J-1 Summer Work and Travel program had attendees from Jamaica, China, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. Image courtesy of CENET.

KNOXVILLE — Cultural Exchange Network (CENET), a nonprofit based in Cape Girardeau, MO, partnered with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), to provide a one-day campus visit this summer for J-1 Summer Work and Travel participants spending their summer break in Gatlinburg. The event had attendees from Jamaica, China, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Ukraine.

The itinerary was comprised of a university tour, access to on-campus museums and exhibits, and a lecture series provided by UTK faculty and staff, including: An Immigrant's Perspective of the U.S. Government presented by ESL instructor and writer, Anwar Accawi; Choosing and Applying to a Graduate Degree Program presented by Assistant Dean, Yvonne Kilpatrick; and lastly, The 2016 Presidential Race presented by International Student Recruiter, Andy Ray.

“I have had the pleasure of addressing many groups before, but this particular one stands out in my mind because every single young man and woman impressed me with their attentiveness, open-mindedness, and desire to learn! It was a treat for me to be in the presence of such vitality and energy,” stated Mr. Accawi.

The attendees also submitted positive feedback to CENET following the event. “It was a great privilege for me to visit the University of Tennessee. This is an experience that will be well remembered for years to come,” shared Nathaneal Brown, a Summer Work and Travel participant who attends college in St. Ann, Jamaica.

The event was coordinated between CENET and Dr. Jim Hamrick, Director of the English Institute at UTK. “I’ve been aware of the short-term, J-1 participants in the local resort/tourism sector—but I’ve never had a chance to meet many of them or learn how their experiences are arranged. Hosting the CENET group gave me an opportunity to learn more about this population of students– and I think it’s a good way for our campus to reach out to the broader international community in our area,” said Hamrick.

The Summer Work and Travel Program is part of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, governed by the U.S. State Department. The program gives full time college and university students abroad the opportunity to come to the United States during summer break to exchange ideas and cultures with the people of the U.S. through temporary work and travel opportunities.

Cultural Exchange Network is a non-profit organization located on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO. CENET is a U.S. State Department authorized J-1 visa sponsor. In addition, CENET operates The Magellan Exchange, a consortium of universities worldwide providing student and faculty exchanges.

For more information on the program, visit www.culturalexchangenetwork.org.