Alumni Interview with Cori Keyes

What inspired you to travel abroad? 

When I came to university, it was the talk of the town that Work and Travel is the place to be for summer. So I did my research on it, saw that many students have actually gone on the program and it worked for them, so I jumped on board. 

Why did you choose Cenet? 

I chose this program because it was designed for college students. It took place in the summer when I had time on my hands, it gave you a chance to experience new cultures and to see different places in America, and it also teaches you how to be self-motivated and independent. 

What was your favorite part about the United States? 

My host city had a strip called Highway 76. This strip had every fun activity you can think of. Going there with the new friends I made and seeing live on-stage performances, that was my favourite part. 

What made your experience abroad extraordinary? 

I think what made it extraordinary was meeting new people from all over the world. We would sit in the hallway when we got back to the housing and we would talk for hours just listening to each other, hearing about each other’s cultures, eating the food we cooked, and learning new languages. It was just awesome. 

How did Cenet staff support you throughout your program? 

The local staff was awesome. They took me to and from work, took me fishing and to restaurants, and they told me the best places to visit. They made sure I was ok all the time. 

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad? 

One thing I wish I had done differently was to go out more, see more new places, and experience new environments. 

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like. 

On a typical work day, I would work until 2 pm, take a long lunch break to relax a bit, and then I would work again at 4 pm. Often I would get time to talk at work and have fun with my supervisor and coworkers. After work I would go home and talk with my housemates. 

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad? 

I would call some housemates and we would go to the movies or to the park or just take walks around. Sometimes we would walk so far that when we turned around to go back we were like “naaah let’s get an Uber.” 

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it? 

The accommodation was motel rooms. Double occupancy so I had a roommate. We had a general kitchen, a gym, a computer room, and a pool. I absolutely loved everything about my housing; it was very comfortable. 

What is one thing every future participant should know about Cenet before their program begins? 

Know where you are going. See what’s good there and what’s not good. You absolutely have to make your mind up that you are going to be there by yourself for 3 to 4 months with no family members; you are responsible for you. 

Would you recommend Cenet to others? Why? 

Yes I would. Cenet made sure I was comfortable, they had trips and retreats for us, and they ensured that we were in good and comfortable conditions. 

What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is? 

I feel that the biggest benefit is that you get to feel independent—you get to buy and do anything you want, you have the opportunity to treat yourself, and to share each experience you have with different people from different cultural backgrounds. 

Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life? 

My time abroad has taught me how to appreciate my home more. It has shown me that hard work does pay off and that there is a better life out there to attain; it is just up to me to work towards getting it. 

What does meaningful travel mean to you? 

Meaningful travel to me is having the freedom to experience new things, going to theme parks, hearing about the history of where you are, getting to know the local people, eating new types of food and enjoying yourself.