Programs Built on Experience

Read what past trainees, interns, and host companies have to say about their experience with the program.

Living the dream with a CETUSA internship

Discover Brennan’s experience from Australia to a leading tech firm in Silicon Valley.

Read more here.

A robust, life changing experience

Humberto discusses the benefits of working with CETUSA and the opportunity for life experiences the trainee program has provided.

Landscapes and beautiful views

Nikki shares the experience through a variety of landscapes and high flying views with her drone camera.

Participant Testimonials

“It really did build my character and enhanced my work ethic and value like I expected from the training program. I could also say that through this international experience, I have been offered high job positions both home and abroad.”
– Clevie, 23, Trainee, Saint Lucia, New York Program

“I was able to gain invaluable training and experience in a highly specialised subset of investing and was able to learn from uniquely talented individuals at the organization including my sponsor. The skill set I have acquired during the programme will help clearly distinguish and elevate my career back in the UK.”
– David, 35, New York Program

“[This program] has not only strengthened my desire to become a teacher but also very much helped me to become a better teacher. I have gained insights into a new way of teaching and conveying content and knowledge. I have had the chance not only to watch highly experienced colleagues in their classes but also to teach my own classes more and more independently.”
– Anna, 24, Germany, Secondary Education and Teaching Intern, Atlanta, Georgia

“I developed comparative knowledge of American business activities, culture and relationship with sales and marketing team members, understanding of global market research, sales initiatives, main activities and goals within the department.”
– Minyoung Lee

“I have engaged in America’s business in the real estate field where I increased communication skills, negotiation skills, marketing strategy, and well as improvement in my English skills.”
– Airi, 26, Japan, International Relations and Economics/Real estate business development program, New York

“I had incredibly helpful supervision. I was encouraged to ask questions, my supervisor was always willing to provide answers, while he was able to give helpful answers. On a daily basis, I have been confronted with tasks which were challenging, manifold and interesting, while still being achievable.”
– Sebastian, 24, Germany, Computer Science and Media Program, Santa Barbara, California

“Working under pressure. The [host company] taught me that quality must never be sacrificed for speed, nor speed for quality. The two work hand-in-hand… [they] built my team spirit. Never have I worked with a company that has strong team ethics. It showed me how working collaboratively realizes effective and innovative solutions and enables that delivery in due time… [and]how to adapt. Adapting to the environment, the season and consumer likes, dislikes, age group and other factors enables the creation of a rather successful menu.”
– Clevie, 23, Trainee, Saint Lucia, New York Program

“This internship made me strong in all aspects. I have learned to become independent. This internship help[ed] me to know myself more and to connect with people with different cultures.”
– Aiko, 26, Miami Beach Program

“I learned to be independent, to handle stressful situations and resolve them, and to work with other in a team environment which I believe is the most important moving on with my career…”
– Anna, 22, Philippines, Hotel and Restaurant Management Program, Miami Beach, Florida

”Leading IT technology… Communication…Culture, nature, history of America.”
– Maiko

”Customer service techniques for high-volume business”
– Danila, 25, Trainee, Russia, Atlanta Program

”Understanding of business brands, markets, products and administration and processes techniques. Knowledge of sales cycle management, development of initiatives, inventory analysis in supporting team. Understanding of what documents are involved in export, how to operate the e-commerce site.”
– Minyoung Lee

“I never encountered difficult situations because my colleagues and my managers are always there to help me.”
– Aiko, 26, Miami Beach Program

“I thought that the most difficult part would be the first week, as it was my first time working overseas. I was expected to face some language issues (and, maybe, cultural). Although, in fact, everything went very smoothly, as everybody was very kind and polite, so I was in freedom to ask and re-ask questions, if I did not get something, This is what helped me to go through most difficult first week.”
– Danila, 25, Trainee, Russia, Atlanta Program

“Training wise, nothing was too difficult. It’s a learning process, you do things for the first time, it doesn’t work out, you do it over again, again and again until you perfect it.”
– Clevie, 23, Trainee, Saint Lucia, New York Program

“This experience was above and beyond. There is nothing more that could have been done to make it any more successful that it is. I learned tremendously from very successful, knowledgeable and innovative chefs who constantly changed the menus, maximizing the learning potential during my time at the [host company].”
– Clevie, 23, Trainee, Saint Lucia, New York Program

“The project set out to build a charge scheduling system for electric vehicles to charge during the non-peak hours and help save customers money on utility bills. The project was completed on time and is currently being tested with 10 active field test participants across the US.”
– Siddarth, 25, Engineering design Intern, India, California Program

“The main goals were to learn the manufacturing process and to improve the production efficiency in the departments I had been working. Even if 6 months is a relatively short period, I had a very profitable experience and the chance to be involved actively in many challenging projects.”
– Alessio, 31, Italy, California Program

“Very Successful because I feel like I grew a lot from this internship not only on a professional hotelier but as a person, too.”
– Aiko, 26, Miami Beach Program

“I completed each section of the training programme exactly as planned, with high success. I formed a close relationship with my sponsor. We worked very well together.”
– David, 35, UK, New York Program

“My main goal was to not be treated like a stranger, but an equal (even if only temporary) part of society. To my mind, a huge part of achieving that goal is mastering the language. As far as vocabulary and grammar goes, I would say that I was already very comfortable and successful in using the English language when I came here. My accent game me away though. Spending time with native speakers in professional and private life helped me adapt to the pronunciation of everyone around me. If I meet new people now, who do not know about my country of origin, they are oftentimes surprised I am not a long term resident. It has become second nature to use the English language and I am really going to miss the interaction with native speakers on a daily basis.”
– Sebastian, 24, Germany, Computer Science and Media Program, Santa Barbara, California

“America has such a diverse culture due to demographic diversities; racial and ethnic differences. In that way, I learn to accept, tolerate and gain moral understanding with different nationalities. I also believe that each US state has their own type of lifestyle. New York is known for opportunities, you find people are working more than the average American, you go to Florida, you find people are having fun everyday like summer never ends. I believe what makes New York the best city in the world is that it is continually being shaped by multicultural and multinational citizens from all over the globe.
– Clevie, 23, Trainee, Saint Lucia, New York Program

“The program was a balanced and consistently intensive introduction to US politics, policy research and life in general. Almost every experience I had from my daily work and sharing a house with American students to lectures and museum trips helped me better understand America.”
– Dmitry, 27, Russia, Public administration and law program, Washington DC

“America is an immigrant country, thus there are a variety of customs, culture and religion. Everyone respects everyone’s culture and its practices. It taught me to have a global mindset.”
– Airi, 26, Japan, International Relations and Economics/Real estate business development program, New York

“Being in NY for a year alone was a blessing to me this year. Being able to volunteer at the marathon, give back to charity, travel and meet great people, seeing NY inside out via land and sea tours are all special moments worth telling.”
– Clevie Henry, 23, Trainee, Saint Lucia, New York Program

“I would share the story of Grand Circle tour… Our itinerary included 11 destinations- Zion, Bryce, Arches, Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, Petrified Forest, Walnut, Grand Canyon, Horshoe Belt, Lake Powel, Antelope Canyon. I will highly recommend… magnificent views and extraordinary geological features of the national parks.”
– Maiko Moriya

It is not just a moment. It is my first NBA, NFL and MLB games. My first Thanksgiving, my first homecoming at the University of Cincinnati! It was a lot of things!”
– Simon Ouvrard, 24, France, Ohio Program

“For me, the entire time has been one special experience. I have met so many wonderful people from all over the world and got the chance to work at one of the best schools, Being surrounded by international friends and living in a modern big city like Atlanta has helped me grow up and opened my mind in many different ways. It has encouraged me to set new goals for my personal future and for my future career as well. It has shown me how connected out world is and how much we can all benefit from that and has also awakened the interest in me to further explore the world.”
– Anna, 24, Germany, Secondary Education and Teaching Intern, Atlanta, Georgia

“There is never a dull moment while I was on my internship. The friends that I made and the places that I have visited will always be very dear to my heart.”
– Anna, 22, Philippines, Hotel and Restaurant Management Program, Miami Beach, Florida

“I was excited to explore the culinary scene in California, and it did not disappoint. I’m eager to try to keep up my burrito and sushi intake once I go back.”
“The trip to Big Sur was very memorable. It had a beautiful view of the ocean, and the beach was one of my favourites.”
– Prateek, 24, Intern, India, Computer Science Program, San Francisco, California

“The beauty of the californian landscape creates a culture of very active people. I found myself a lot more invested in outdoor activities, simply because most days are very sunny and there are so many places to explore.”
“It is almost impossible to pick just one experience that I would like to share with my friends and family. I have had uncountable amazing moments over the course of my J-1 Program and was fortunate to share them with a number of great people. I will never forget how the time I spent here created an environment around me that felt like home. Although I am happy to return to Germany and see my family and friends again, I will be very sad to leave this part of my life behind.”
– Sebastian, 24, Germany, Computer Science and Media Program, Santa Barbara, California

“My family visited me in February and we went to Las Vegas and San Diego. It was fantastic! This was my special moment.”
– Victoria, 25, France, Marketing and Communication Intern Program, Santa Monica, California

“I would…talk about what a great experience it was to live and work in the US. I would tell them about all the great people I have met, and the opportunities that have opened up as a result of my time here.”
– Patrick, 28, Australia, Public Administration and law program, Washington DC

“CETUSA has consistently answered questions of concern and conducted monthly check ups, all which made choosing them as my sponsor very valuable. They did a tremendously great job and I could not have asked for a better sponsor. I am forever grateful for this placement facilitating my learning experience.”
– Clevie, 23, Trainee, Saint Lucia, New York Program

“I am very satisfied with CETUSA as my sponsor because they have provided me an internship that has been very challenging and at the same time very worthwhile. I gained very valuable experience in my chosen field that will help me in future employments.”
“I was very satisfied with CETUSA as my sponsor as I have felt very well supported for my entire time here. Whenever I had a question, CETUSA could help me right away so I really felt they were there for me and to help me solve problems. Also, I like the concept of the monthly check-ins since they were slightly different every time and well adjusted to the time of season.”
– Anna, 22, Philippines, Hotel and Restaurant Management Program, Miami Beach, Florida

“I am incredibly thankful that CETUSA helped to make all of this happen. On top of that the constant contact through monthly reviews made me feel like I could always ask for help if there was ever a problem… I could not be more satisfied with my sponsor.”
“I thank everyone at CETUSA who was directly or indirectly involved in my J-1 Program.”
– Sebastian, 24, Germany, Computer Science and Media Program, Santa Barbara, California

“I would definitely recommend J-1 program to my friends and, moreover, I’m glad that one of my friends has already decided to try J-1 program.”
“My sponsor was fantastic – I could not have asked for more. I was extremely fortunate to work with her as well as share cultural experiences together, including classical music concerts in Central Park.”
– David, 35, UK, New York Program

“CETUSA was very quick in responding to my emails. They were always able to answer my concerns and questions. They had a great support during my stay in the U.S. The monthly check-in was very useful to keep track on the program/training as an intern.”
“It was such a great experience as an intern at [host company] in New York. I have met a lot of people who influenced me positively, had so many experience that I would not have had in my home country. Thank you CETUSA, for supporting me throughout the program!”
“I am very satisfied with the support and help from my sponsor during my program.”
– Airi, 26, Japan, International Relations and Economics/Real estate business development program, New York

“I feel really lucky to be able to continue to intern…for 6 more months! I cannot wait to start my new tasks and to keep on working with brilliant people ane evolving in a successful, cheerful and international environment. I am sure this internship will be an amazing stepping-stone for my future career in France.”
“I am very satisfied with CETUSA as my sponsor because they react and reply very quickly to my emails and are always happy to answer my questions.”
– Victoria, 25, France, Marketing and Communication Intern Program, Santa Monica, California

“Totally satisfied, everything was perfectly organized.”
– Danila, 25, Trainee, Russia, Atlanta Program

“I just want to emphasize that this program is great and I would recommend to anyone passionate about promoting the ideas of liberty in the world.”
– Dmitry, 27, Russia, Public administration and law program, Washington DC

“My program Administrator always gave me prompt response with the accurate answers to my questions, which were very helpful to me.I was able to concentrate on my training with support from CETUSA. Thank you.”
– Maiko

“I was very satisfied with my interactions with CETUSA. The staff I interacted with were helpful and always responded to my questions in a timely fashion.”
– Patrick, 28, Australia, Public Administration and law program, Washington DC

“I am very satisfied. CETUSA is a good sponsor. Always there to update us with everything.”
– Aiko, 26, Miami Beach Program

“CETUSA was an excellent sponsor. Ploy was very helpful in answering any questions, especially during the start of the program when I was moving to the USA.”
– Prateek, 24, Intern, India, Computer Science Program, San Francisco, California

Host Company Testimonials

“[The participant] came ready to learn and quickly joined the team by helping every step of the way. She was a great asset and brought a very cal, personality to the group dynamic. [She] was always ready, willing and able to help.”
– Luxury resort, Miami Beach

“Simon goes above and beyond his daily duties. He always tries to accomplish things on time and succeeds. He comes up with ideas to better [the host company].”
– Culinary arts Program, Ohio

“Jueun is a strong designer and has become a highly respected member of our team. People enjoy collaborating with her and appreciate her positive attitude and refined aesthetic.”
– Industrial and product design program, San Francisco, California

“Prateek did a fantastic job growing to take on more and more responsibilities over the course of his internship. Over the past year, he started owning all of our client libraries, and re-worked the mobile integration for both the iOS and Android libraries so that we can support integrations that are loaded on the fly. He helped slice the size of our SDK by making all integrations opt-in. And he helped build a system for running nightly builds, profiled our tracking API, and most recently started leading the effort to build data sources.”
– Computer Science Program, San Francisco, California

“Patrick consistently carried out his work efficiently and in a professional manner. He was always happy to help out with asked, and got along well with both his fellow interns, and the staff.”
– Public Administration and law program, Washington DC

“Prateek exceeded the original scope of the training plan by helping out in other critical areas. He did a good job, I think he set a good precedent for future J-1 candidates.”
– Computer Science Program, San Francisco, California

“His knowledge… His attitude was fantastic. All positive thoughts.”
– Restaurant Chef, Program Supervisor, New York

“What seemed to work best, was providing Sebastian with clear goals and a few intermediate steps, then letting him work through the details with support as needed. We began by having [him] work on his own separate projects. …in retrospect, I would have brought him into our main development projects sooner.”
– Computer Science and Media Program, Santa Barbara, California

“Yes. We love the multicultural team which is always able to help a travelling guest feel at home. We learn a great deal of each other and our cultures making all of us better at serving and understanding guest needs.”
– Luxury resort, Miami Beach

“It was great to have somebody…who has a different point of view on our processes. Alessio was also great in problem solving and root cause analysis, a skill set we can improve a lot.”
– Artesanal treat company, California

“It has been a fruitful experience, and I hope that it can be replicated in the future with a similarly apt candidate.”

“Jueun was able to gain experience developing design solutions that integrate user experience, user interface and industrial design. The projects that she worked provided practical experience working cross disciplinary to solve challenging design problems.”
– Industrial and product design program, San Francisco, California

“…one of our company’s philosophy is to contribute to harmony and understanding thoughout the global society by creating of multicultural human exchange, which I believe matches J-1 visa concept.”
– Information Technology Host company, California

“New ideas and personalities make for an exciting environment. The culture which is created with people from all over the world brings an understanding and patience.”
– Hotel and Restaurant Management Program, Miami Beach, Florida

“Cross cultural and cross functional nature of the project helped create a collaborative environment at the Research Center. Ability to increase the duration of project was very beneficial.”
– Design and Engineering program at auto manufacturer, California

“Yes Yes Yes. We love the multicultural team which is always able to help a travelling guest feel at home. We learn a great deal of each other and our cultures making all of us better at serving and understanding guest needs.”
– Luxury resort, Miami Beach

“Never enough time!”
– Luxury resort, Miami Beach

“The only comment I have to make here is that I wish we could have extended the programme so we could keep David around for longer! Thank you for the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful program. I am very grateful to have been a part of it.”
– Financial Advising agency, New York

“[Participant] is welcome back here any time, he was such an important part of the culinary team…”
– Restaurant Chef, Program Supervisor, New York