From Brazil to the United States, discover how one culinary experience became a life-changing journey of resilience, independence, and cultural discovery.
What if the most valuable thing you gained from an international experience wasn't just professional knowledge, but a completely new perspective on yourself?
For Catharina Oliveira Mendonca, a J-1 culinary participant from Brazil, joining the Culinary Department at Fairmont Grand Del Mar in the United States marked the beginning of an unforgettable chapter.
Leaving behind her family, adapting to a different culture, and entering an unfamiliar professional environment came with challenges she had anticipated, but experiencing them firsthand was another story.
Yet, what began as an opportunity to gain international culinary experience gradually became something much greater: a journey of resilience, responsibility, cultural discovery, and personal growth.
And if Catharina could describe her entire J-1 experience in just one word?
Growth.
From Brazil to the USA: Stepping Beyond Her Comfort Zone
Moving to another country is an exciting adventure, but it also requires courage.
Before arriving in the United States, Catharina imagined how challenging it might be to live far from her family, adjust to a different culture, and become part of a completely new environment.
As expected, the transition was not always easy.
Everyday situations that once felt familiar required greater independence. From making personal decisions to navigating cultural differences, Catharina found herself learning how to manage challenges on her own.
But looking back, she recognizes that these moments played an essential role in shaping her experience.
As Catharina shares:
"My J-1 experience in the United States was, without a doubt, one of the most amazing experiences of my life."
Rather than allowing unfamiliar situations to hold her back, she gradually learned to embrace them as opportunities for growth.
The challenges she encountered helped her develop resilience and discover that she was capable of handling much more than she initially believed.
Beyond the Kitchen: Growing Through Culinary Training
During her J-1 experience in the Culinary Department at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Catharina discovered that professional development involves much more than improving technical abilities.
Working in a new culinary environment encouraged her to develop responsibility, collaborate with colleagues, and continuously look for opportunities to learn and improve.
For Catharina, one of the most significant lessons was understanding responsibility on two different levels.
The first was personal: taking care of herself, making independent decisions, and managing everyday life in a foreign country.
The second was professional: understanding the importance of fulfilling her responsibilities, contributing to a team, and maintaining a commitment to continuous improvement.
These lessons became closely connected throughout her journey.
As she grew more independent outside the kitchen, she also developed a stronger sense of accountability within her culinary training environment.
Her experience reflects an important aspect of international hospitality training: personal and professional growth often happen together.
Discovering Cultural Exchange Beyond the Tourist Experience
One of the most meaningful parts of Catharina's journey was experiencing American culture beyond what a typical tourist might see.
Coming from Brazil, she had the opportunity to discover new customs, experience everyday life in the United States, and connect with people from different cultural backgrounds.
Living abroad allowed her to experience cultural exchange through genuine conversations, shared experiences, and friendships.
She learned about American traditions while also discovering perspectives from people representing other countries and cultures.
At the same time, Catharina had opportunities to share her own Brazilian background, creating meaningful exchanges that went both ways.
These experiences reminded her that cultural exchange is not simply about visiting another country.
It is about developing a deeper understanding of people, appreciating different perspectives, and discovering connections that extend beyond geographical borders.
New Places, New Friendships, Unforgettable Memories
Beyond her culinary experience, Catharina also had the opportunity to travel and discover remarkable destinations throughout the United States.
Each place she visited offered a new perspective, while the people she met contributed to the memories she would carry home.
From exploring unfamiliar surroundings to building friendships with people from different backgrounds, her journey was filled with experiences that made her time abroad especially meaningful.
Some moments challenged her. Others brought excitement and discovery.
Together, they became part of a chapter she describes as unforgettable.
For Catharina, the value of traveling was not simply about seeing new places.
It was also about the connections she created, the cultures she encountered, and the experiences that helped her see the world differently.
More Than a Culinary Experience: Discovering a Stronger Version of Herself
Looking back, Catharina recognizes that her J-1 journey was much more than an opportunity to gain culinary experience in the United States.
It became a period of self-discovery.
The challenges of living independently helped her become more resilient. Her professional responsibilities encouraged greater maturity, while her cultural experiences broadened her perspective.
Perhaps most importantly, the journey helped her recognize her own capabilities.
Situations that once seemed intimidating became opportunities to build confidence and discover new strengths.
Through every challenge, friendship, and experience, Catharina gradually developed a stronger sense of who she was and what she could accomplish.
Her story demonstrates that some of the most meaningful lessons from international experiences are not always found in formal training.
Sometimes, they are discovered through everyday challenges, unfamiliar environments, and the courage to keep moving forward.
One Word That Defines Her Journey: Growth
When Catharina reflects on her time in the United States, one word captures the meaning of her experience.
Growth.
Growth in independence.
Growth in responsibility.
Growth in confidence.
And growth in her understanding of the world.
Returning to Brazil, Catharina brought home more than memories of her international culinary experience.
She returned with meaningful friendships, valuable lessons, unforgettable stories, and a deeper understanding of herself.
Although the journey was not always easy, she believes those challenges were part of what made the experience so special.
Her story reminds us that personal growth rarely happens without stepping beyond what feels comfortable.
And sometimes, the experiences that challenge us the most become the ones we appreciate the most.
Final Thoughts: A Journey Worth Taking
From Brazil to the United States, Catharina's J-1 culinary experience at Fairmont Grand Del Mar became a story of courage, discovery, and transformation.
What began as an international hospitality opportunity developed into a meaningful chapter of personal and professional growth.
Through adapting to a new environment, learning the value of responsibility, connecting with different cultures, and discovering new places, Catharina gained experiences that continue to shape her perspective.
Her journey is a reminder that international cultural exchange is about more than crossing borders.
It is about discovering new perspectives, building meaningful connections, and recognizing strengths we may never have known we possessed.
One journey. Two countries. Countless lessons. And one word to describe it all: Growth.
Your International Culinary Journey Could Be Next
At HRC International, we believe that international hospitality training can create meaningful opportunities for professional development, personal discovery, and cultural exchange.
Through J-1 programs in the United States, eligible culinary students, recent graduates, and professionals can explore new environments, gain practical training experience, and connect with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Catharina's journey is uniquely hers, but it may inspire you to begin your own.
Ready to explore your next opportunity?
Explore J-1 Culinary Opportunities and Apply Now
Source
Catharina O. Mendonca — Personal testimonial shared with HRC International about her J-1 culinary experience at Fairmont Grand Del Mar in the United States.
This article is based on Catharina's personal experience. Individual J-1 experiences may vary.