Other Exchange Programs
Program Description
CONNECT offers other exchange programs to the U.S. in fields such as business and multimedia. Please contact us to discuss exchange program opportunities in other fields of study and work.
Participants will live with individual host families to experience daily life and culture in an American home. In addition, there will be opportunities to visit local tourist attractions, participate in volunteer activities and join in English discussion groups.
Program Objectives
We hope to complement knowledge acquired in university classrooms and professional environments by providing a practical, professional job shadowing experience in an environment that expands global understanding and enhances English communicative skills.
Our goal is to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills and character that lead to successful careers and vibrant communities.
Professional Development
- Experience mentoring by U.S. professionals
- Learn the latest trends in your field of study/work
- Participate in day-to-day teamwork activities with other professionals (meetings, planning, etc.)
- Experience and explore workplace culture
- Understand recruiting, hiring and performance management procedures and expectations
Testimonials
I went to Evansville and Boston during the summer program in 2016. I visited many famous universities, experienced the hospitality of the host family, got to know many good friends. It was such a wonderful trip! I experienced American life and culture in-depth. It changed my way to learn and live a life as well. I only learned from books before, but now I know experience is the best teacher. You couldn’t learn everything from books.
I included my shadowing experience in Walmart Headquarters in my CV. Many HRs were very interested and asked the details about my shadowing. I also put it in my personal statement. It helped me to get my offer.
My bachelor’s degree was in English. I have been interested in art all the time. When I applied to study abroad, I put the program experience in my CV. The interviewer of Pratt Institute was impressed by my shadowing experience. I chose to continue my study in New York University and major in performing arts management.
This exchange program helped me to understand art organization, TV media and local culture in the US, which prepared me for my further education there.
I live and study in New York now. I visited my host family earlier this year. We became friends and keep in touch with each other since they hosted me in 2017 summer program
The program has huge influence on how I see things. For example, my host mom is aged, But she loves her life, her family and herself like a young girl. I also discussed with my host dad some deep life topics, because aging and death was my biggest fear. Their lives reminded me of a sentence: “Don’t worry about getting old, because you will be cute when you are old.” By a famous translator in China. Therefore, the trip to the US brought me warmth and strength to face the problems that I fear.
Americans treat their families more directly than Chinese do. Americans prefer to show love and gratitude to their loved ones at any time. After I returned to China, I’d also use words and hugs to express my love for my loved ones apart from expressing love with actions. My family are feeling good about being valued and loved in each of these lovely moments.
At work, I learned to communicate confidently with people around. Different from Chinese humility, Americans are characterized by their self-confidence. After I returned to work in China, I tried to face my brand new job and new colleagues with confidence. As my self-confidence helps give me a feeling of success, my colleagues around me would also continue to support and help me. In this way, the unknown of the future doesn't seem to me that much anymore!
Latest News
Welcome to the new CONNECT website!
We are so excited to launch our newly designed CONNECT website! You will find new information, such as resources for participants and partners, photo galleries, testimonials, and the latest news on various services we offer. Please contact us if you have suggestions for improvement on the structure and/or content.
Responding to COVID-19 concerns
To Our Customers: Like me, I’m sure you have been receiving updates from many of the companies you do business with about how they are responding to the current health crisis. We also wanted to share how we are working to meet your needs during these uncertain times. As more information becomes known about the […]
Summer 2020 Business and Multimedia exchange programs
We are currently evaluating the feasibility of running Summer 2020 Business and Multimedia exchange programs. We understand the challenges posed by COVID-19, including travel, visas, and access to businesses and professionals. If you are interested in these programs, please contact us and we will keep you posted on plans for these programs.
Next Steps
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out our list of Frequently Asked Questions for commonly asked questions and answers.
Contact Us!
Still have questions? Want to know more? Please contact us with any questions or inquiries.
Ready to Apply?
Complete a program application and a CONNECT representative will contact you to discuss next steps.