“JW Marriott has been existing long before I can talk. Now I'm part of their 20th hotel opening very soon, 4th of February. It has been every ink of disbelief that I am fortunate enough to be engaged in such a once in a lifetime experience. As a student, I would not know such idea that somewhere in this planet a well-established hotel brand is opening and, everything I'm experiencing, everything I've tried for the first time, let alone my feet on US soil, would absolutely just be a dream if it wasn't for First Place Agency. They genuinely help students to follow their dreams, profess independence, and endure hardships -- altogether be in "first place" in life! :)”  - Russell Joshua Namalata, Enderun Colleges, ICT 2011-2012   “My internship experience in Baltimore Country Club is one of a kind... and is the most precious one... at first its a little difficult because the environment as well as the culture is different...its a lot of adjusting... but when you get to adapt and learn from that differences you get to love what your doing and enjoy it at the same time... the managers are very focus and hard working and very much approachable... they will be the one to guide for the entire year... the co-workers is very friendly and accommodating and they love the Filipinos because they know that we work so hard and aside from that we usually surpass their expectation in terms of our abilities and talents... all in all it was the BEST and the most Wonderful experience I ever had.”  -  Cindy Olpoc, St. Paul University Dumaguete, ICT 2010   “I came to the United States for three months, and came back for a year. It is not the people, the job, or the place that brought me back, but it is everything. I came here as a HRM major and needed the experience to graduate. I left with the longing to come back for more. I was in a new world, some place with many cultures, many seasons, and more habits than I understood. My first experience was one of learning. I came as a student, yet I left as the trainer. My managers saw in me my potential and fostered it to become a real skill, one I can pass on. I mastered my skills and am now a full time trainer in my field. The reward is now I can explore the United States. I see the capitol, Washington DC, New York City, vacation places like Ocean City, and everywhere in between. Coming to United States has been the pinnacle experience in my college career and something all should do.” - Ma. Andrea Santiago, Centro Escolar University Malolos, WAT 2009 & ICT 2010-2011   “During my stay in U.S at BCC, at first I was so nervous because I don’t have any idea of what life’s ahead. I’m having a hard time at first because we had a lot of differences particularly in culture and sometimes racism occurs. It was not easy for me to communicate and socialize with them. That’s the saddest part of working for me. You are tired of working and you are alone.  Few weeks later, I was able to cope up with my co workers and my working environment. Since then, my worked became easy. I showed up my potentials and I worked better everyday. I can say that I was a big contribution to the company because in spite of flexible time and area of designation I made the best of it. Everyday was a learning process.  One of the best experiences was the tour package. I’ve been to different places like New York, Washington D.C and Virginia. I explored the beauty of different states and shared wonderful moments with my new friends. The whole experience was great because I became a well driven person, independent and very optimistic. I’m also very thankful because in my young age I already experienced working and living with different nationalities and culture. It was also a big part in my education and in my growing up.” - Billy Jay Velitario, Mariners Polytechnic College Naga, WAT 2010   "The Work and Travel was really great experience especially on the first day at work. You might get excited and nervous on how they will work with everyone. As my first time working in the Industry it was an honor to be part of Baltimore Country Club in Maryland USA. I worked with great people and nice environment and I really learned a lot. I can say now that I was trained properly and I was exposed with the International standards. It was really fun, working at BCC. They really took cared of us. From our very first day up to the last step I felt love with them whether where you from. And take note it wasn't just all about work. We enjoyed the Travel part of the program! I've been to many States which I never imagined to see with my bear eyes. I never regret everything counts!" -  Jezaniah Aguda, Our Lady of Fatima Valenzuela, WAT 2010   "I joined Work & Travel program last March 2010 and worked as a Club Service Attendant in Baltimore Country Club, MD. It was not easy at first coz it was difficult to adjust to the new surroundings and new cultures. But this Work and Travel Program helped me grow professionally in the way that it granted me the chance to work in a well-known country club in Maryland. The working environment was pretty good, fun and pleasant. People working in BCC are nice. They have been so helpful. They pursued service standards and gracious hospitality. I felt loved, warmth, and friendship which is the experience that I cherished the most.  It was amazing! Meet and gain new friends. Learn new culture. Appreciate other culture. My experience was fantastic, awesome, and brilliant. One of the best experiences I’ve ever had! It was a Great experience, Great program!" - Aiyannalen Velayo, Centro Escolar Makati, WAT 2010   “I became independent and responsible for myself. I experienced how to work and learn new things together with my fellow participants in this program. Yes, everything is going right and I am really learning and enjoying a lot of things that I can apply in my chosen career. I also understand more the culture of the people here and how to deal with them. I also tried doing new things that made me stronger. It was an experience learning and enjoying at the same time. I was able to know myself better and I became more determined to pursue my goals in life. Thanks for the time and effort in helping us make this possible. God Bless.” - Camille S. San Andres, University of Santo Tomas, WAT 2010   “The WAT program has given me opportunities to make use of my skills learned from school. It gave me the chance to broaden my knowledge about life, work, decision making and creating a harmonious relationship with others. This program is one of a kind experience a student shouldn’t miss ! Living and working independently in US is a priceless memory that can’t be bought. This program has basically made me a much better person and encouraging others to experience the same thing that I have is the best thing I can do. THANK YOU VERY MUCH, FPI!“ - Keziah Llare D. Gallardo, La Consolacion Deparo, WAT 2010   “Give more opportunity to many students who love to travel and are not afraid to stand on their own in another country. As a scholar in this program, I want to say thank you because the program taught me three things: to be humble, strong and patient." – Stella Bigay, St. Paul University, Quezon City, WAT 2010   “This is a very enlightening experience where you can learn so much. It’s a challenge to my maturity, independence and skills. Also, you get the chance to experience life in a foreign land for three months which is a good step to improve myself.“ – Jeanne Therese Empaynado, Ateneo de Manila University, WAT 2010   “I rate this program as the highest because it gives us a lot of experience in cultural interaction, improving our skills in communication and at work, developing positive attitudes, learning to be independent, and many more! Thank you FPI for helping me go through many challenges. Everyday is a great experience for me! “ – Hannah Lindsay Bugagao, Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation, Naga, WAT 2010   “I was able to immerse myself in a totally different environment away from the comforts of home and the experience of living independently.“ - Jose Marie Emilliano Motus, University of San Carlos, Cebu City, WAT 2010   “Thank you for the opportunity to make my dream come true, there  were many challenges but also there was so much fun....”  - Fatima, Work and Travel, 2006   “Seeing new places, touching the snow, learning to ski, making a snowman, ride a toboggan, working as a foodservice worker, a housekeeper, doing my own laundry, cooking my own food and more! These are experiences I will never forget and has truly made me a much better and more responsible young lady!...”  - Shiela, Work and Travel 2007   “I gained many new friends and learned so much about life, being independent and making decisions on my own. I am going back now for the 18 month ICT to train more about my career....”  - Veronica, Internship, 2006