Testimonies
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Hans is a 21-year-old university student who tells us about his experience working at Dunkin Donuts in the heart of the United States Berkshires.
Name: Hans E B
Age: 21
Field of study: Bachelor in Economics
Company and position where you work: Dunkin Donuts in Pittsfield, MA
What is the experience for?
Mainly to improve English. I improved aspects that I didn't know I would, especially listening comprehension and vocabulary. The job itself is very good. It's fast food, so you're running around a lot, always doing something. It is demanding but it has good pay.
What is the work environment like?
The work environment is good. My coworkers are excellent. They plan the schedules one week in advance, and the hours vary from week to week, although we (the J1 students) have almost fixed schedules. We are working between 35 and 40 hours a week. Tiring but rewarding. If they see that you work well they call you to do overtime or other shifts in franchises close to yours.
What do you do on your days off?
In my case, coordinating with colleagues is difficult, but the day before I always find something haha
Did you visit other places?
I went to New York twice and also had the opportunity to meet Boston. A little also the towns in the area. And we went skiing to a nearby ski center called Bousquet.
What would you recommend to someone who would like to follow in your footsteps?
I would tell him to have some kind of reference. I was lucky with the employer and the destination, since in my case it was important to recover the economic investment. I would tell them to look for states with a high minimum wage, and jobs where you can complete 39-40 hours. On the other hand where I am there is not so much movement, it is a quiet city. But you will not get bored!
All this information is very useful for us and for students who want to travel with the program so we thank you very much for your collaboration.
Thank you!
Age: 21
Field of study: Bachelor in Economics
Company and position where you work: Dunkin Donuts in Pittsfield, MA
What is the experience for?
Mainly to improve English. I improved aspects that I didn't know I would, especially listening comprehension and vocabulary. The job itself is very good. It's fast food, so you're running around a lot, always doing something. It is demanding but it has good pay.
What is the work environment like?
The work environment is good. My coworkers are excellent. They plan the schedules one week in advance, and the hours vary from week to week, although we (the J1 students) have almost fixed schedules. We are working between 35 and 40 hours a week. Tiring but rewarding. If they see that you work well they call you to do overtime or other shifts in franchises close to yours.
What do you do on your days off?
In my case, coordinating with colleagues is difficult, but the day before I always find something haha
Did you visit other places?
I went to New York twice and also had the opportunity to meet Boston. A little also the towns in the area. And we went skiing to a nearby ski center called Bousquet.
What would you recommend to someone who would like to follow in your footsteps?
I would tell him to have some kind of reference. I was lucky with the employer and the destination, since in my case it was important to recover the economic investment. I would tell them to look for states with a high minimum wage, and jobs where you can complete 39-40 hours. On the other hand where I am there is not so much movement, it is a quiet city. But you will not get bored!
All this information is very useful for us and for students who want to travel with the program so we thank you very much for your collaboration.
Thank you!
