This week, the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) traveled to Wisconsin Dells, one of the Midwest’s leading tourist destinations, as part of the eleventh stop on its nationwide BridgeUSA Celebration Tour. The tour recognizes organizations, businesses, and community leaders that support the U.S. Department of State’s BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor Program.
Often referred to as the Waterpark Capital of the World, Wisconsin Dells welcomes more than five million visitors each year and relies on approximately 10,000 seasonal employees to meet the demands of its busy tourism industry. BridgeUSA plays an important role in helping local businesses fill seasonal positions and maintain services during the peak travel period.
During its Wisconsin visit, CIEE recognized community and business partners supporting the BridgeUSA Intern-Trainee Program, which enables U.S. host organizations to benefit from internationally minded and culturally diverse participants. The organization also acknowledged supporters of the BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel Program, which gives international university students the opportunity to spend their summer in the United States while gaining work and cultural experience. Their participation helps seasonal businesses meet staffing needs, lengthen the tourism season, and generate significant economic activity across the country.
BridgeUSA Contributes to a Safer, Stronger and More Prosperous America
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized that American foreign policy should advance a safer, stronger, and more prosperous nation. According to CIEE, the BridgeUSA program contributes to these objectives while requiring virtually no cost to U.S. taxpayers.
The program brings substantial economic benefits to the United States each year, supports seasonal employment, and can extend the tourism season in resort communities by as much as 50 days. It also helps American businesses address seasonal workforce demands while creating thousands of employment opportunities for U.S. workers.
Beyond its economic contribution, BridgeUSA promotes cultural exchange and mutual understanding. By connecting Americans with participants from around the world, the program helps build lasting international relationships and encourages participants to develop a deeper understanding of the United States—often turning them into lifelong supporters and ambassadors for the country in their home communities.
Often referred to as the Waterpark Capital of the World, Wisconsin Dells welcomes more than five million visitors each year and relies on approximately 10,000 seasonal employees to meet the demands of its busy tourism industry. BridgeUSA plays an important role in helping local businesses fill seasonal positions and maintain services during the peak travel period.
During its Wisconsin visit, CIEE recognized community and business partners supporting the BridgeUSA Intern-Trainee Program, which enables U.S. host organizations to benefit from internationally minded and culturally diverse participants. The organization also acknowledged supporters of the BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel Program, which gives international university students the opportunity to spend their summer in the United States while gaining work and cultural experience. Their participation helps seasonal businesses meet staffing needs, lengthen the tourism season, and generate significant economic activity across the country.
BridgeUSA Contributes to a Safer, Stronger and More Prosperous America
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized that American foreign policy should advance a safer, stronger, and more prosperous nation. According to CIEE, the BridgeUSA program contributes to these objectives while requiring virtually no cost to U.S. taxpayers.
The program brings substantial economic benefits to the United States each year, supports seasonal employment, and can extend the tourism season in resort communities by as much as 50 days. It also helps American businesses address seasonal workforce demands while creating thousands of employment opportunities for U.S. workers.
Beyond its economic contribution, BridgeUSA promotes cultural exchange and mutual understanding. By connecting Americans with participants from around the world, the program helps build lasting international relationships and encourages participants to develop a deeper understanding of the United States—often turning them into lifelong supporters and ambassadors for the country in their home communities.