Moving across the world to start a new chapter in your life is never easy—but it’s often life-changing. The J1 Visa program offers more than professional experience; it gives young talents a chance to grow, to challenge themselves, and to embrace life beyond their comfort zones.
Inspired by the real story of one of our participants, this blog dives into the lessons learned while interning in the U.S. hospitality industry. Whether you’re preparing for your own J1 journey or reflecting on your experience, these insights are sure to resonate.
1. Embrace the Unpredictability
“Back home, I had mastered my routine. But here, everything is new.”
Starting over in a foreign country isn’t just a logistical adjustment—it’s an emotional one. On a J1 Visa, you leave behind the comfort of routines, familiar faces, and predictable days. Suddenly, you’re learning how to use a washing machine in a shared apartment, how to take public transport in a different language, and how to communicate confidently in an American workplace. But here’s the truth: that unpredictability is exactly where growth begins.
You’ll learn to take things one day at a time, be okay with making mistakes, and discover that being “the newbie” can actually be exciting. It means you’re learning. It means you’re growing. In a 2023 study by the Institute for International Education (IIE), 84% of exchange program participants reported increased flexibility and problem-solving skills after living abroad.
Tip: Don’t expect perfection. Expect to adapt. And most importantly, be kind to yourself along the way.
2. A Fresh Start to Reinvent Yourself
“This is your chance to start fresh—new roles, new opportunities. Build yourself into the person you’ve always wanted to be.”
One of the most empowering things about being on a J1 Visa is the clean slate. You’re in a new country, surrounded by new people, and often stepping into a completely new role in hospitality. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try fine dining service or work in the kitchen of a luxury hotel. Now is your time.
Your past doesn’t define you here. In the U.S. hospitality scene, what matters is your energy, your curiosity, and your drive. Employers are excited to teach you. Guests are eager to engage with you. And every new shift is a blank page where you get to show up as your best self.
In fact, many interns discover passions they didn’t even know they had—some fall in love with guest service, others with back-of-house operations or management.
Remember: Your J1 is not just about adding experience to your resume. It’s about becoming the version of yourself you’ve always envisioned.
3. It’s Okay to Miss Home—That Means You’re Growing
“Missing home and the security of familiarity never truly fades, but it’s all part of the journey.”
It’s normal to feel homesick. You might miss your mom’s cooking, your local food stall, your language, or even just the feeling of knowing exactly what bus to take without checking Google Maps. These feelings are not signs of weakness. They’re reminders that you’re brave. That you said “yes” to something bold. And every time you push through the discomfort, you build resilience.
The American Psychological Association describes resilience as “the process of adapting well in the face of adversity.” And that’s exactly what you’re doing every day of your program. You’re learning how to adapt, connect, and grow—even while you miss home.
What helps?
- Call home, but don’t overdo it.
- Celebrate little wins (you figured out tipping etiquette today? That’s a win!).
- Explore your new surroundings and create small routines that make you feel grounded.
Growth comes with a bit of discomfort. But every tear, every awkward moment, and every culture shock is shaping you into a stronger, more self-aware person.
Read More: How to Turning Culture Shock Into Opportunity
4. Gratitude Turns Everything Around
“Always be grateful! Many would drop everything just to be in your place today.”
It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of long shifts, new systems, and cultural adjustments. But when you pause and look around, you’ll realize: you’re living someone else’s dream.
There are countless aspiring hospitality professionals across the globe who wish they had the same opportunity—to train in world-class hotels, to live in cities like New York or Miami, to grow under the mentorship of industry leaders.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the J1 Exchange Visitor Program welcomes over 300,000 participants each year from more than 200 countries. That’s proof of how powerful and life-changing this program is.
Practicing gratitude can shift your mindset from stressed to blessed:
- Write down 3 things you’re grateful for each day—big or small.
- Celebrate your progress—even just learning how to properly pronounce “Worcestershire” counts!
- Thank your trainers, colleagues, and even yourself.
A grateful intern is a grounded intern. And grounded people grow faster.
5. Keep Moving Forward—You’re Already Living Your Dream
“Feeling overwhelmed at times is inevitable, but you’re already living your dream—keep moving forward!”
It’s okay if some days feel heavy. Some shifts will test your patience, and some cultural misunderstandings may make you feel out of place. But don’t lose sight of how far you’ve come.
Remember when you were nervously filling out your J1 application? Remember when you got your visa approval email and jumped in excitement? Now you’re here—living the very dream you once feared might not come true.
Every challenge you face is proof that you’re not just dreaming anymore—you’re doing it. And the lessons you take with you—resilience, gratitude, adaptability, cultural fluency—are lifelong gifts.
From Participant to Professional
The J1 Visa program is more than a stepping stone in your career—it’s a transformational life experience. From embracing the unknown and learning to adapt, to discovering gratitude and building resilience, each moment contributes to a stronger, bolder version of yourself.
If you’re reading this and dreaming of your own journey abroad, know that HRC International is here to guide you every step of the way. We offer J1 Visa internships and traineeships in some of the world’s top hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants across the U.S.
Your international hospitality career begins with a choice—to go beyond borders. Ready to live your dream? Sign up at HRC International.