Hi there! Mo here.
I had a fantastic time with my Work and Travel program in 2022 and wanted to tell you about it.
Traverse City, way up in northern Michigan, is famous for its stunning beaches and views of Lake Michigan. My summer there was an amazing mix of work and fun exploration that I’ll never forget.
I worked as a front desk agent at Grand & Sugar Beach Resort, where I helped guests and improved my English and communication skills. It wasn’t just about assisting guests but also about learning new things and meeting people from all over. The role challenged me in the best ways, and each day brought new opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
Living in Traverse City was incredible. The housing provided by the program was great. I shared a clean, spacious apartment with another J-1 student. Each room had two of us, and living with other J-1s in the same building was cool. We had a friendly atmosphere where we shared stories, cooked together, and made lifelong friends. It was reassuring to have a community of friends from different parts of the world right there with me, making the adjustment to life in a new city much easier.
Outside of work, I explored Traverse City’s beauty. It’s known for its cherry orchards and vineyards, and I got to try local foods and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and boating. The evenings were especially beautiful, with amazing sunsets over Lake Michigan and fun festivals celebrating the local culture.
In addition to my main job at the hotel, I also worked as a kitchen worker at a Lake View 5-star restaurant. The team there was super friendly, and I learned a lot about American food and hospitality. It was a great experience to see how a fancy restaurant operates and contribute to ensuring guests had a wonderful time.
My time in Traverse City was full of learning, adventure, and making friends from all over. Here are some pictures from my trip:
These memories and friendships are something I’ll always cherish from my Work and Travel Program adventure in 2022.
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Student Summary:
- Jordan
- Michigan
- Traverse City
- 2022
- Front desk agent at Grand & Sugar Beach Resort
- Working in Traverse City was a once-in-a-lifetime experience surrounded by stunning nature
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- Mo
