How did you get involved with Cenet?
Cape Girardeau is a relatively small town. When I found out that Cenet was an organization involved in international exchange programs, as well as promoting cultural education in the community I grew up in, I wanted to get involved. I started out as a summer intern at Cenet, and now I work here full time!
Hanging with some of Cenet’s staff at a local event
What is the most fulfilling aspect of being a program assistant?
I love interacting with our participants. I get to run all of Cenet’s social media accounts, and it has been so fun for me to look at all of the amazing things our participants are doing here in the U.S. One of our active participants just won a marathon in San Francisco!
How do you prepare students for their travels abroad?
Cenet takes a really personal approach to getting our participants ready for their program in the U.S. Often this is the participant’s first time traveling to the United States, and sometimes even their first time traveling outside of their home country.
Trying taiyaki ice cream in Spain
We work with participants through the entire application process to ensure that they have the right qualifications and preparations to apply for the Exchange Visitor visa and begin their program. Part of this process includes a one-on-one Skype Orientation with each participant, as well as guidance on topics such as the visa application process, travel preparations, packing, immigration, and customs.
What is something about Cenet that might surprise future participants?
We plan on expanding our hospitality placement opportunities later this year! With our brand new website that recently launched, and a new online service for placement that will be launching soon, we are excited to get the ball rolling on this new project!
How does Cenet support its students? Do you offer alumni services?
Cenet provides monitoring and support throughout the duration of participants’ programs. Before programs begin, we thoroughly review all host companies, conduct site visits, and hold orientation meetings with host employers prior to approving their properties; all of these measures are to ensure that our participants are provided with a safe and successful host company for their program. All of our participants are covered under a health insurance plan, and also have access to 24-hour emergency support. Most importantly, Cenet has a dedicated safety and support staff to meet the needs of all participants.
Cenet also has an alumni network for all of our past participants. This is a great way for us to share opportunities and resources with our alumni, as well as host events for different Cenet alumni across the globe.
Attending the Madrid Pride Festival
One of the common challenges faced by participants when undertaking a program abroad is coping with culture shock. How does Cenet assist?
Culture shock can be a very stressful experience for anyone visiting a new place. To combat this, Cenet conducts a pre-arrival orientation with every participant, provides a comprehensive guidebook on everything they will need to know before beginning their program, and has support staff who can speak with them directly about their struggles, or even visit on-site if needed.
What do you feel is your most exciting program?
I think our most exciting program is internship/training programs across the U.S. These are great because participants gain real experience with American companies—often with a stipend—and also get opportunities for travel in their free time.
Why should future participants be excited to get involved with Cenet?
Cenet’s participants are always our number one priority, and our goal is to ensure that they have a positive international exchange experience, make lifelong relationships, and gain experiences that they will never forget! Exchange Visitor programs are an amazing way to experience American life, and share your country’s culture with us in return.
