Across Borders and Pages: Alum Elizabeth Goldrick’s J-1 Journey
Embarking on a J-1 cultural exchange program in the United States can be a transformative journey filled with highs, challenges, and invaluable experience. For Elizabeth Goldrick, her journey began with a departure from Ireland in January 2019. Over the course of the year, Elizabeth would spend time first in Baltimore, Maryland, followed by a summer stint in Amherst, Massachusetts, before returning to Baltimore for the fall months. Reflecting on her experience, she shared candid insights into the highlights of this opportunity and how it shaped her career path.
Elizabeth emphasized the importance of preparation before departure. Though she had been prepared by Rian, she quickly realized firsthand that finding employment in the US could be a lengthy process. Fortunately, a job application she had submitted from Ireland ended up being successful once she arrived in the States. Describing herself as quite picky with opportunities, Elizabeth noted that it “was great to do as much as possible beforehand”.
With a degree in Children’s Literature, Elizabeth worked in two libraries in Baltimore and the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, the first large-scale museum in the US to focus on picture book art. “The working bits” are what Elizabeth named as the highlight of her time as a J-1. Returning to Ireland in December 2019, she wasted no time in pursuing new opportunities. By early 2020, she had landed a position in children’s literature in Dublin, where her international experience as a J-1 became a point of interest and discussion. The interviewing skills she honed during her time in the US proved invaluable, facilitated by supportive American friends who helped navigate practical challenges like setting up a bank account and adjusting to daily life in a new country.
Having previously visited the US for holidays, Elizabeth found that working and living there provided an entirely different perspective. Her decision to undertake the J-1 program was fueled by a desire for both professional growth and cultural immersion. Highlighting her time in Amherst during the summer and Baltimore in the fall, she cherished the practical experiences gained in libraries and museums. Beyond work, Elizabeth took advantage of Baltimore’s close distance to Washington DC and took longer weekends to visit other cities such as Boston, New York, and Philadelphia.
Reflecting on the cultural exchange aspect, she praised the warmth and openness of her American colleagues, saying that “Americans are generally great colleagues”, appreciating their eagerness to engage in conversations and include her during significant holidays like Thanksgiving or the 4th of July. Though Elizabeth’s experience in the US was extremely positive, she acknowledged the challenges as well, such as obtaining a Social Security number and adapting to a car-centric culture without a driver’s license. Offering advice to prospective J-1s, she emphasized the importance of thorough planning, financial readiness, and a genuine desire to embrace the experience fully. She comments that this is a unique opportunity where “as much as you put in, you get out of it” so “get as much value out of it as you can”.
Elizabeth’s journey underscored the transformative power of Rian’s J-1 program, leaving her with cherished memories, strong community, and a newfound appreciation for American supermarkets. As she continues to pursue her career in children’s literature, she remains grateful for the doors opened and the perspectives gained during her year as a J-1 in the US.