08/04/2026
Yesterday was J-Day, a celebration of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and the life-changing opportunities it creates for participants to learn, grow, and experience new cultures.
Before joining the J-1 program, Yew Chu Rui grew up in Malaysia, a multicultural nation where diverse languages, traditions, and communities come together to create a rich cultural experience.
Coming to the United States for the first time has opened the door to an entirely new set of experiences. From learning about regional cultures and languages to experiencing seasonal daylight changes for the first time, each day has brought new opportunities to grow and see the world from a different perspective.
"Before coming here, everything I knew about America came from television shows, movies, and the internet. Since arriving, I've been able to experience it firsthand and learn about the country's diversity and culture."
The J-1 Intern and Trainee programs are about more than professional development. They create opportunities to discover new cultures, build global understanding, and gain experiences that last a lifetime.
Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State