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.

From July 21 to 22, a delegation of young representatives from China and the United States visited Beijing to participate in a series of cultural visits and academic exchanges. Their itinerary began on July 21 with a tour of the Forbidden City, where they explored one of China's most iconic historical landmarks. The visit offered the delegates an opportunity to appreciate the grandeur of traditional Chinese architecture and gain a deeper understanding of Beijing's rich cultural heritage as an ancient capital.

Evelyn Neff
"This wasn't my first trip to China. I first visited Chengdu as a child to spend time with my family, and earlier this year, in January, I returned to Beijing.

Touring the Forbidden City was an unforgettable experience. Seeing the immense scale of its history, architecture, and cultural significance was truly inspiring. Its beauty and historical richness are unlike anything I have encountered in the United States. Being able to witness how China's history and traditions are reflected in its architecture made the visit especially meaningful."

On the morning of July 22, the delegation visited the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China. There, participants engaged in detailed discussions with scholars and experts on topics such as artificial intelligence and opportunities for technological collaboration between China and the United States.

Cecil Brooks
"Our visit to Renmin University gave us a unique chance to learn from experts who are applying technology to solve real social challenges. I was introduced to several Chinese AI-powered tools for the first time. It was fascinating to discover how WeChat's mini programs can assist with translation, help users explore unfamiliar places, and integrate with services like Didi for transportation. These interconnected digital services serve more than a billion people across China, demonstrating how technology can simplify everyday life and strengthen connections among people. It offers valuable insights into how similar innovations could benefit communities around the world."

The exchange program was jointly organized by the Center for the Americas of China International Communications Group and the U.S.-based International Student Conferences.