News Summary
The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) will host the BridgeUSA Celebration Tour in Myrtle Beach, highlighting the contributions of leaders supporting the BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program. This initiative allows international students to work in the U.S., benefiting local businesses and the economy. The event will include the 11th Annual Ambassador Johnny and Angie Young Civic Leadership Summit, focusing on leadership and intercultural exchange. The tour aims to showcase the program’s positive impact on communities as it travels nationwide.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) is bringing its BridgeUSA Celebration Tour to Myrtle Beach next week, marking the third stop of the nationwide event. This celebration recognizes the vital contributions of community and business leaders who support the BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program, which has a significant impact on American society and the economy.
The BridgeUSA Summer Work Travel program allows international college students to temporarily live and work in the United States during their summer breaks. It not only enriches the lives of the participants but also supports over 4,000 businesses and contributes more than $1.2 billion annually to the U.S. economy, providing a boost to local communities.
CIEE’s president and CEO emphasizes the positive influence of the BridgeUSA program on American life and its role in fostering global collaboration. The celebration in Myrtle Beach will also feature the 11th Annual Ambassador Johnny and Angie Young Civic Leadership Summit, which focuses on leadership training and intercultural collaboration among international participants.
As summer approaches, many seasonal businesses in Myrtle Beach are increasingly reliant on BridgeUSA participants to extend their tourist season. These international workers often help to prolong the tourism season by an additional 30-45 days, providing essential services during peak travel times.
Local business leaders recognize the importance of the program, stating that it enhances workplace diversity and opens development opportunities for Americans. BridgeUSA participants bring unique perspectives and varied backgrounds, contributing to a more vibrant community atmosphere.
Beyond economic benefits, the BridgeUSA programs enhance national security and public diplomacy by building mutual understanding and respect between Americans and international students. By sharing their positive experiences in the United States, returning participants help improve America’s image abroad, contributing to stronger international relationships.
The event in Myrtle Beach is part of a larger CIEE initiative that began in June 2025, with previous stops in Ohio and Kentucky. The tour aims to showcase the substantial positive impact of BridgeUSA programs on American communities and local economies. Following Myrtle Beach, the next event is scheduled for San Antonio, Texas, in September 2025.
Through the Young Civic Leadership Summit, CIEE trains international participants not only in leadership but also in community engagement skills that inspire positive change in their respective countries. This training highlights the essential role of cultural exchange in fostering future leaders and global citizens.
Since its establishment in 1947, CIEE has facilitated over one million student exchanges, significantly enhancing international relations and cultural understanding. The BridgeUSA Celebration Tour serves as a platform to honor the individuals and organizations supporting these impactful exchange programs, showcasing the collective effort to promote diplomacy through education.
CIEE invites all individuals and organizations committed to enhancing the global exchange experience to participate in the celebrations and the ongoing dialogue about the importance of international collaboration and understanding.
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Additional Resources
- PR Newswire: CIEE BridgeUSA Celebration Tour Visits Myrtle Beach
- Wikipedia: BridgeUSA
- PR Newswire: CIEE BridgeUSA Celebration Tour to Visit Montana and Wyoming
- Google Search: BridgeUSA program
- My Horry News: Myrtle Beach Leaders Approve Tax Incentives for International Housing
- Google Scholar: CIEE BridgeUSA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: International Student Exchange
- Google News: International Student Programs
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
