In the afternoon of December 6th, known in Poland as Santa Claus Day, we had attended a meeting with U.S. Vice Consul Andrew Brennan and Katarzyna Szyporta, a representative of The Best Way.
Brennan, who was a teacher for 12 years, found the event to be a very nice, nostalgic experience, while Szyporta expressed how great it was to return to the place where she completed her first higher education studies. Together, they discussed various opportunities available to students residing in Poland, with a primary focus on the Summer Work & Travel program, which attracts over 30,000 participants annually. They also touched on more additional programs, including Camp USA and Internship USA.
The Summer Work & Travel program is designed for full-time university students and offering them work experience in holiday-related industries, followed by the opportunity to travel. Camp USA is tailored for those interested in becoming camp counselors, while Internship USA is aimed at those who want to work in their chosen fields, including recent graduates. All three options offer a great opportunity to try something new, experience how American businesses operate, and perhaps even find love, as the Consul humorously suggested, basing the comment on a true story. No matter the final choice, good English proficiency is the main requirement, and the next step often involves finding a suitable position through an agency like The Best Way. Despite Poland’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program since 2019, a J-1 work visa is still necessary for these programs.
During the Q&A session, the Consul shared how Poland reminds him of his home state of Michigan, particularly the climate and the locals’ welcoming nature. He also spoke about the challenge of learning the Polish language. When asked about his own journey to becoming a U.S. diplomat, Brennan emphasized the importance of the compulsory test, along with the interview and background check process. Also highlighted were the significance of selecting the right United States location, as different states focus on particular industries and vary in living costs. For example, while Hawaii is recommended only for travel due to its high expenses, states like Florida might also pose big weather challenges for Europeans. The first speaker also noted that international workers are often exempt from U.S. taxes and typically receive full insurance through their deals.
Next was Karolina Szyporta, who, apart from mentioning her own experiences and tales from the time as a former participant, focused on what the agency she represents has to offer and the reality of being a worker in the U.S. She highlighted some of the most popular locations and job offers, while underlining the positive aspects of any such adventures, including making friends and creating a good work ethic.
We were delighted to be part of this event, and are deeply grateful to the Academic Circle of Britanists and Americanists for inviting us. If you are interested in any of the opportunities discussed, it is advisable to start the process early, as many positions are already filling up. Stay tuned for a special surprise related to this article in the near future!
(photos: Pixabay, OPOlink.pl)
