Meet the J-1 Yellow Cab Family
Posted on Thursday, July 21st, 2016 at 8:20 pm.By Keisha Gregerson, Wisconsin Dells Taxi (J-1 Transportation) Owner
Wisconsin Dells Taxi owner Keshia Gregerson and daughter Keylnn pose with the fleet of cabs.
Wisconsin Dells Taxi was built on the foundation and the local demand to provide international students transportation to and from work locally. There was not much of a source before we started nine years ago. As we began to grow as a company, I started to realize how important this program was to our community and the vital role it plays in the growth and success of our local tourism industry. This is when I really started to get involved. I’d like to think providing affordable transportation to these students has played a role in the growth and development of this program, but I could be biased!
As I started to reach out to employers, I began to gain communication with sponsors and eventually Wisconsin Dells Taxi joined the local J-1 Consortium. I have gained such a wealth of knowledge through this group, which has helped me set a standard of business and educate my staff as well. The consortium meets monthly and we discuss safety, issues, events and the overall well-being of our local population of J-1 students. This group of people is truly amazing. It is quite humbling, actually. In turn, I take this knowledge and integrate it into my business and our daily operations. I have such an amazing team that truly cares about the health and safety of these students. It almost feels like we take them under our wing while they are here with us, and we are always sad to watch them go. Those farewell trips to bus stations, airports and train depots are always full of tears, hugs, and “see you again.” Read More ›
Categories: Program Spotlight
A Week That Changed My Life
Posted on Tuesday, July 19th, 2016 at 8:37 pm.By Linda Haglund, J-1 Intern from Finland
Linda Haglund (giving the thumbs up) with her fellow I-LEAD leadership training students at American University.
Something has happened to me, and I have changed. I’m stronger, more confident and more hopeful about the future. I’m happier, more open and more in the present than I’ve been in the past. I have 60 new friends from 30 different countries. And I feel it in my bones: I can do anything!
My week in Washington, D.C. has made me a new person, and I’m not exaggerating when I say that the leadership training I-LEAD 2016 was one of the best and finest experiences I’ve ever had. Read More ›
Categories: Program Spotlight
U.S. Embassies Engage J-1 Participants to Strengthen Relations
Posted on Thursday, March 24th, 2016 at 2:22 pm.
J-1 Summer Work Travel alumni and prospective participants socialize and enjoy the photo exhibit.
The State Department is serious about relationship building with our exchange participants. That’s why we support alumni networks around the world. Recently, many of our embassies have increased efforts to engage participants from J-1 privately-funded jexchanges, so that the investment participants have made in their futures can be leveraged through association with other participants. We are excited to include these participants in our long-term alumni networks and outreach, and have seen much interest from participants to stay in touch with our embassies overseas.
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Categories: J-1 Visa, Participants, Program Spotlight
In Florida, Au Pair Cultural Activities Are A-maze-ing
Posted on Friday, March 11th, 2016 at 5:36 pm.
Learning about American culture and building life-long memories is at the heart of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, including for au pairs. Au pair program sponsors facilitate monthly meet-ups, where local and regional coordinators engage au pairs in cultural events, such as city tours, holiday celebrations, sporting events, volunteer activities, and many others. Here is an example of one such activity that took place in Jacksonville, Florida:
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Categories: Participants, Program Spotlight
On #GivingTuesday, We Thank the J-1 Students Who Give Back Every Day
Posted on Tuesday, December 1st, 2015 at 8:19 pm.
“I’m so thankful for being in this family!” Citlalli Espinosa, J-1 au pair
It’s Giving Tuesday, and we want to highlight how J-1s and their hosts give back and share every day.
First, thank you to all the J-1s who gave back all year long. Even little things like teaching your host family about your culture is giving back and making us all more globally minded. It is also worth noting how so many of you have risen to the challenge to help this year in your host communities. From J1Day to the NYC Marathon, I love seeing so many of you having fun while showing your J-1 spirit. Read More ›
Categories: Program Spotlight
The Whole Shebang for Camp Counselors in Pennsylvania
Posted on Friday, November 27th, 2015 at 5:27 pm.
Hannah Bolger, Graeme Brown, Georgia Tibke, and Leia Jones stand with Camp Hilltop’s favorite horse.
As the cold settles in here in Washington, D.C. and the Northeastern United States, I want to revisit summer. My colleague Travis Parsley made a visit to Wayne County, Pennsylvania, during summer camp season. I will let Travis take it from here. Enjoy. Read More ›
Categories: J-1 Visa, Participants, Program Spotlight
| About Rebecca Pasini Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchange | |
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Rebecca A. Pasini joined the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchanges in July 2023. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister - Counselor, Ms. Pasini has been an American diplomat since 1997.
Ms. Pasini previously served as the Director of Public and Congressional Affairs in the Bureau of Consular Affairs from 2021-2023. Other Washington assignments have included positions in the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, the Office of Foreign Missions, and as a liaison to the Department of Homeland Security. She has also completed multiple overseas tours, including as Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs in Islamabad, Pakistan, and as the Consular Chief in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Belfast, Northern Ireland. Other tours included Mexico City and Kuwait.
A Maryland native, Ms. Pasini has a Ph.D. in Political Science from Indiana University, a master’s degree in National Security and Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School, National Defense University, and an undergraduate degree from Mary Washington College.
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