The Summer Work & Travel program plays a significant role in supporting the local economy in the United States of America by providing seasonal workforce during peak periods, said Mark Howard, director within the US Department of State, during an event held at the US Embassy in Romania, according to Economedia.
Essential workforce for seasonal industries
According to the US official, the program directly helps address labor shortages during high-demand periods, especially in tourist areas.
Restaurants, hotels, and amusement parks rely on international students to operate at full capacity throughout the summer season.
Without this support, many businesses would be forced to reduce operations, affecting both revenue and customer experience.
The “job stealing” myth
Mark Howard rejected the idea that the program negatively impacts the local labor market.
Participants typically fill temporary and seasonal positions that attract limited interest from local workers. Moreover, their presence indirectly supports additional jobs for US citizens.
Event context
The statements were made during a conference held on March 20 at the US Embassy in Romania, focused on the Work & Travel program.
Former participants also attended the event, sharing their experiences in the United States.
Program scale and oversight
Mark Howard oversees OPAC, a structure responsible for monitoring and evaluating exchange programs in the private sector.
The broader exchange visitor program managed by the State Department hosts around 500,000 participants annually, making it one of the largest programs of its kind.
What the Work & Travel program offers
The Summer Work & Travel program is an international cultural exchange program designed for students, allowing them to work temporarily in the United States during the summer.
It combines seasonal employment with travel opportunities and remains one of the most popular experiences for students worldwide.
Photo: freepik.com
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