Seasonal Positions and Cultural Exchange

As many people traveled during summer throughout the United States, their destinations may have included theme parks and other tourist hot spots. A large number of people noticed that along with fewer people at the theme parks, there were also fewer foreign student/employees.

The dip in the number of foreign students in theme parks and other locations is directly correlated to the economy. As millions of unemployed U.S. citizens look for work, they are now more willing to take seasonal jobs, and other forms of employment that before, they would have not consider.

GlobalVisas.com reports, “Theme park Six Flags Great America in the state of Illinois received 12,000 applications well in advance of the summer season, double the usual amount. While the company would not reveal an exact figure, a spokesperson says they hired fewer foreign nationals this year. The 3,000 available posts are typically staffed in large part by foreign students on J-1 visas.”

Despite the fact that fewer foreign students were hired this summer, many business owners recognize that they are vital for their day to day operations. "We've been criticized for using international students, but they're still a lifesaver," said Tom Diehl, a business owner in Wisconsin.

Business owners are not the only benefactors, the students themselves enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity with a cultural exchange program. The U.S. Department of State is heavily promoting programs like these and many others including, Au Pairs, Study Abroad and others to increase foreign relations.