International Exchange of North America (IENA)

I believe one of the most unique experience was finding love. I found love in a country with such a warm embrace, and never in a million years would think to meet someone in such a cold country like Canada. The United States and Canada have shared common interest for centuries. We attract the best and inspire the greatest. Canada, much like the United States has incredible landscapes. Every day in Canada is an adventure. Every corner your turn is just stunning. Nature brings communities together and that makes for a great picture. The diversity and cultures here in Canada shine a light on how we as humans can come from all over the world to find a middle ground and share what we love about our home lands. I’m excited to have gone on this trip thru Canada to learn and to grow and to hopefully bring people together and find love and happiness like I have.

From January to April 2018 of my second semester of my junior year I studied abroad in Montreal and interned at EyeSteelFilm. Working at a documentary production company made me appreciate that style of film more, and have a better understanding. I got to work with many unique people in the film industry there. I even got to pitch my own idea of a film I would like Eyesteel to produce for me. I learned how to transcribe audio, make subtitles for English, French and Hungarian. And I also learned how to use different softwares such as DVD Studio Pro and Neofinder. Towards the end I didn't have the best time because they were running out of things for me to do, and my mentor was very busy. Looking back, I really enjoyed the experience overall; it was good to see what it's like working in the film industry. This experience helped me to realize for my future job I don't want to sit in front a computer all day, but I do want to be creative and be involved. I also developed a close friendship with one of my co-workers by pushing myself to talk to people within the first few weeks. And having already left Montreal I still keep in contact with him.

I found out about the Working Holiday program in New Zealand from Deborah Kahn (IENA). She was my point of contact the whole time, and she was great! She was very clear about the steps and process, and made sure she provided me everything I needed. Whenever I had questions or concerns before and during my travel, she was prompt in responding to me, and making sure my experience was as smooth as possible. I really recommend this program to others because many people are afraid of travelling and living abroad, but IENA makes it so easy and seamless. You can forget the hassles, and just focus on the travel experience!

The agents made the application process easy and stress free!! I actually got an email from one of them yesterday just wanting to check in and make sure I was doing okay. And living in Canada... It's freaking amazing!! I cannot think of a better place to learn about the natural beauty and history of Canada than Banff. I got to go on hikes, go white water rafting, ride around on wildlife safaries, eat poutine, and spend my time with Canadians and travelers who want to make the most of their time in the world's first National Park. The adventures, the history, the culture; I could not be happier with the choices I made or the program that made it all happen.

Hiya,
IENA helped put me on the path of the gaming industry not long after I had finished up my schooling in the states and Canada. It's a wonderful program full of helpful people who want young adults like myself succeed in the workplace and life!

I stayed in Vancouver for the duration of my work visa, and soon after arriving obtained a contract with a gaming company. Not only have I met and held on to such wonderful friends around the city, but I also have made many new friends who I can tell will be great people to know in the industry and a great support network for years to come.