Ognjen Jovančić, a student from Serbia, shared his honest and disappointing experience with the Work and Travel program in America. Unlike the idealized portrayals of the American dream with smiles and beaches, he describes poor living conditions, bad interpersonal relationships with roommates from other countries, cultural shock, and social distance of Americans. He particularly highlighted the unusual attitude of American parents towards their children and the difficulties of functioning without a car. His message is that life in Serbia, despite everything, is of higher quality and more fulfilling, with more enjoyment and human warmth.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning reports tend to emphasize the cultural and social challenges faced by participants in the Work and Travel program, highlighting issues such as social isolation, poor living conditions, and the emotional toll of cultural shock. They may critique the idealized portrayal of the American dream and focus on the systemic issues that make the experience difficult for foreign students.
Center: Center-leaning coverage presents a balanced view, acknowledging both the opportunities and challenges of the Work and Travel program. It reports on personal experiences like Ognjen’s to provide a realistic picture, noting the cultural differences and practical difficulties while also recognizing the value of the program for gaining international exposure and work experience.
Right: Right-leaning narratives often emphasize national pride and resilience, highlighting Ognjen’s conclusion that life in Serbia is superior in terms of social warmth and quality of life. They may focus on the shortcomings of American society, such as social detachment and dependence on cars, and use the story to promote the strengths and values of Serbian culture.
