Kicking off the summer Work and Travel season with new participants is an exciting (and busy) time for our Host Employers. As important as the cultural aspects of our program are, Spirit Cultural Exchange knows it can be tricky during those first few weeks of summer for some Host Employers to fit planning cultural activities for May. To help our busy Host Employers get set up for cultural activity success, Spirit Cultural Exchange has created a monthly blog series to support your Work and Travel cultural activity planning efforts and inspire some fun for you and your team!
Welcome Activities & Spring Festivities
We hope these fresh Work and Travel cultural activities for May and tried-and true planning tools will be a helpful and fun resource for you! And as always, your Account Advisor and Spirit Cultural Exchange’s support team are here to answer any questions you may have along the way.
1. Welcome Picnic
Possible elements can include:
- Outdoor games – Set up classic American outdoor games like frisbee, cornhole, or kickball and ask your American staff to teach the games!
- Ice breakers – Help new Work and Travel participants get comfortable with ice breaker games.
- Bonfire – Don’t forget the S’mores!
2. Memorial Day Traditions
- Host a BBQ or picnic with classic American foods
- Share historical meaning – Discuss the significance of Memorial Day in the US and ask Work and Travel participants what patriotic holidays are celebrated in their countries.
- Take participants to a local parade or landmarks honoring Memorial Day
3. Farmers’ Market Trip & Local Farm Features
- Visit a local farmers’ market – Introduce Work and Travel participants to regional fruits, vegetables, and snacks.
- Host a farm outing – A great activity for smaller participant groups located near farming areas is to pay a visit to a local farm or farm stand! Encourage participants to share their experiences with farming and food growing.
4. Everyone Scream for Ice Cream!
- DIY ice cream social – Let Work and Travel participants create their own sundaes with classic American toppings.
- Take a trip to the local ice cream shop and introduce your participants to a local favorite flavor.
- Have the local ice cream truck stop by your participant housing or work site for a fun surprise!
5. DIY Local Tour
- Set up a fun, interactive scavenger hunt in your town or city to explore the local area.
- Visit a local landmark or museum
- Take a hike! Be sure to have your Work and Travel participants take lots of pics to share with Spirit!