Michaela's J-1 Experience in California!
"This experience truly changed the path of my life!"
Why did you choose to do a J-1 program in the U.S.?
After graduating from my bachelor’s degree, I moved back to my home country (Slovakia) and started a typical 9-to-5 job. However, I quickly realized it wasn’t as fulfilling - I wasn’t working in the field I studied, and in a way, I struggled being back in my home country after 4 years of living in England. At the same time, I felt like I wanted to experience more of life before fully settling into adulthood and the classic routine. In the summer of 2022, I visited New York City and the U.S. for the very first time and completely fell in love with it. About six months later, I made the decision to quit my corporate job and move to San Francisco to begin my marketing internship. It felt like the right step both in terms of my personal and professional life.
What were the most valuable skills you gained during your J-1 program?
Having lived abroad before, adapting to a new country wasn’t entirely new to me. However, going through the full process again - handling paperwork, visas, finding accommodation, and starting from scratch - was still challenging. It made me much more resilient and independent. I now feel confident that I could move anywhere in the world without fear. Professionally, I was very fortunate with my host company. They involved me in a variety of projects, which allowed me to grow my skill set and finally apply what I had studied. It gave me hands-on experience in marketing and helped me build confidence in my professional abilities.
How did this experience change you both personally and professionally?
This experience truly changed the path of my life, and I’m incredibly grateful for it!! I met amazing people and made great friends during my time in California. I also had the chance to travel a lot, which made the experience even more memorable. Thanks to my host company, I discovered a strong passion for cultural exchange and gained clarity on what I want to do in the future. I worked with inspiring colleagues from diverse backgrounds whose stories motivated me to keep improving.
Looking back on your time in the U.S., what moment or experience stands out as your favorite?
There are so many unforgettable moments, but what stands out the most is the everyday life I built there and all the travel memories. Simple routines like grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s, going for walks in Golden Gate Park, or spending time with my friends made me feel like a real Californian. I will also forever remember my 25th birthday as I spent it surfing for the very first time in Hawaii, or all the road trips we did with my friends. I loved every bit of it! Besides that, I also enjoyed experiencing American holidays that I had only seen in movies before. I still think about the sweet potatoes with marshmallows we had for Thanksgiving or the hot dogs we ate on the 4th of July. It was those little moments that truly made my time in California so special.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing a J-1 with Stage-Global?
I would absolutely encourage anyone to go for it. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can change your life. For me, it opened doors I didn’t even know existed and helped me grow in ways I never expected. Taking that leap of faith might feel risky, but it’s far better to try than to look back later with regrets and wonder “what if." This internship has been the best investment I have ever made, and it paid off pretty well!
