Celebrating Exchange: BridgeUSA Tour Enhancing Cultural Ties and Economy

CIEE's BridgeUSA Celebration Tour: Strengthening America

The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) is excited to embark on its BridgeUSA Celebration Tour, a vibrant roadshow designed to showcase how international exchange programs enrich America’s cultural fabric and economic landscape. This event is set to commence in June with significant stops at renowned BridgeUSA employers such as Cedar Point, Kings Island, and Kentucky Kingdom.

Summer Roadshow Kicking Off

The tour kicks off with events celebrating major employers from the BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program. This initiative allows international college students to experience American culture by living and working in the United States during their summer breaks. The contributions of these students help American businesses maximize their summer season.

The theme of the celebration revolves around acknowledging Cedar Point and Kings Island, both iconic amusement parks from Ohio, alongside Kentucky Kingdom from Kentucky. These notable employers exemplify the commitment to creating meaningful cultural exchanges between BridgeUSA participants and their American coworkers.

Impact on Local Economies

As part of the BridgeUSA program, over 4,000 businesses across the United States actively host participants, who collectively contribute to their local economies. It is remarkable that these programs inject over $1.2 billion into the U.S. economy annually, helping local businesses flourish.

Per Kaitlin Wattrick, the recruiting manager at Cedar Point, the program significantly enhances their hospitality service, stating, "BridgeUSA brings in associates from around the world who create amazing experiences for our guests." This sentiment underscores the broader community benefits of cultural exchange.

Strengthening Security and Diplomacy

The BridgeUSA program not only cultivates mutual respect among diverse cultures but also serves to fortify national security and public diplomacy. Participants return home with a wealth of experiences and anecdotes that elevate the perception of America on the global stage, helping portray a more positive image abroad.

Boosting Economic Prosperity

The infusion of international participants into the workforce allows local economies to thrive, particularly during peak tourist seasons. This enables businesses to hire more American workers for prolonged periods, leading to increased revenue across various sectors, from dining establishments to retail shops.

Martine Mangion, Senior Vice President at CIEE, remarked on the economic significance of the BridgeUSA program: "Many seasonal businesses are able to continue to support domestic jobs in their slow season thanks to the support from BridgeUSA participants during their busy season." This dynamic ensures that communities reap the benefits of an extended peak season.

Enriching Lives through Exchange

James P. Pellow, Ed.D., President, and CEO of CIEE, emphasized the broad cultural and economic benefits of the program. He stated, "International students pay their way to come to America, they make American businesses more profitable while they are here, and then they return to their home countries with a deeper knowledge and respect for American culture and values. If BridgeUSA did not exist, we would need to invent it, as it truly enriches all Americans." This powerful statement resonates with the core mission of CIEE.

Future Events and Participation Opportunities

Looking ahead, CIEE has plans for additional BridgeUSA Celebration events scheduled across various states including Wyoming, Montana, Texas, and South Carolina. There will be more opportunities for community members to get involved and experience the benefits of international cultural exchange firsthand.

If you're interested in participating in upcoming CIEE events, please reach out to Carye Duffin, CIEE’s Senior Vice President of External Affairs. Her dedication to fostering international connections ensures that the mission of CIEE continues to thrive.

About CIEE

CIEE has spent 75 years building bridges between diverse cultures. Since its inception in 1947, it has facilitated over one million student exchanges from more than 140 countries. The organization believes in changing lives through cultural exchange and education, encouraging alumni to change the world. Learn more about CIEE at ciee.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of the BridgeUSA Celebration Tour?

The tour aims to highlight how international exchange programs enhance safety, cultural understanding, and economic prosperity in the United States.

What type of employers are recognized during the tour?

Major employers like Cedar Point, Kings Island, and Kentucky Kingdom are acknowledged for their significant contributions to cultural exchange through the BridgeUSA program.

How does the BridgeUSA program impact local economies?

The program injects over $1.2 billion into the U.S. economy and supports local businesses by extending employment seasons and enhancing tourism.

What is the significance of cultural exchange for America’s image?

Cultural exchange helps improve the perception of America abroad by fostering mutual respect and understanding among diverse nations.

Where can people find more information about CIEE and its initiatives?

More information about CIEE and their commitment to international exchange can be found at their official website: ciee.org.

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