BridgeUSA Strengthens America Through International Exchange

For over 50 years, Worlds of Fun amusement park in Kansas City, Missouri, has taken visitors on a journey around the globe—without ever leaving the Midwest. 

Inspired by Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days, Worlds of Fun Amusement Park invites guests to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of different cultures through themed rides, music, food, and attractions. But it’s not just the entertainment that creates an immersive global experience—it’s the people.

For the past 17 years, Worlds of Fun has welcomed approximately 3,000 BridgeUSA participants as seasonal employees through the U.S. Department of State’s Summer Work Travel program. Affectionately known as “Ambassadors,” these international students primarily serve as lifeguards and slide operators in the park’s aquatics section, roles essential to daily operations.

According to HR Operations Supervisor Christiana Gunn, their presence is indispensable: “We can’t have the water park fully staffed unless we have all the BridgeUSA participants here,” she shared.

Thanks to the support of BridgeUSA Ambassadors, Worlds of Fun was able to open every water attraction for its 2024 opening weekend (one of the most successful in park history). That strong start fueled a season of higher guest attendance, increased satisfaction, and stronger revenue. Without BridgeUSA, nearly 20% of the water park would be unable to operate full-time, directly affecting business performance and reducing job opportunities for locals.

But the benefits of BridgeUSA extend far beyond park operations. While living in Kansas City, participants spend their wages in local shops, visit nearby attractions like the Kansas City Zoo and The Legends Outlets, attend Royals games, and explore the surrounding area. Their presence boosts the regional economy and fosters greater community connection.

This kind of person-to-person exchange, where American and international young people live, work, and grow together, is at the heart of the BridgeUSA mission. 

Participants return home with a stronger connection to the U.S., a better understanding of American values, and real-world experiences that challenge stereotypes and build long-term goodwill.

Programs Like BridgeUSA Help Make America:

Safer, by strengthening global ties and fostering mutual respect,

Stronger, by supporting essential workforce needs in tourism and beyond,

And more prosperous, by stimulating local economies and sustaining industries critical to our national identity.

At Worlds of Fun, the BridgeUSA program isn’t just about staffing—it’s about shaping a better, more connected America.

Learn More About BridgeUSA and Cultural Exchange Opportunities

Explore how BridgeUSA and CIEE programs promote mutual understanding and international collaboration. Visit www.ciee.org/in-the-usa or contact Asenith Dixon at adixon@ciee.org to learn more.