Author Archives: Marta Checko

Marta Checko

Marta is a global learning, exchange advocate, first-generation Polish-American who loves learning foreign languages and traveling. She has many passions including all things health and wellness, drinking cold brew year-round, and photography.

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Coast to Coast: Experiencing America on J-1 Exchanges

We covered a lot of ground in 2017! Over the course of the year, we welcomed international students, scholars, teachers, trainees, and emerging leaders to the United States from over 100 different countries. For all of these individuals, the experience of America extends far beyond the workplace and their professional internship and training programs, and into the fabric of communities in almost all 50 states. As J-1 Exchange Visitor Program sponsors, we make sure that’s the case by organizing and hosting a calendar of cultural activities and events spanning both coasts and in between. In 2017, we hosted over 30 events with something…

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So You’ve Reached Your Goal Level in a Language. Now What?

Some say that learning a new language after you have reached adulthood is impossible, or too hard, or you just don’t have enough time for it. Granted, learning a language is difficult. In addition to suddenly having to relearn the grammar of your native language, you are now confronted with memorizing vocabulary lists . You sign up for a class, go through the standard levels of basic, intermediate, advanced intermediate. Maybe you even travel to the country of the language you are learning, or find some friends to practice with. Finally, you reach your goal level. Now what?

Celebrating J Day: Volunteerism, Food, and Friends

There are few American pastimes as important and pervasive as volunteerism. You can even say that it is built into the fabric of America, as it dates back to colonial times. Today, nearly one in four Americans, an estimated 62.6 million people, give their time and talents to benefit their communities through service. Giving back is an integral part of U.S. culture, and thus, such opportunities are a mainstay in our exchange programs and across our work to expose international visitors to our country and way of life. This past week, we hosted two special volunteer events in recognition of J Day, an annual nationwide celebration of the power…

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