September brings cooler weather and the close of the Work and Travel program for the summer. Enjoy some final days of fun with your participants and create some lasting memories to send them home with. Here are some ideas YOU can use when planning cultural activities for September.
- Labor Day Picnic & Outdoor Games – Celebrate the unofficial end of summer with American picnic foods and typical backyard games like Cornhole, Badminton, Spikeball, Ladder Toss and Croquet.
- Talent Show or Karaoke Night – Let students showcase their talents and sing American and international songs.
- Photo Contest & Photo Display – Have a fun photo contest with different categories (“Favorite Memory”, “Most American Moment”, “Trying New Food”, “Favorite Place at Work”) and/or do a photo exhibit showcasing the J1 participants’ experience in the US.
- Cooking Exchange Night – Participants cook a dish from their home country to share with others.
- Create Farewell Sign-Boards – Buy one 8.5” x 11” or 11” x 17” poster boards for each participant (larger board for larger staff). Write a farewell greeting – “Farewell”, “Thanks”, “Good Luck”, “We’ll Miss You!” – and the participant’s name on a board for each participant. Host a farewell lunch/BBQ/happy hour and provide everyone with markers so they can sign each other’s boards with messages of thanks, friendship, praise and farewell.
No matter which activity you choose, your efforts will help create lasting memories for your exchange participants. Cultural exchange is not just about work; it is about connection, understanding, and sharing experiences. A small activity can make a big impact.
Looking for more cultural activities for September? Reach out to Spirit Cultural Exchange. We’re here to support you!