How did you spend your summer? Have you ever thought of having a wonderful summer by working and traveling around USA? This summer I have joined Work and Travel USA program provided by Intrinsic. This makes my 2008 summer a memorable one.

How did I learn about it?

In early March, I have a friend who joined this program in 2007 encouraged me to join it. After hearing the information from her, I was really excited about this program. By passing the interview and choosing a job, I successfully became one of the candidates of WATUSA and heading to Yellowstone National Park.

At first, my aim to join this program is to enhance my English and communication skill and to escape from the stressful school life. But after the trip, I know I learn much more than what I expected.

Departure

I departed on 2nd June 2008. This is my first time to travel without my family on the plane for over 15 hours. I still remembered when I arrived in Bozeman Airport, I cannot find my luggage. At that moment, I was really depressed and worried. I was asked to go without my luggage and waited in the hotel. That night, I missed my family so much as they always take care me so well. Fortunately, my luggage was backed on the 2nd day.

Yellowstone Lake Village

After staying in Bozeman for one day, I arrived at Yellowstone Lake Village by a bus that was sent to pick me up. When I arrived, I settled down in the dormitory and shared a room with Heman, my room-mate. People are nice and friendly, they showed me everything I need to know.

On the 2nd day, I started my work as a server. I had my training and learn customer service and how to make all the food in the menu. Working at the fountain was a lot of fun. I fell in love with my work.

I worked 5 days per week and 7 hours per day. By chatting with customers from all over the world, I learned more about US. The manager and supervisors worked very closely with the staff and helped them whenever they needed. My co-workers taught me slang and told me more about the culture of US. In responding, I told them about culture in HK. This is really what culture exchange is.

Few days after my arrival, Yellowstone started to snow! Wasn't it summer? Wasn't it amazing? This was the first time I experienced real snow. I cannot imagine the first snow I ever experienced was happened in June!

Apart from work

Since I got 2 day offs per week, I can visit the park and the near downtown. On the second week, I went to Cody with 2 elderly people, Don and Linda, Heman and Nicolas. I was really excited at every moment. I got a chance to see the wildlife and have my first "drive in" experience.

What other participants are saying? »