Every spring and summer, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk welcomes thousands of Guests seeking fun, adventure, and lasting memories. Behind the smiles, rides, games, treats, and Guest experiences are nearly two thousand Team Members, including seasonal Team Members from around the world who help bring the Boardwalk to life through the Santa Cruz Seaside Company Work & Travel Program.
This spring and summer, the Boardwalk hosted 189 Work & Travel Team Members from 16 countries. These Team Members receive short-term housing, 24/7 onsite support, roles across the Boardwalk, and the chance to build hospitality skills while spending a summer in Santa Cruz and exploring California.
More than a summer job, the Work & Travel Program is a cultural exchange experience that builds lasting connections, develops future leaders, and strengthens our community.
The Boardwalk hosts international university students through the U.S. Department of State’s BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel Program. Participants spend a few months working, experiencing American culture, and sharing their own traditions and perspectives. This year marks 40 years of the Boardwalk’s Work & Travel Program, and we are grateful for the hundreds of international students who have been part of it, as well as the local Team Members who have supported its success.
This summer, we saw the program’s lasting impact when we welcomed back three former Work & Travel participants who spent the summer of 1998 at the Boardwalk. Paul Long and Andy and Elaine Weir, from Ireland, returned with their families to share the Boardwalk with their children and reflected on the unforgettable summer the program gave them. Paul shared, “I spent a memorable season as a ride operator at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Those days were genuinely special to me; the excitement, the vibrant atmosphere, and the camaraderie among the staff created an experience I’ve cherished ever since. I recall the sense of community, the laughter echoing along the midway, and the thrill of seeing guests enjoy themselves. It left an indelible mark on me and shaped many fond memories.”
Decades later, they returned with their children to share where their international adventure began. Paul shared, “The prospect of introducing our loved ones to the magic and energy of the Boardwalk fills us with excitement, and I know it will mean a great deal to them as well. It’s a rare opportunity for us to experience the fun and wonder from a fresh perspective, sharing stories and making new memories as a family.” Their journey shows the meaningful connections and life-changing opportunities that can grow from one summer of cultural exchange.
Although Work & Travel Team Members spend only a few months in Santa Cruz, preparing for their arrival is a year-round effort. Behind the scenes, our dedicated Work & Travel Team—Michelle Mosri, Darin Fox, Noah Archibald, Kevin Martinez, and myself—collaborates with international sponsor agencies, community organizations, and Boardwalk departments. Our mission is to recruit participants, coordinate logistics, and ensure that every experience is nothing short of exceptional. Darin Fox, a Work & Travel Coordinator, says, “My favorite part about the Work & Travel program is meeting all kinds of people from different countries and hearing all of their stories.” Countless hours go into ensuring each participant is ready to thrive while living and working at the Boardwalk.
Kevin Martinez, another Work & Travel Coordinator, shared, “Being a part of the Work and Travel program has led to innumerous conversations that, however small to the participants, have meant the world to me. A quick talk about the groceries someone’s bought can lead me to trying new recipes and flavors previously unknown to me, and because the intrigue is mutual, it really makes the connection feel real.”
For many students, this is their first visit to the United States. At the Boardwalk, they gain professional skills, improve their English, develop independence, and build lasting friendships. Local Team Members and Guests also benefit from interacting with people from different cultures, creating a richer, more inclusive environment for everyone.
Aris Jashari, a Work & Travel Team Member from Kosovo working in Food Service, came to the Boardwalk for the quintessential California summer experience. After a few weeks, he realized the opportunity was more meaningful than expected. He shared that he enjoys learning about the Boardwalk’s history, how he fits into its legacy, and the importance of cultural exchange programs like this one.
Throughout the summer, Work & Travel Team Members join local Team Members in activities that help them experience American culture and share their own traditions. Team Member events, community events, volunteer opportunities, and more give them the full Santa Cruz endless-summer experience.
Reflecting on the program’s impact and future, Michelle Mosri, Work & Travel Recruitment Specialist, says, “Being a part of the Work & Travel program is such an honor! I am constantly learning more about the world, gaining new perspectives, and having so much fun with my team and the participants. I am looking forward to growing this program!”
The program’s success reflects the commitment and collaboration of the participants, teams, and leaders who make it possible. Thanks to the many people who have contributed over the last 40 years, the program has grown from seasonal employment into a life-changing cultural exchange experience that spans generations and creates lifetime memories for our Guests and each other.
