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 1^st, 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.

Brooklyn

Once recognized as a magnet for new arrivals to the United States, it is now the epicenter for fine arts with a burgeoning art scene and hipster culture. Go where the cool kids go and escape the high-end department stores to the Brooklyn Flea Market. Not only can you find unique vintage pieces, but also jewelry by local artisans and one-of-a-kind trinkets.

Photo courtesy of Country Living.com

If Rockefeller Center is too crowded for you during the holidays, then Dyker Heights is a great place to visit. Dyker Lights has a brilliant display of over the top lights and larger than life nutcrackers and statues that rival any suburban neighborhood in America.

Queens

If NYC is the melting pot of the world, then Queens is the melting pot within the melting pot. On the 7 subway train, one can overhear conversations in a wide range of languages, including Spanish, Korean and Greek. Get off at each station and you’ll encounter the distinct foods of many different cultures.

Stop at Jackson Heights for the best samosas and experience the thriving South Asian mom-and-pop shops. Junction Blvd. has the best Spanish cuisine at affordable prices, and Flushing is known for having the best Chinese food in the entire city.

The Bronx

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.org

The Bronx is the only borough connected to the main land and is the home of the New York Yankees baseball team. If you are a sports fan then make sure you visit Yankee Stadium for a game. Ever since the team acquired Babe Ruth from the Boston Red Sox in 1920, this prolific team has won 27 World Series championships.

Not a sports fan? Before the month ends, get to the Bronx Zoo for the ice sculpting competition from Dec. 26 – Dec. 30, 2011.

Staten Island

This borough offers an amazing view of the Manhattan Skyline from the Staten Island Ferry. Skip the water taxi tours and jump on the Staten Island Ferry for FREE.

Photo courtesy of Wired New York.com

For more information on your NYC trip, visit http://www.nycgo.com/. For international students interested in the Work & Travel USA Program, go to InterExchange.org!

All Work & Travel USA students are guaranteed the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Where Federal and state laws have different minimum wage rates, the higher standard applies. Please refer to the chart below to find the corresponding wage rate in your state.

• If you work over 40 hours a week, you may be eligible for overtime wages. Some states have overtime wages and some do not. Housing or food is considered part of the minimum wage if it is included in the job offer.
• To further review your state’s minimum wage laws, please visit the US Department of Labor site at http://www.dol.gov/whd/minwage/america.htm.

Contact InterExchange at 1-800-621-1202 or worktravel@interexchange.org if you have a problem with underpaid or unpaid wages. InterExchange will provide you the necessary forms to file a claim against your employer.

1. Central Park
Central Park first opened in 1859 and is one of New York City’s most famous landmarks. The park stretches from 59th and 110th Streets and 5th and 8th Avenues and boasts over 800 acres of public space. In the summer, rent a rowboat or kayak at the Loeb Boathouse. And in the winter, go ice skating in one of the two ice skating rinks located within the park. http://www.centralparknyc.org/

2. Bryant Park
Bryant Park is located in midtown Manhattan between 40th and 42nd Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues. The main branch of the New York Public Library is located in the park. In the summer, enjoy the free Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, GMA Summer Concert Series, Broadway in Bryant Park and other events. In the winter, holiday shops open around the park and Citi Pond, a free-admission ice skating rink, also opens. http://www.bryantpark.org/

3. The High Line
The High Line park is a unique park built on a section of a former elevated freight railroad. The first section of the park opened in June 2009 and the second section just opened in June 2011. The park is located on Manhattan’s west side and runs from Gansevoort Street to West 34th Street, between 10th and 11th Avenues. http://www.thehighline.org/

4. Union Square Park
Union Square Park is a main hub in Manhattan, particularly because of the many subway lines that run through the area. It is bordered by the Flatiron District to the north, Chelsea to the west, Greenwich Village to the south, and Gramercy to the east. It is host to New York City’s largest year-round Greenmarket. http://www.unionsquarenyc.org/

5. Prospect Park
Prospect Park is located in Brooklyn and was designed by the same landscape architects who designed Central Park. The park has almost 600 acres of space and features a 60-acre lake, Prospect Park Zoo, and Brooklyn’s only forest. http://www.prospectpark.org/

6. Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is located in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village and features Washington’s Arch and a large fountain. Although many of the buildings surrounding the park are owned by New York University, Washington Square is a public park. http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/washingtonsquarepark

7. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is situated on the downtown Brooklyn waterfront and boasts stunning views of Manhattan. Construction on the park began in 2008 and is still in development. Pier 1 and Pier 6 opened in 2010 and more than half of the park will be complete by 2013. http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/

8. Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park is located in Manhattan’s Flatiron District. It is bordered by 23rd and 26th Streets and Fifth Avenue and Broadway. One of its most popular features is Shake Shack, a permanent stand that serves hamburgers, hot dogs and shakes. http://www.madisonsquarepark.org/

9. Hudson River Park
Hudson River Park runs along the Hudson River on Manhattan’s west side and extends from Battery Park up to 59th Street. The park features the Hudson River Greenway that has bicycle and pedestrian paths. There are also tennis and soccer fields, batting cages and playgrounds. http://www.hudsonriverpark.org/index.asp

10. Fort Tryon Park
Fort Tryon Park is located in Manhattan’s Washington Heights neighborhood. It has views of the Hudson River, George Washington Bridge, New Jersey Palisades and the Harlem River. The park is also home to The Cloisters, a part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art that features medieval art and culture. http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/forttryonpark

1. Jazz in the Garden: Every Friday evening throughout the summer — rain or shine — the National Gallery of Art offers free jazz performances in the Sculpture Garden. You are welcome to bring your own picnic dinner or purchase food at the café. Live music is from 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The nearest Metro stations are Archives/Navy Memorial, Smithsonian and Judiciary Square.

2. Nats Game:  Spend an afternoon or evening at a Washington Nationals baseball game!  They are one of the National League’s up-and-coming teams this season and tickets are available in the Grandstand, the Upper Right Field Terrace and the Upper Outfield Gallery for $5 – $10.  For schedules, tickets and special offers go to: http://washington.nationals.mlb.com

3. Ben’s Chili Bowl: A D.C. tradition since the 1950s, this late-night hot spot (open until 4 a.m. on the weekend!) features hot dogs, fries, milkshakes and of course, its famous chili and chili dogs. President Obama has even been known to frequent the joint. The half-smoke is a must order.

4. Eastern Market:  Located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, Eastern Market has everything from beautiful jewelry and crafts to fresh fish and local farm-grown veggies. Eastern Market is D.C.’s oldest continually operated fresh food public marketplace. Get some friends together and take a walk around—you can sample the delicious Honey Crisp apples and gourmet cheeses!

5. Museums:  One of the best things about D.C. is that it is full of free museums! All of the Smithsonian museums located along the National Mall are open to the public free of charge, including the National Archives, the Air and Space Museum and the Museum of Natural History. The National Gem and Mineral Collection at the Museum of Natural History is home to many rare and famous minerals and gems, including the stunning Hope Diamond.

6. Paddle the Tidal Basin:  For $6 each, you and a friend can rent a paddleboat and float through the basin. The paddleboats are a spectacular way to catch some rays and take in the scenic views of the surrounding gorgeous Japanese Cherry Trees and the Jefferson Memorial.

7. Lucky Bar:  On Monday nights, this lively Dupont Circle bar has free salsa lessons and 50 cent tacos. Yes, please.

8. Monuments by Night:  The majority of D.C. visitors will go to the memorials and monuments during the day, however walking through them at night is a completely different experience altogether. The monuments are lit up, revealing glowing reflections and shadows—a whole new serene perspective on the city. Most are open to the public with rangers on duty until 11:30 p.m.

9. Kennedy Center:  The Kennedy Center is the busiest performing arts center in the U.S. and arguably one of the most beautiful. The view of the city from the rooftop deck is incredible and free, guided tours are offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free daily performances on the Millennium Stage are what make this place so special—every day at 6 p.m., visitors can enjoy local and international musicians, actors and dancers perform free of charge.

10. Old Post Office Pavilion: This architectural marvel on Pennsylvania Avenue was constructed in the 1890s. No longer used as a Post Office, the building now holds offices and retail space. There is ample shopping in the giant atrium and free tours of the Old Post Office Pavilion Clock Tower are offered daily. The aerial view of the city is breathtaking.

For more information about Washington D.C., check out our D.C. Travel Guide!

A native of Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, Surenkhorol found employment in a major U.S. city, Washington, D.C. It seemed like an exciting place filled with opportunities to meet new friends, as as well as a chance to see where American legislation gets passed before it becomes the law of the land.

Little did she know that on the fateful morning of June 19th  - Father’s Day –  as she clocked into work at a local restaurant, she was going to have one of the most unexpected experiences of her life.

It all started when, while making milkshakes in the back of the restaurant, Surenkhorol heard loud screams and lots of clapping. She had no idea what was happening and imagined that it must simply be someone’s birthday.

Emerging with a strawberry milkshake for a customer, she finally realized the cause of the commotion. Surenkhorol immediately looked down to make sure that she was still holding the milkshake and that her feet were firmly planted on the ground, because right in front of her stood the tall frame of the President of the United States, Barack Obama!

He was busy placing his own order to her boss with a broad smile on his face.

Outside, the restaurant was completely barricaded off and there were secret service personnel standing guard both inside and outside the building. Feeling as if she were still in a dream, Surenkhorol found herself ringing up Sasha Obama’s order.

After the president and his family finished their ice cream, President Obama came over to talk to the restaurant staff.  “Where are you guys from?,” he asked in a good-natured way. Then he addressed Surenkhorol: “You are the only female employee here today,” he said. “Yes,” she answered, finally finding her voice. “ On this shift.”

“Where are you from?,” he asked, interested as he heard her accent.

“I’m from Mongolia. I’m a student and it’s my first time in the U.S.,” she replied excitedly. Interested, he asked Surenkhorol, “On what program did you come to United States?” She replied, her voice finally falling into its normal cadence, “ I’m a participant on the InterExchange Work & Travel USA program.”

“Wow! So you are from Mongolia, your president was here last week, you know. And you are so young! It’s great to have this type of experience so early in your life,” President Obama said as he shook her hand.

Then all her coworkers posed for a picture with the president.

Not too shabby for Surenkhorol’s second day on the job, huh?

Surenkhorol went on to have a great summer in the U.S and has already started making plans for her second summer on the program. Of course, nothing can come close to her surprising experience meeting the President, but she also credited the InterExchange Work & Travel USA program with helping her to become more independent and responsible as she successfully completed her first professional experience.

No one knows more about the significant role that Halloween plays in different cultures than Jeannette, the Compliance Officer of the Work & Travel USA program. Jeannette actually focused on Halloween’s significance in the U.S. as the subject of her college dissertation. Incidentally, Jeannette’s dog was also just featured in one of New York’s major newspaper for his cute Halloween costume.

So Jeannette, tell us about the tradition of celebrating Halloween as well as how this tradition has been evolving over the years:

Halloween has different significance and names all over the world. Honoring the dead and creating festivities for them goes as far back as ancient Egyptian times. Egyptians would honor the dead by creating large pyramids and performing offerings led by priests.

The practice of offering gifts at tombs are not just a tradition from ancient Egypt, but also practiced in Mexico for “El Dia de los Muertos.” On this special day, Mexicans gather at the cemetery with food and treats to celebrate with dead relatives. This doesn’t just happen in Latin America.

Koreans make their gifts to dead consisting of rice and fruits. Their festival, “Chuseok,” takes place at the beginning of fall, when the new harvest moon emerges. It gives them a chance to pay respects and show gratitude for the “fruits of their labor.” China’s celebration, Teng Chieh, is the most similar to Dia de los Muertos. Chinese place food and water next to lanterns, which will lead the way as they travel the dark night. The Chinese also build paper boats for the “Pretas,” or spirits, who died in accidents (especially drowning), so that they can make it to heaven without being buried. Similar to the Egyptians, during Teng Chieh and Chuseok, special verses are recited during the offerings by spiritual leaders in temples.

There are also traditions that don’t seem to have links to another culture, such as in the Czech and Slovak Republics, where chairs are placed by the fireplace, one for each living family member and another for their spirit. In Sweden, during Alla Helgons Dag, some people place flowers, candles and lanterns on graves at this time.

It is hard to understand these old traditions and their evolution without going back to the Celt’s All Souls Day. During these festivities beggars would ask for food, and in return, promised to pray for that family’s dead relatives. The pastries were called “soul cakes” and the national church preferred this, as opposed to the older traditions of leaving food/wine for roaming spirits. The older traditions also included wearing masks during this time period so that the ghosts would become puzzled and think people in costumes were also spirits.

Children began to adopt this tradition and visited houses to ask for money, ale or food. All Souls Day evolved into modern-day Halloween and has grown and spread, especially in the U.S.

Today, Halloween celebrations have lost most of its inherent meaning. Jack- O- Lanterns are appearing in countries where they’ve never been seen before and even UNICEF is collecting donations on Halloween. Who knows what people will be doing one hundred years from now to honor the dead?

What does your family do for Halloween? Does your country have a day to honor your ancestors?

Are you in Boston for your program or planning a visit? Here are 10 ways to experience the city and have fun without breaking the bank:

The Freedom Trail: If you are a history fan this Boston visitor’s staple is for you! The Freedom Trail marks a red brick path through 16 historic sites in downtown Boston. The majority of the locations on the route are free or suggested donation only. The Trail tells the story of the American Revolution and includes sites such as the State House, Paul Revere’s House and the site of the Boston Massacre. The total length of the trail is 2.5 miles, but you can start from different points for a shorter hike. For more information: www.thefreedomtrail.org

Rent a rowboat: Jamaica Pond is an idyllic pond located between the Jamaica Plain and Brookline neighborhoods of Boston. You can rent rowboats for $10 per hour or take a stroll on the 1.5 mile walking path. www.jamaicapond.com

Faneuil Hall Marketplace: A great place to walk around with lots of shops, carts and kiosks as well as many inexpensive places to grab a bite! In the heart of Boston, Faneuil Hall is easily accessed by several T stops, including Government Center, Aquarium/Faneuil Hall, and State Street.

The North End: Also known as Little Italy, Boston’s North End is known for being rich in history and authentic Italian cuisine. What’s not to love about Italian food? Be sure to grab a famous cannoli from Mike’s Pastry on Hanover Street as you explore this colorful neighborhood. (Closest T Stop: Haymarket)

Sam Adams Brewery: Literally a taste of Boston. The brewery offers tours of the Jamaica Plain facility with a discussion of how founder Jim Koch brews the beer. Tours and tastings occur Monday-Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; tours are scheduled every half hour. The tours are free, though they do ask for a voluntary $2 donation per person. All tour donations go to local Boston charities. For more info: www.samueladams.com

Matinee: Hit the movies! Film showings before 4 p.m. are $9.50 in the Boston area, with some tickets as low $8, depending on the theater. Go before noon and most theaters only charge $6! The perfect thing to do on a rainy day in Boston.

Where You Can Snap Instead of Clap: Why not spend an evening at a poetry slam? You can participate in the open mic or just sit back and enjoy the featured poet. The Boston Poetry Slam takes place at Cantab Lounge in Cambridge every Wednesday night at 8 p.m. Cover charge is $3. www.slamnews.com

Red Sox game at a local watering hole: Bostonians love few things more than their baseball team. While it may be a challenge to find tickets to a game without putting a hole in your wallet, it won’t cost much or get more authentic than watching the game surrounded by some rowdy Red Sox fans. During game time, head to a bar near Fenway Park. Try Cask N’ Flagon or The Baseball Tavern

Museum of Fine Arts: With over 450,000 works of art, the MFA has one of the most comprehensive collections in the United States. The permanent galleries and special exhibits are not to be missed. The best part? Wednesdays after 4 p.m., admission is free. www.mfa.org

Sowa Open Market: This eclectic market is full of artisan goods, fresh produce and food trucks. It has a very hip vibe with a variety of artists and vendors. Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., May through October, you’ll find tons of unique clothing, original art and crafts, and yummy treats! www.sowaopenmarket.com

For more information about Boston, Massachusetts, see our new cultural suggestions on the Work and Travel USA Resources page.

How will the Work & Travel USA program impact your life this summer?

And what impact has the Work & Travel USA program had on our participants?

These are the questions that we set about to answer each year. At the end of every season, InterExchange evaluates how participants perceive the Work & Travel USA program as well as how the program has benefitted their lives.

We’re happy to share the results with you as you prepare for your very own exciting summer experience working and traveling in the United States.

The most significant area of improvement for our participants was their level of English skills as well as their understanding of other cultures. Many participants believe that their experiences abroad will help them in the future when interacting with potential business colleagues and partners from other countries. For some students, the Summer Work and Travel experience was their first time in the work force. As a result, they learned valuable time management skills that they can later put to use in their studies and future careers.

“Customer service in the United States is very distinct,” states one participant from Russia, “I learned how to communicate in a professional and polite manner with all clients.”

Life isn’t all about work, though. Work & Travel USA participants hopped on buses and trains to visit major U.S. cities during their stay. At the top of their travel destinations were the usual suspects— New York, Boston, San Francisco and Washington, DC. They happily sent in pictures of themselves having a blast with friends during their travels, which we also happily posted on our flickr account. Nothing makes us feel warmer and fuzzier inside than seeing our participants having a great, intercultural experience in the United States.

Overall, Work & Travel USA students left the country with a more positive opinion of the United States and its people. They also indicated that they would definitely be visiting again in the future, as tourists. Be sure to drop by our office to say hello, future tourists!

Want to experience American life this summer? Plan now with InterExchange. We guarantee we will find you a job with a reputable, ethical employer in the United States. Or if you already have a job, we can still serve as your J-1 Visa sponsor. Contact us today!

If your current job is ending before September 5, 2011 and you would like to continue working until the end of your program or DS-2019 end date, then InterExchange Work & Travel USA might just have the perfect job for you!

Contact us today at 1-800-621-1202 or email us at worktravel@interexchange.org in order for us to match you to one of our many available jobs. This is a free service to all our participants whose current jobs end before their work finish dates.

We have excellent jobs with competitive pay and many jobs offer pre-arranged housing. Some jobs require work until the end of October but others are more flexible.

Please call us as soon as possible at 1-800-621-1202 or email us to let us know:

• When you are available to start your new job
• When is the last day you are available to work

We look forward to matching you with a great job for this September and October!

Please note that if you were placed directly at a job by InterExchange and your employment date will not end before September 5th, your application for a new job will not be considered.