Stories
The J-1 experience is a dynamic journey. From initially connecting with a host organization, to applying for and securing the J-1 visa, to arriving and adjusting to life & culture in the U.S., to wrapping up the program, there’s so much to prepare for. As such, Cultural Vistas prides itself on playing a role beyond just that of a visa provider for our participants. As a J-1 visa sponsor, we ensure program compliance and welfare, but as an organization dedicated to creating a world full of curious, culturally competent, & globally engaged people, we’re committed to taking that extra step and ensuring a positive in-country experience for all our participants.
Our Participant Support & Engagement (PE) Team supports the in-country experience of all individuals participating in our J-1 professional exchanges. Read on for more information on who we are and what we do!
Who We Are
Wenonah Echelard
Director of Learning & Impact
Wenonah leads our efforts to enhance participant learning, satisfaction, and program effectiveness. With a background in international education and global marketing, she brings a wealth of experience and a passion for cross-cultural exchange. Wenonah holds a Master’s in International Education Management and speaks several languages, including English, French, and Spanish. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their puppy, Daphne.
Harry Gilliard
Program Manager, Participant Support & Engagement
Harry ensures that all J-1 participants have access to the resources they need to thrive. With a background in meteorology and education, and a love for travel and languages, Harry brings a global perspective and a warm, welcoming approach to his work. He’s always happy to share tips on exploring U.S. culture—or recommend a great restaurant!
Meghana Srikrishna
Participant Support & Engagement Specialist
Meghana is here to help you make the most of your exchange experience. With degrees in Political Science, Global Communication, & Public Diplomacy, she’s passionate about fostering meaningful connections. When she’s not supporting participants, she enjoys baking, reading, and exploring D.C.’s vibrant neighborhoods.
What We Do
Participant Resources
The PE Team leads the strategic alignment of program design, administration, and evaluation efforts across J-1 programs. It is our goal to be J-1 participant’s one-stop shop for all of their in-country needs. This includes:
- Creating and distributing informational one-pagers and guides relevant to your J-1 experience on topics such as housing, transportation, insurance, taxes, social security, cultural adjustment, homesickness, travel, & more!
- Facilitating live, virtual J-1 orientations to answer questions from incoming J-1 participants in real time.
- Launching asynchronous YouTube videos of our live, virtual J-1 orientations for participants to refer to at their leisure.
- Sending out a monthly J-1 newsletter highlighting major holidays, events, & reminders.
Dedicated Participant Support Inbox & Emergency Line
You’ve got questions, and we’ve got answers! We create creative communication strategies for outreach to CV participants while also managing any inquiries they have during their time in the U.S. We have a dedicated inbox for active participants to send inquiries to as well as a 24/7 emergency line.
Learning & Impact
We implement high-impact engagement practices that build peer-to-peer connections and reinforce participants’ connections to Cultural Vistas as an organization. This year, that includes:
- Launching a four-week virtual workshop for J-1 teachers centered on developing practical conflict resolution tools and intercultural awareness.
- Hosting in-person meet & greets in the Washington, D.C, New York City, and San Francisco metropolitan areas for J-1 participants to connect with one another.
Participant Spotlights
As you can tell, our team is dedicated to ensuring every J‑1 participant has an enriching and memorable exchange experience. We carefully monitor program progress, review feedback, and follow up on anything that needs attention to help participants feel supported from start to finish. Our team’s ongoing evaluation efforts don’t just measure success; they guide us in continuously improving the journey for everyone involved. And the best part? All that thoughtful feedback gives us a treasure trove of stories that perfectly capture the heart of the J‑1 experience! Read on for some of these participant spotlights:
“The photo I uploaded was taken in Times Square, where I went with a friend during one of our weekends off. It captures a moment of joy and amazement—being in such an iconic place felt almost surreal. This picture represents more than just sightseeing; it reflects the balance I found between professional growth and personal exploration during my time in the U.S. After intense days working on research and collaborating with brilliant minds at Amazon, moments like these reminded me to slow down and appreciate the cultural richness and energy of the city around me. Sharing that experience with a friend made it even more special—it showed me how meaningful connections and new surroundings can make even a short stay abroad feel transformative.”
-Theo Uscidda
“The image shows my first visit to Fort Mason, with a clear view of the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. It was one of my first moments exploring San Francisco after arriving in the U.S. Seeing the Golden Gate Bridge in person made everything feel real. It was a powerful moment where I realized that I had truly arrived and was beginning this new chapter of my life. The photo represents the start of my exchange experience and the sense of possibility that came with it.”
–Claire Verriele
“The image shows a group of us interns standing in front of Mount Rainier during a trip early in my internship. This moment is meaningful to me because the mountain came to symbolize my entire experience in the United States. At the beginning, it felt distant and challenging, much like starting a new role in a new country. Over time, I put in a lot of effort, learned to navigate unfamiliar situations, and eventually even climbed Rainier. Reaching the summit was incredibly rewarding, and it mirrored the sense of accomplishment I felt as I grew more confident and capable throughout the internship. The photo captures both the friendships I formed and the personal and professional growth I experienced.”
-Viviane Potocnik
