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About the Participants

Front Desk Agent, Washington, DCWalsh Visa Program participants are young people between the ages of 21 and 35 from Northern Ireland and the six border counties of the Republic of Ireland (Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Sligo, and Leitrim). Participants hold a non-immigrant Q-2 work visa which allows them to live and work in the U.S. for up to 24months.

Program participants are employed by a wide range of Program-approved employers, including hotels, travel agents, care providers, banks, and call centers. While employed in the U.S., participants also take part in conflict resolution activities to broaden and enhance their personal and professional development. After completing the Program, participants are expected to return to their respective home countries where they will hopefully use their new skills and experience to continue their personal and career growth.

Participants were recruited and enrolled in the program by government training and employment authorities in their home countries. Foras Aiseanna Soathair (FAS) is the authority in the Republic of Ireland. The Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) is the authority in Northern Ireland.

To learn more about what Walsh Visa Program participants are doing see Profiles in Excellence.

What Walsh Visa Participants Say:

My job is demanding and challenging -- just the way I like it. Barbara, 2004

I have become a lot more confident through my time on the Program – especially around my dyslexia. Over here people do not judge you on your paper credentials and so my confidence has grown massively. David, 2004

I have really enjoyed getting to know all of my coworkers at the Ramada and I have learned a lot about dealing with customers. At first I was shy but now I interact with all the guests and they come from all over the world. Thomas, 2004

I started working in the deli and then expressed an interest in training for other departments – including the cheese department – and then when a manager’s job came up I applied and got it. Mairead, 2004

Hotel Bartender, Boston Customer Service Representative, Syracuse Customer Service Representative, Syracuse

It is a great thing to be promoted. It shows that your employer recognizes your efforts and it challenges you to learn a new skill. Daniel, 2004

I have learned a lot from working in a place like Home Depot where there are people from all races and cultures. I have learned to deal with many different types of customers. Suzanne, 2004

Working and communicating effectively with the team members and management have been important components of my job. De-Anna, 2004

I am hoping to gain skills that will continue to help me when I go home, especially by improving my problem-solving skills and confidence in dealing with difficult situations. Claire, 2004

Roofer, Pittsburgh Retail Sales Associate, Washington, DC Trainee Welder, Pittsburgh

From this experience I have learned that I can be a great team player. I have striven to change my view of life and myself. I would recommend this program to anyone who is considering it! Caroline, 2004

On the program we are not British or Irish but we are all Walsh Visa Participants. Applying to the program was the best decision I have ever made. Mark, 2003

I would like to thank everyone involved in the Walsh Visa Program for affording me this opportunity to live and work in the United States. James, 2003

The Walsh Visa has given me a great opportunity to live and work in the States…over here people don’t care what background you come from. Alexandra, 2003

Apprentice Sprinkler Fitter, Boston Credit Card Collector, Pittsburgh Shipping and Receiving Clerk, Syracuse

The Program gives participants the opportunity to excel in both their business and social skills. This in turn leads to a greater understanding and respect of different attitudes and beliefs. Neil, 2003

I have been given the opportunity of a lifetime and I plan to make the most of it. Mark, 2003

Walsh Visa Program participants are required to sign a Code of Conduct, which outlines the rules and regulations governing their participation in the Program.

About the Participants | Typical Jobs