The J-1 Visa is a special non-immigrant visa type which enables foreign nationals the opportunity to participate in the US Department of State’s BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor Program (EVP). The EVP provides opportunities for around 300,000 foreign visitors per year to experience US society and culture and engage with Americans. There are fifteen different categories under the J-1 BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor Program, besides the teacher category. Most individuals choosing to come to the US on a J-1 BridgeUSA Exchange Visitor Program are funded privately. These J-1 exchanges include a cultural component that gives participants the opportunity to engage more broadly with Americans and share their own cultures with their US host school/communities. They return home eager to stay connected, to expand their networks, and to explore future exchange opportunities as “citizen ambassadors.”