navy, Banana Republic, Sears.
![InterExchange [Logo]](http://www.interexchange.org/files/images/blog/logos/logo-interexchange.gif){kind=logo}