It's All About The Students

I often get asked why I do my job. My answer is always the same: the participants (students). I just returned to Manila (where I currently work for AAG) from Bangkok where I had 125 wonderful reminders of why the J-1 Work & Travel program is an important and life-changing program. I had the privilege to interview 125 students (yes, those are my 125 reminders!) during the fair. In case you have not had the chance to attend an AAG recruitment fair here is a breakdown of how it goes:

1. AAG introduction and presentation - I try and make these as fun as possible since most students look terrified when I walk in the door (I assume it's due to the fact they are nervous for the interview not terrified of me...). We go over the basics of the program, who AAG is and tips on interviewing. This fair was interesting since I was giving tips on interviewing with me!

2. The interview - determining English level and how prepared a student is to participate in the Work & Travel program is the focus of the interview. Sometimes interviews are done one at a time, sometimes they are in groups. For this fair I interviewed students in groups.

3. The waiting - students that were slotted to interview near the end of the day had a long time to think about their interview. I spoke to a few students that were scheduled to interview last and they said it was well worth the wait (below some of the very last students to interview, with their great attitude they will rock the program).

That's just about it! Not to complicated. As I said this particular fair I really enjoyed as some of the students I had already met and had the pleasure of seeing again. Several students were returning after having already been to the U.S. for the Work & Travel program once and it was fun to hear how the program had changed their lives (for the better!). A few of my favorite moments from the fair:

1. I take my job VERY seriously. The program is meant to be a fun learning experience so the fair is meant to be a fun learning experience as well!

2. Sometimes I get presents! This student had told me in a previous interview that she did watercolor cards and she was kind enough to bring one for me.

3. Getting to sign a job offer and knowing that a student will get to travel to the U.S. in 3 short months to have a life-changing experience. One of the students told me that I looked like the president signing papers.


I am looking forward to hearing about the students experience in the U.S. after they return from their Work & Travel program. It's only the beginning!

Erin - AAG Pilipinas

AAG Pilipinas put up a "journal" in the reception area of their new AAG office in Manila. Here are a few pictures of students writing on "AAG Pilipinas Wall Journal"

And here is a nice entry from a previous Work & Travel student that is now applying with AAG Pilipinas for the Internship program.

"I love banquets Family (at JW Marriott in Indianapolis)! USA is the best training site I've been through. Now I'm coming back for an internship! It would be FUN, EXCITING & CHALLENGING to be. I want to travel USA, so...so....soon! AAG is the best! Thanks - Nina

Christmas Traditions in the US

In the United States, a majority of citizens are Christian and celebrate Christmas. Here are a few traditions that we celebrate across the U.S. : 

• In Pennsylvania, the Moravians build a landscape, called a putz - under the Christmas tree. The word "putz" is from the German "putzen" for "to decorate, especially to adorn a church.

• The city of Winston-Salem, founded by Moravians in 1766, uses the Moravian star as their official Christmas street decoration.

• In Hawaii many families like to eat their Christmas meals at the beach. Sea foods and fresh fruits are popular foods.

• In Alaska, during the holiday season, Alaskans often get together with their families to watch dog sled races.

• The country's national Christmas tree is lit by the President of the United States. This year's event marked the 89th National Christmas Tree lighting. Watch the video below: 

• In Boston, carol singing festivities are famous. The singers are accompanied by hand bells. 

• In New Orleans, a huge ox is paraded around the streets decorated with holly and with ribbons tied to its horns. 

• In Arizona, the Mexican ritual called Las Posadas is kept up.

• In Colorado, an enormous star is placed on the mountain, it can be seen for many kilometers around.

• In parts of New Mexico, people place lighted candles in paper bags filled with sand on streets and rooftops.

• In Pasadena, California, the Tournament of Roses Parade, better known as the Rose Parade, is "America's New Year Celebration", a festival of flower-covered floats, marching bands, equestrians and a college football game on New Year's Day.

And no matter where you are in the U.S. here are a few traditions that we all celebrate: 

• In America the traditional Christmas dinner is roast turkey with vegetables and sauces. For dessert it is rich, fruity Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. Mince pies, pastry cases filled with a mixture of chopped dried fruit. 

• The majority of Americans celebrate Christmas with the exchange of gifts and greetings and with family visits. For many, the day begins on Christmas Eve with the Midnight Mass.

• American homes are decorated with holly, mistletoe and branches of trees, most have a Christmas tree hung with electric lights, tinsel, baubles, and strings of popcorn and candy canes. 

How are you celebrating the holidays this year? Click here for more Christmas celebrations around the world. 

(info courtesy of wikipedia and: http://www.santas.net/americanchristmas.htm)