There truly are some beautiful places in the United States. If you get to travel during your program, try checking out some of these places. https://www.facebook.com/BuzzFeed/videos/10155932449010329/

Happy Birthday Cheyenne Misa! Enjoy your day!

We've switched the AHA Events Page to a Group to make it more interactive. Join the Group to stay updated on local events happening in your area, post events you hear about, and network with other J1s living in your area: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AHAJ1Events/

Looking for cultural exchange activities you can participate in while in the US? Look no further! AHA has compiled many ideas for you. When you complete BINGO (all activities in a column or row), send AHA (recruiting@americanhospitalityacademy.com) photos of you completing the activities and a short write-up of your experience, and you will win an AHA logo item of your choice.

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Happy Birthday, Linette Rovina Miguel Baliuag! Have a great day celebrating!

Happy Birthday, Jonah Remo! Enjoy your day!

Do you have friends or family that are interested in a training program in the United States? Why not tell them about AHA! Candidates can apply directly online: www.americanhospitalityacademy.com/apply/ If they have any questions, please have them contact the AHA team at: recruiting@americanhospitalityacademy.com

What are your plans this weekend?

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Looking for cultural exchange activities you can participate in while in the US? Look no further! AHA has compiled many ideas for you. When you complete BINGO (all activities in a column or row), send AHA (recruiting@americanhospitalityacademy.com) photos of you completing the activities and a short write-up of your experience, and you will win an AHA logo item of your choice.

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Happy Birthday, Johara Maningo! Enjoy your special day!

"Like" the new AHA Events page to stay updated on local events happening in your area. You can also post events you hear about, and network with other J1s living in your area! https://www.facebook.com/AHAJ1Events/

We couldn't be happier it is the first day of Spring! We are so ready for warmer weather and sunny days! What are you looking forward to most about Spring?

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Happy St. Patrick's Day! How will you celebrate today?

Looking for cultural exchange activities you can participate in while in the US? Look no further! AHA has compiled many ideas for you. When you complete BINGO (all activities in a column or row), send AHA (recruiting@americanhospitalityacademy.com) photos of you completing the activities and a short write-up of your experience, and you will win an AHA logo item of your choice.

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Happy Birthday, Vitaliia Yatsentiuk and Olesia Zadorozhnia! Enjoy your day!

March Madness is here! The first game goes down tonight. 68 teams will play to become one of the Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight, Final Four, and then Basketball Champion! Who will win the National Championship? We will find out April 3. http://www.ncaa.com/march-madness

Happy Belated Birthday, Ivana GoldFish Vukotic! We hope you had a wonderful birthday.

It's time to Spring Forward! Daylight Savings Time starts this Sunday. Don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night.

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AHA is now seeking Food & Beverage participants. Share these great opportunities with your friends, family, coworkers, and fellow students. They can contact recruiting@americanhospitalityacademy.com with any questions.

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Fun Fact: The AHA J-1 Team is made up of only women! Today is Women's Day, a day to celebrate women’s history, highlighting key events, milestones and achievements, and aims to further promote and raise awareness of women’s rights and to achieve equal opportunity status in all walks of life. Celebrate the women in your life today! https://www.internationalwomensday.com/About

Looking for cultural exchange activities you can participate in while in the US? Look no further! AHA has compiled many ideas for you. When you complete BINGO (all activities in a column or row), send AHA (recruiting@americanhospitalityacademy.com) photos of you completing the activities and a short write-up of your experience, and you will win an AHA logo item of your choice.

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Happy Birthday Sultan Özkaya, and Happy Belated Birthday, Roxanne Miranda and Mayank Gupta! We hope you have a great day!

Next time you visit Washington, D.C., take a tour of the Peace Train on the National Mall. "The northwest corner of the National Mall could be considered the “War and Peace Corner” of our nation’s capital. It is home to this country’s most famous war memorials, which draw tens of millions of visitors each year. It is also home to the headquarters of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), and to other symbols and sites with peace themes, which, while generally less prominent, offer an important and complementary narrative." http://www.washingtondctourguides.com/

Looking for cultural exchange activities you can participate in while in the US? Look no further! AHA has compiled many ideas for you. When you complete BINGO (all activities in a column or row), send AHA (recruiting@americanhospitalityacademy.com) photos of you completing the activities and a short write-up of your experience, and you will win an AHA logo item of your choice.

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Happy Mardi Gras! To celebrate, some cities have parades with amazing masks, costumes and floats. If you are in New Orleans, you have to check it out! Read more: http://metro.co.uk/2017/02/27/when-is-mardi-gras-2017-and-why-is-it-called-fat-tuesday-6475915/#ixzz4ZzVGt1pA

Happy Belated Birthday, Julie Casey! We hope you had a great weekend celebrating.

Happy Birthday, Abhimanyu Kumar Singh! We hope you celebrate the whole weekend!

Encourage your friends, family, and coworkers to apply today: www.americanhospitalityacademy.com/apply/

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Participants at Gateway Canyons Resort, did you know the Colterris Winery is only about an hour away? Get a group of friends together for a wine tasting and try the local Colorado wine. https://www.colterris.com/Vineyards/Tasting-Room

We want to wish Dane Castellano a very Happy Birthday today!

Today is Presidents' Day, a day Americans honor all persons who have served as president. Learn more here: http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/presidents-day

Happy Birthday Anna-Maria Thurner! Enjoy your special day!

AHA is now seeking Food & Beverage participants. Share these great opportunities with your friends, family, coworkers, and fellow students. They can contact recruiting@americanhospitalityacademy.com with any questions.

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Participants in Sheboygan, Wisconsin: the 5th Annual In Celebration of Chocolate is this weekend! Don’t miss this cocoa-themed celebration of the world’s favorite dessert. Click here for more details: http://www.americanclubresort.com/calendar/2017/02/in-celebration-of-chocolate

AHA is feeling the love. Thank you to everyone who participated in our Valentine's Contest! Happy Valentine's Day!

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Valentine's Day is tomorrow. Are you looking to have a romantic dinner with someone special? Check out this list of the 100 most romantic restaurants in America to find a great date night spot!

Today is the last day to submit your entry for AHA's Valentine's Contest! Email what you love most about your cultural exchange program with AHA to: recruiting@americanhospitalityacademy.com

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Today is National Pizza Day! Whether it is thin crust, Chicago-style, deep dish or anything in between, pizza is an American favorite. Click here to find the best pizza deals today: http://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/2017/02/09/where-to-score-best-pie-deals-on-national-pizza-day.html

Do you have friends or family that are interested in a training program in the United States? Why not tell them about AHA! Candidates can apply directly online: www.americanhospitalityacademy.com/apply/ If they have any questions, please have them contact the AHA team at: recruiting@americanhospitalityacademy.com

Happy Birthday, Tareque Khan! We hope you have a great day celebrating!

Reminder: Friday is the last day to submit your responses

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The 51st Superbowl is this Sunday in Houston, Texas! The Atlanta Falcons will play the New England Patriots. Get your chicken wings ready, with over 100 million people tuning in, the Superbowl is the most watched TV event in the world. Football not your thing? That's ok! The Superbowl is also known for its commercials and Lady Gaga will be taking over the halftime show. Kickoff is at 6:30pm ET. https://www.nfl.com/super-bowl

Today is Groundhog Day. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. That means 6 more weeks of winter. http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/02/02/513017478/groundhog-day-2017-winter-is-still-coming-punxsutawney-phil-says

It's February! A new month means new opportunities. What cultural events/activities will you experience this month?

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Have you been to any of these sites? https://www.buzzfeed.com/sabrinam13/can-you-tell-which-breathtaking-views-are-actually-in-the-us?utm_term=.yoyMZrq5xK#.abPDJAK1p0

Love is in the air!

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Happy Birthday Pam Fajatin and Kelvin Rr-venh Rodriguez Baluyut! Celebrate the whole weekend!

Are you currently packing and preparing for your J-1 program? These tips will help you get ready for the greatest adventure of your life! https://www.roughguides.com/article/18-things-everyone-should-know-before-visiting-the-usa/

The JW Marriott Marquis Miami recently held a farewell event for Anastasiya, Mariia, and Al Nawas. Congratulations on a great J-1 program!

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Happy Birthday, Jessica Joyce Quesada! We hope your day is wonderful!

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Today the United States gets a new president. Donald Trump will become the 45th President of the United States. Here is your guide for the Inauguration: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/19/us/politics/inauguration-day-guide.html?_r=0

Login and start the HPC courses today!

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Today is World Religion Day. "Our World has hundreds of nations with thousands of cultures that stretch back into pre-history, and throughout all that time we’ve had countless religions rise to prominence. Whether you’re Hindu, Jewish, Catholic, Shinto, Buddhist, or one of a million other faiths, World Religion Day is your chance to share your culture with others and take an opportunity to learn from others about theirs." https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/world-religion-day/

Martin Luther King Jr. played a pivotal role in ending the legal segregation of African American citizens in the United States. Today we honor Dr. King and all of his accomplishments.

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Happy Birthday Kevin O'Sullivan! We hope you have a fantastic day!

Tax season is quickly approaching! Read this document for more information on how you can file your taxes from 2016.

Attachment: W2 Information Employer.pdf

Reminder: Have you done your monthly check in yet on your account? This is a requirement for your J1 Cultural Exchange visa. Don't delay, complete your monthly check in today!

Stay safe this winter! http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Top-Ten-Red-Cross-Cold-Weather-Safety-Tips

Happy Belated Birthday Samuel Norton! We hope you had an awesome day!

Happy Birthday Olja Kaludjerovic! We hope you have a great day!

For many areas in the United States it is starting to snow! Have you ever experienced snow before? What is your favorite activity to do in the snow?

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Do you have friends or family that are interested in interning/training in the United States? Why not tell them about AHA! Candidates can apply directly online: americanhospitalityacademy.com/apply/ If they have any questions, please have them contact the AHA team at: recruiting@americanhospitalityacademy.com

Happy Birthday Chelsea Mae Maquilan! We hope you have a very special day!

"Last Thursday we went to Everglades alligators farm. We go to xtreme park , bowling and had some fun and played arcades and go kart. It's also nice to have some friends to celebrate a birthday with my long distance boyfriend. We cooked some food and had a blast.Last Dec 6 we celebrated our Las Olas Christmas party it's very nice to see all those people with their Christmas costume, we have event too like singing and dancing. We also had a winter fest it's a boat parade lights. so nice to see some activities for fun and for the pst months we're so busy we had a lot of events like boat show, art fair so I'm happy."- Kristin Villarama. Wow- it sounds like you are having a very busy and eventful December!

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It's officially the First Day of Winter! Stay warm everyone!!

Reminder: If you move during your training program, you must go in to your AHA account and update your address.

Have you completed a volunteering activity since you arrived in the United States? Let us know about it! Post your photo along with 3-5 sentences on AHA’s Facebook with #AHAVolunteers, or email your volunteer opportunity to avery@americanhospitalityacademy.com.

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Today is Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. Americans love to wear these sweaters during the month of December, some people even host Ugly Christmas Sweater parties! Do people in your home country wear Ugly Christmas Sweaters during the holidays? https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/ugly-christmas-sweater-day/

Happy Birthday Dennis Zolina! We hope you have a great day!

Tonight is a full moon! What do you like to do when there is a full moon?

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Have you completed a volunteering activity since you arrived in the United States? Let us know about it! Post your photo along with 3-5 sentences on AHA’s Facebook with #AHAVolunteers, or email your volunteer opportunity to avery@americanhospitalityacademy.com.

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Today is Gingerbread House Day. A favorite tradition for Americans is to decorate Gingerbread Houses during the holidays. It is a great activity you can do with other J-1 participants, co-workers, family, and friends!

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We have noticed many of you are posting great holiday pictures- at holiday parties, in the snow, celebrating with friends, etc. What has been your favorite holiday moment so far in the United States?

Participants at the Marriott Marco Island, Sebastion Johnson, Kim Oropel, and Dennis Zolina, went caroling at ManorCare Health Center. Check out their pictures!

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Happy Birthday, Early Empeño! We hope you enjoy your day!

Have you completed a volunteering activity since you arrived in the United States? Let us know about it! Post your photo along with 3-5 sentences on AHA’s Facebook with #AHAVolunteers, or email your volunteer opportunity to avery@americanhospitalityacademy.com.

Attachment: Volunteer Flyer 2.jpg

Do you have friends or family that are interested in a training program in the United States? Why not tell them about AHA! Candidates can apply directly online: americanhospitalityacademy.com/apply/ If they have any questions, please have them contact the AHA team at: recruiting@americanhospitalityacademy.com

Sending birthday wishes your way, Anca Pitigoi! Have a great day!

Happy Birthday Ellren Jell Pujalte! We hope you have a fantastic day!

We have received some incredible entries for #AHAVolunteers! We know many of you are in your busy season and haven’t been able to participate in a volunteer opportunity just yet. So, we have decided to extended the contest deadline to give you the opportunity participate. The new deadline is December 31 and the winners will be announced January 9.

Attachment: AHAVolunteers Extended Flyer.pdf

Today is #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving. #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. One of the best ways to get involved is in your own community. Click here for information on how you can get involved: https://www.givingtuesday.org/ Bonus: if you participate, you can use it as your entry for #AHAVolunteers!

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Want to learn more about the history, food, and traditions? Click here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/0/thanksgiving-day-whats-the-history-of-the-holiday-and-why-does-the-us-celebrate-pilgrim-fathers/

Don't forget: Between now and Nov. 30th we are hosting the #AHAVolunteers Contest. Complete a volunteering activity through a not-for-profit or community organization or project and post your photo along with 3-5 sentences on AHA’s Facebook with the #AHAVolunteers or email your entry to avery@americanhospitalityacademy.com

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Tell your friends! We have fantastic Culinary opportunities your friends and family can apply for today!

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Happy Birthday May-Rose Ramos. We hope you have a very special day!

Our Hawks Cay participants are enjoying their time together!

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We want to with Regine Ann Ellana Obenza a very happy birthday today! Enjoy your day!

Thank you to everyone that participated in our essay contest! We received many entries and it was wonderful to read about each of your experiences in the United States. We would like to wish a huge congratulations to our winners: 1st place- Ntsika Mtyapi, 2nd place- Imran Muzawar, 3rd place- Maureen Malalis. Congratulations!

Between now and Nov. 30th we are hosting the #AHAVolunteers Contest. Complete a volunteering activity through not-for-profit or community organization or project and post your photo along with 3-5 sentences on AHA’s Facebook with the #AHAVolunteers or email your entry to avery@americanhospitalityacademy.com.

Attachment: Volunteer Flyer.jpg

The votes are in. Donald Trump has been elected the 45th president of the United States.

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Today is Election Day! Americans will vote for president. Want some info on American elections? Click here: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/2094876/how-does-us-election-2016-work-when-new-president-swing-states/

Lynette is having a great fall! "The month of October was so much fun. Fall is amazing in Durham. The weather has cooled down a lot, making for pleasant outings. Football, baseball and I took advantage of the WDI Golf Club's golfing lesson special offered to employees for 5 weeks. Learned a lot!! We had the privilege of family that visited us from Texas. We went to a pumpkin patch, picked out a pumpkin and adopted the tradition of carving the pumpkin into a Jack-o-lantern. We attended Forestview elementary's Fall festival, played games and tried out a food truck for the first time. A lot of fun. Then seeing all the people dressed up for Halloween was amazing. The hotel had a pumpkin carving contest...loved the enthusiasm of the hotel." Which pumpkin is your favorite?

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Vivēk Gupta participated in a Halloween pumpkin carving contest at his host property. Great job on the pumpkin!

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Intern, Dennis Zolina, won third place in the Pumpkin Carving Contest at his host property. Great job!

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Stanimira had a very spooky Halloween party! We're scared just looking at the pics!

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Happy Birthday Jessica Sargent! We hope you have a great day celebrating in the US!

Happy Halloween!

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REMINDER: Today is the LAST day to submit your essay. Write your essay and send it to avery@americanhospitalityacademy.com for your chance to win $500. The winner will be announced November 11.

There are just a few more days left until Halloween. What are your plans- will you go to a party, dress up in a spooky costume, eat a ton of candy, or carve a pumpkin? We would love to know!