6 Cultural Exchange Activities That Are Easy for Employers to Organize

Hosting international participants is one of the most rewarding parts of a seasonal cultural exchange program – but many employers worry that organizing activities for them will be complicated, time consuming, or expensive.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be.

The best cultural exchange activities are simple, social, and woven into everyday life. Whether you’re a first-time host or a seasoned BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel employer, small efforts can create meaningful international student cultural experiences that participants remember.

Learn more about what cultural exchange activities are – as well as easy ideas you can start using now. 

What Counts as a Cultural Exchange Activity?

A cultural exchange activity is any experience that helps international participants engage with American culture and people. It doesn’t need to be formal or elaborate: What matters most is interaction and shared experience.

These activities are a requirement for seasonal employers in the Summer Work Travel program. (This work and travel category is the most popular of the BridgeUSA programs, which are managed by the U.S. Department of State.)

“A cultural activity is any organized or informal experience that connects participants to American life, culture, and community,” said Brenda Jolicoeur, manager of the CIEE BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel strategic accounts team. “Cultural exchange is not just encouraged; it's a Department of State requirement. We want participants to leave with more than a stamp in their passport. We want them to leave with a story and a real understanding of American life.”

Many employers assume they need to organize large events or trips, but in reality, cultural exchange program activities can be very simple. Some examples include:

• Inviting participants to a team lunch
• Attending a local event together
• Hosting a casual game night
• Exploring nearby attractions
• Sharing meals or traditions

Oftentimes, businesses and local attractions offer discounts for students and Summer Work Travel participants. Host employers can help make those connections for their participants.

If BridgeUSA cultural exchange participants are learning about life in the U.S. and connecting with others, you’re already succeeding. These moments bring the initiative’s purpose to life. 

6 Cultural Exchange Activities Participants Love

Cultural activities bring real benefits to the workplace – they build team morale and strengthen relationships between domestic and international staff.

"What I love most is that the benefit goes both ways,” Jolicoeur said. “The American colleague who takes their coworker to their first baseball game, or the participant who cooks a signature dish from their home country for their team – everyone walks away changed. And those connections last. We've seen Americans fly to Europe, Asia, or South America years later for a participant's wedding or to meet their family. That's the program working exactly as it should.”

To make your planning easier, here are a few ideas for cultural exchange activities.  

1. Experiencing Local Traditions and Community Events

Local events offer a natural introduction to American culture and community life – and they’re often free or low cost.

“Those first few weeks can be really isolating, and having something to look forward to outside of work – like a soccer league, a farmers market or a festival – gives participants a routine and a sense of purpose beyond their shift,” Jolicoeur said. “It combats homesickness in a way nothing else really can.”

Ideas include:

• Farmers markets
• County fairs and festivals
• Parades
• Outdoor concerts
• Community celebrations

These outings give participants a chance to interact with locals and experience regional culture firsthand.  

Plus, “there's a safety element, too, that people don't always think about,” Jolicoeur said. “A participant who knows their community, has local connections, and feels comfortable asking for help is a safer participant.” 

2. Attending American Sports

Sports are a fun and engaging way to experience American culture – and they don’t have to be professional games.

Options include:

• Minor league baseball games
• Local high school or college sports
• Bowling nights
• Watching major games together (Super Bowl, NBA Finals, etc.)

Even a casual watch party can be a memorable cultural moment. 

3. Celebrating Holidays  

Holidays are some of the most meaningful cultural experiences for international participants. Consider organizing activities around:

• Fourth of July (fireworks, barbecues)
• Halloween (costumes, pumpkin carving)
• Thanksgiving (shared meal, traditions)
• Winter holidays like Christmas or New Year’s

These celebrations give participants insight into American traditions while creating a sense of belonging.  

4. Exploring the Region

Encourage participants to discover the natural beauty and attractions around them.

Simple ideas:

• Day trips to national or state parks
• Scenic hikes or walks
• Visits to landmarks or historical sites
• Beach or lake outings

You don’t need a big travel budget. Often the best experiences are right nearby!

5. Sharing American Food and Culture

Food is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to create cultural connections.

Try:

• Hosting a cookout or picnic
• Organizing a potluck with international dishes
• Campfire nights with s’mores
• Visiting local diners or food trucks

Encouraging participants to share their own cuisine is a great way to turn this into a true exchange.  

6. Volunteering

Volunteering is both meaningful and memorable, allowing participants to give back while learning about American values.

Opportunities may include:

• Beach or park cleanups
• Food banks or community kitchens
• Charity events
• Local nonprofit support

These experiences often leave a lasting impression. 

H2: Memories Made During Cultural Exchange Activities In 2013, Jolicoeur herself was a Summer Work Travel participant.

Advice From Experienced Summer Work Travel Employers

The Coalition for American Public Diplomacy and Leadership (CAPDL) led a webinar for employers about incorporating cultural exchange activities into the participants’ program. (CAPDL is a nonprofit organization that focuses on BridgeUSA education, best practices sharing, and storytelling.)

Here are a few of the lessons that came out of the event:

• Opportunities are everywhere: Cultural exchange can happen in both formal and everyday settings. With a mindset of sharing and learning, any activity can become an exchange.
• Integrate your activities: Consider offering your activities to both American and international participants. Mixed experiences foster connection, challenge biases, and build community.
• Emphasize curiosity: Encourage participants to focus on curiosity rather than a checklist. This mindset turns every interaction into a learning opportunity.
• Minimal resources needed: Cultural exchange doesn’t require extra time or money. Participants appreciate genuine experiences more than perfection.
• Engage your community: You’re not alone. Try involving your staff! Many employees enjoy participating and helping organize activities.

Remember, the goal is connection, not complexity.

Hear from Summer Work Travel Employers

“We provide three cultural trips each month. They vary from cool things throughout our region, from famous castles, landmarks, other area theme parks. And malls – they love to shop. We have tons of hiking trails and – swimming lakes and boat rides. We try to think of things that they may have never done before.” 
– Brandy Weiler, director of human resources, IAM Water Safari

“We take them on trips, both within Yellowstone and outside of the park to our gateway communities. We go to rodeos, whitewater rafting, horseback riding – basically anything a tourist would want to experience while in the area. Even just something as simple as going to Walmart in town is very exciting for the students, and they love to go shopping, so it's really fun." 
– Catherine LaBelle, employee programs manager, Xanterra Travel Collection at Yellowstone National Park 

Cultural Exchange Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

Creating meaningful cultural exchange activities doesn’t require a large budget or extensive planning. Whether it’s a shared meal, a local event, or a simple outing, the impact comes from participation and connection.

“Employers sometimes feel like they need to plan something big and elaborate – and I always want to tell them they really don't,” Jolicoeur said. “A Fourth of July barbecue at a coworker's house, a drive-through, walking into an American supermarket where everything is three times the size of what they're used to – those are the moments participants call home about. The simple, everyday, genuinely American experiences do more for their confidence, language skills and cultural exchange than any classroom ever could. That's what they came for, and that's what they'll remember.”

For Summer Work Travel employers, these experiences are what transform a seasonal job into a life-changing opportunity.

If you’re interested in hosting international workers and creating memorable cultural exchange experiences, consider learning more about BridgeUSA cultural exchange programs.

Interested in hosting international workers? Contact CIEE to learn more about how you can become one of our BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel employers.