Hospitality J-1 Visa Program

"Hi! I am Kiz Elizalde from Philippines. I had my J1 visa internship in one of the best hotels in Montana for 1 year as a Housekeeping Supervisor. My internship journey was not easy but I could say that it was worth it! I found friends, met new people everyday at work, worked with different people and got to learn new things everyday. I also met other interns from different countries like Turkey, Romania and Peru. I finally experienced four seasons too. Fall season was my favorite because it’s not too hot, not too cold and with lots of colorful leaves around. Four seasons doesn’t happen in my country, so, I feel delighted about it.

My internship is going truly well and the learnings I earn every day from the program are just priceless. I encounter various challenges but I've learned to take them as my motivation to grow every single day. I find the system of my workplace very educational, wherein right before every shifts, all the staff gathers together with chefs and managers to share culinary, food and service knowledge to keep everyone as power of our restaurant. It is very motivating for self-development too, to keep myself learning all new knowledge. I am being valued and appreciated by my colleagues who just make me keep loving my workplace and the people I work with.

International Recruitment Exchange Service, Inc. - IRES has helped me gain a great experience by being able to come to the U.S and working at one of the best hotels in Louisiana. I would not have had this culinary internship experience (that will untouchably benefit me in the future) without their assistance. Thank you IRES.