Program Experience

Scarlett (Founder of UCE),  Henan University |Wendy’s, Williamsburg Virginia; Restaurant Staff

2019 was a turning point in my life, a summer of adventure that influenced all my subsequent major decisions and encouraged me to become the most unique version of myself.One day, when I heard my best friend Xiancong Wu reminiscing about her dream of returning to New York, I also found myself lost in thought, recalling the summer of 2019 as captured in the photo album. At that time, we were innocent, “silly”, and fearless. With best friends by my side, even the biggest grievances could be resolved with tears followed by laughter. We devoured pizza and drank cola with gusto, not even minding forgotten umbrellas on rainy days. We encountered kind-hearted people and admired beautiful clouds. We didn't worry that our exuberant joy might disturb others because everyone generously shared the joyful moments of life. That's why the friends I made in Williamsburg and I vowed to meet every year, regardless of time or place. I also maintained weekly calls with the American family I met in Williamsburg, exchanging greetings across the Pacific. I knew that summer was one we could never return to, and although I realized that nostalgia could never recreate the same joy and excitement, it was an eternal summer that could last forever and ever! Five years later, I chose to return to Williamsburg once again, to visit old friends, retrace the paths we once walked, and embark on new adventures with new friends, exploring more unknowns and creating more memories together. I hope that every young person exploring the world through Unique Cultural Exchange will have a unique summer with our assistance!

Wu Xiancong,  Hunan Agricultural University | Wendy’s, Williamsburg Virginia; Restaurant Staff

In 2019, my good friends and I embarked on a brave journey to the United States together through the SWT program. That summer, we explored cities big and small, visited various attractions, and met people from all walks of life, making friends from around the globe. It was the most relaxing and stress-free period for me. In our free time, we immersed ourselves in the city, experienced the culture at Colonial Williamsburg, admired the nature at Luray Caverns, and, of course, going shopping at outlets now and then. We wore our most casual and comfortable clothes, applied thick sunscreen, grabbed our cameras, and wandered aimlessly through the city streets like natives. Those days were the most relaxing and lively ones of my life! There are always a few highlights in life, and the summer I participated in the SWT program stands out as the pinnacle for me. I think I might still reminisce about it when I'm 80. This photo was taken in Yellowstone National Park, which I consider a best of my life, not because it captures how beautiful I am, but because it reflects my confidence! That's also the biggest change SWT brought to me during that time!

Huang Weibo, Hunan Institute of Science and Technology | Williamsburg Virginia; Houseman

In early July 2019, I flew from Hong Kong to the United States, eager to explore the unheard-of and experience the unseen. I struggled to adapt to countless new experiences, clumsily learning to cook, interacting with people of different races and skin colors, and participating in a variety of activities. Every day was full of novelty for me. The months in the United States felt like a dream, surreal yet so real, as if traveling through a parallel universe in Doraemon's time machine, experiencing a different life. Just when you've grown accustomed to everything and immersed yourself in it, time silently traverses three time zones. These were days worth remembering, days etched deeply into my heart, days that I'll vividly recall even many years later.

 Li Tao, Hunan Agricultural University | Hilton, Anchorage, Alaska; Housekeeper

A great chance to take a look at the outside world. Summer in Alaska doesn't easily declare an end to the day, giving great delight to those who love sunlight, as even after work, they can still enjoy the daylight. Summer in Alaska is very comfortable, with pleasant weather that often makes people forget it's summer. It was my first time leaving my homeland and coming to the other side of the earth, my first opportunity to explore a world different from ours. The warm and friendly locals made us forget about missing home while being in a foreign land. Being in a place with people of different skin colors made us drop the assumption of taking things for granted, encouraged us to listen, understand, respect differences, and experience diversity. It felt like living in a special dream, where the dream was about summer in Alaska.

William, Local American| Camp Counselor

William, a member of the Unique Cultural Exchange in America, has participated in the summer camp counselor program several times. Summer Camp is so fun! I really miss the days I’ve spent with kids, and it makes me relaxed! It provides me a chance to get closer to nature, experience different games, learn new skills, and gain good memories.  You can unplug the net and have a perfect summer vacation with kids! I highly recommend Chinese students to join summer camp, because your English will improve a lot after it!