CIEE BridgeUSA Celebration Tour: Impacting Lives in Montana and Wyoming

CIEE BridgeUSA Celebration Tour: Empowering Communities in Montana and Wyoming



The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) embarks on the second leg of its year-long BridgeUSA Celebration Tour in Montana and Wyoming from July 21 to 24. This endeavor seeks to highlight the remarkable impact of the BridgeUSA international exchange programs, designed to enrich the lives of Americans and strengthen communities through cultural exchange and economic stimulation.

This tour, which commenced in Ohio and Kentucky, has resonated throughout the nation, making significant stopovers at celebrated sites such as Cedar Point Amusement Park and Kentucky Kingdom. The upcoming events in Montana will take place at iconic locations, including Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky, to commemorate the partnership between CIEE and prominent local employers.

Celebrating BridgeUSA Employers


During this segment of the tour, CIEE intends to applaud exemplary hosts of BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel participants, including Xanterra Travel Collection, which operates within national parks and significantly contributes to the tourism sector. According to CIEE's president, James P. Pellow, the need for programs like BridgeUSA is evident: “If BridgeUSA did not exist, we would need to invent it, as it truly enriches all Americans.” These participants provide enriching cultural experiences and economic benefits that ripple throughout local communities.

Economic Impact of BridgeUSA


The BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program is vital for local businesses, adding substantial value by increasing the tourist season and injecting approximately $1.2 billion annually into the U.S. economy. This initiative assists over 4,000 businesses by providing a ready workforce during peak tourist months, especially in regions like Yellowstone, which face challenges in staffing due to their remote locations.

Martine Mangion, Senior Vice President of Inbound Exchange Programs at CIEE, emphasizes the importance of these international students: “BridgeUSA participants support the staffing needs of businesses where year-round local staff cannot meet the demand.” With the help of these young people, American businesses are better positioned to provide exceptional service to visitors exploring the vast American landscapes.

Strengthening International Relationships


The BridgeUSA model not only supports economic growth but also plays a crucial role in enhancing America's image abroad. Participants typically return to their home countries with fond memories of their experiences in the U.S., thus creating goodwill and respect between nations. These exchanges foster an understanding of American values, such as democracy and freedom of expression.

CIEE anticipates further celebrations, with events slated later this summer at Myrtle Beach in South Carolina and the historic Alamo in San Antonio, Texas. For those interested in engaging with future CIEE BridgeUSA events, further details can be acquired by reaching out to CIEE's Senior Vice President of External Affairs, Carye Duffin.

About CIEE


For 75 years, CIEE has been a pioneer in international education, bridging cultures through exchange programs that connect students and communities across over 140 countries. Facilitating over a million student exchanges, CIEE aims to not only transform individual lives but to foster global understanding and collaboration. To learn more about CIEE’s initiatives, visit their website at ciee.org.

This tour is more than a celebration; it is a testament to the power of cultural exchange in enriching the lives of Americans and strengthening communities in unique and meaningful ways.

Topics Travel)

【About Using Articles】

You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.

【About Links】

Links are free to use.