J-1 workers, who are they and why do they come here?

Daniel, age 23, is from Romania. He works at the Blue Water Café and Birch Terrace. He is studying to be an architect.

After a couple of covid years, the J-1 summer workers are back in the county. That’s not only been good news to area employers but good news to the throngs of summer visitors who have been very patient the last two years when service— or hours of operation— was slow or cut back because there weren’t enough employees to meet the demand.

These young men and ladies work in hotels, restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, gift shops, and resorts. And often you will find them working two jobs, five or six days a week. They come here to make money, experience our culture, and practice their English. They come for adventure, fun and travel.

So, who are these “kids” or, more appropriately, young adults? They are students from around the world who qualify for a J-1 summer work visa. The visas last for four months, and many work tirelessly for three months and spend one month traveling throughout the country. Some travel for two weeks, staying longer to help during the busy fall tourist season.

Bugce Kavakli, 24, is working to become physical therapist in her home country of Turkey. She works at World’s Best Donuts.

But it’s not just gifts of labor these youngsters bring to our community. They bring an international flavor, new energy, and personality that helps to round us out and make our area more interesting. The median age of Cook County residents is 52.8 years old. Only Aitkin County with a median age of 55.9 years old has an older population than Cook County out of Minnesota’s 87 counties. And 29.9 percent of Cook County’s population is 65 and older while Aitkin’s 65 and older population is 32.8 percent. In other words, with an economy based almost 90 percent on tourism, “old” Cook County needs an infusion of young workers to meet the demand.

J-1s to the rescue!

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa Program began in 1961 through the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act created by Senator J. William Fullbright. The purpose of the act was to promote educational and cultural understanding between people of different nations. Today for international students to participate in the J-1 program they must be approved by an educational or nonprofit institution which is accredited through the U.S. State Department Exchange Visitor Program. They also must be sponsored by a business, school or an institution in the U.S.

Michael, 23, is from Jamaica. Back home he is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He works at Dairy Queen.

At the end of their time in the U.S., the young adults return to college or university to study and rest.

This week we will introduce you to some of these bright lights in our community.

So, your server working in two different restaurants is an architect major who speaks three languages. The young lady making doughnuts during the day and waiting tables at night is a chemistry major who speaks four languages. The 21-year-old lady working the counter at the pizza shop also makes doughnuts and works at the Dairy Queen. She is a physical therapy major who speaks multiple languages. They are not the exceptions. They are the riches—the wealth– of other countries who come here and more than lend a hand. They come and they become part of the fabric of the community. And when they leave, we are sorry to see them go but we wish them well on their journey. And if we are lucky, they will return next summer and lend their skills and goodwill to us once again.

Sule Kisaoglu, age 24, is from Turkey. She works at the Blue Water Café. In college she is majoring in translation and interpretation.

Taking a break from their kitchen duties at Blue Water Café are, from L-R: Teofil Andrei Iftoae, Lisac Gabriel Constantin and Buterchi Bogban. The three young men all hail from Romania. Teofil is 25. Back home in college Teofil majors in Civil Engineering. Lisac, 24, will be a computer science engineer when his education is complete. Buterchi, 22, is majoring in Geography and physical education.

Deniz Barut, Turkey, is 21. She works at the World’s Best Donut Ship and Birch Terrace. She is a chemistry major in collegeo In her free time she likes to play table tennis and swim and she likes grasshoppers.

Gabi, 23, is from Romania. He works for My Sister’s Place Restaurant in Grand Marais. In Romania he studies law.

Erkhes, 21, is from Mongolia. He works at Gene’s Foods. In school he is studying law.

Immuhon Kocaoglu, 24, majors in political science and international relations in Turkey. She works at World’s Best Donuts.

Behind the counter at Beth’s Fudge are two workers from Turkey, Mert and Arda. Mert, age 21, is studying to become a tour guide and Arda, 22, is studying Russian language in college.