Staff Interview with Greg Pobst

What inspired you to join the Cenet team back in 2013?

A friend of mine introduced me to the company. I had just returned from teaching English in South Korea, and Cenet immediately appealed to me as an organization devoted to international exchange programs. My experience in Korea showed me the importance of cultural exchange, and I wanted to work for a company that shared my values. 

How does your background in history influence the work that you do?

There isn’t much of a direct link, but I’ve always thought that it’s necessary to have some understanding of the history of a different country to understand its people, which can help when working with international participants. It also affects my personal travel choices, as I tend to make decisions about where I’m going to travel next based on the history I’m currently reading. Based on my current reading list, Greece and Turkey are probably next on my list of places to visit. 

Describe a typical day as a Program Director.

Every day is different, but I spend a lot of time reviewing applications and ensuring that applicants meet the requirements that the Department of State and Cenet have for J-1 Exchange Visitor Program participants. This involves a great deal of collaboration with our partner agents and contact with applicants who apply directly to Cenet. 

What is your favorite part of your job?

I enjoy working with all of our applicants, and especially when they are travelling to the U.S. for the first time. It’s very rewarding when participants share their adventures after they arrive in the U.S., and it’s always interesting to see the places they visit. 

What challenges do you face in your role and how do you overcome them?

It’s difficult to have to deny applicants who do not currently meet requirements for the program. I always encourage applicants to not give up and to reapply after working on whatever issues they currently have, whether that involves gaining more work experience or improving their English language skills. We’ve had quite a few participants who initially failed our test of their English ability, but were able to re-apply and obtain visas later after improving their language skills. 

What qualities make up your ideal Cenet participant?

Participants should be open to change and willing to adapt to their new environment. There is often a degree of culture shock involved with living in a new country, but we do our best to prepare them for this. Fortunately, the initial culture shock usually goes away and participants enjoy their new environment. 

Why should individuals choose Cenet over other internship providers?

I think Cenet’s greatest strength is the support we provide to our participants. It’s not easy to leave your home country and travel across the globe for an internship or training program in a new country, and we always strive to make the process as simple as possible for participants. 

How do you personally help support Cenet participants along their journey?

I mainly assist participants before they arrive in the U.S., helping to ensure that they meet program requirements and are prepared for the consulate interview that they will need to take to obtain their visas. I also conduct Skype orientation interviews with applicants to prepare them for training in the U.S. 

If you could participate on any Cenet program, which would you choose and why?

It’s difficult to choose, but I think I would enjoy participating in the Camp Counselor program. I never had the experience of going to a summer camp growing up, and the camps that are part of our program are located in absolutely amazing locations with pristine natural beauty. 

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

Trying to experience travel as an explorer, not just a tourist. I think that apartment sharing programs like AirBNB are helpful in this regard. Something as simple as buying your own groceries in a local store and living in a residential neighborhood, as opposed to being sequestered in a hotel near a tourist trap, provide a much more authentic travel experience and make it easier to meet locals.