WINTER 2008-09 WORK TRAVEL PARTICIPANT LETTERS & PHOTOS

My name is Ana Claudia Chimeres and I have worked at The Round Hearth at Stowe during the 08'/09' winter season. I am a Hotel Management major in Brazil and that was one of the reasons why I went to the Round Hearth at Stowe.

The work and travel program was an incredible experience for me, it meant learning new things not only on my professional area, but in many aspects of my life. This experience exceeded all my expectations, before the interchange program started, I hoped that everything could run smoothly, after all I was going to work and deal with people I could never imagine to meet.

Later on, I felt that the Round Hearth at Stowe became much more than just a place to work, I could feel absolutely at home there. Of course, I owe that to Christian and Jason, who are good hearted and very skillled professionals. They have taken the responsibility over the place and they are able to accomplish their tasks having our feelings and our comfort at heart. I have no doubt that The Round Hearth is the best place to work at Stowe.

I have a lot to thank Christian and Jason for the opportunity they offered me during this winter season - I was able to get to know the most wonderful places and people and I'll keep that in my memory forever.

Ana Claudia Chimeres
São Paulo - Brazil
2008/2009

The opportunity to visit and know Stowe and to be a Round Hearth Staff during the winter season of 08'/09' was an unforgettable experience to me. It was more than just regular a job - It came down to learning, friendship and a lot of fun! The Round Hearth team became a family that cared for all its employees with such a welcoming feeling that we all felt at home.

Besides being able to meet all the guests who have visisted the Round Hearth, we had the chance to work hard so they could enjoy the most of their days in Stowe. They have certainly awarded our efforts by showing a lot of the American Culture and giving us moments of sheer happiness and fun.

It was wonderful to take part on the work and travel program and be able to learn directly from the source more of the culture, language and also take part in astonishing trips around the U.S.

I will always be thankful to Christian and Jason for all the great moments we had together during this season. They were more than co-workers, but our very family at Stowe. Once again, this whole experience was more amazing thanks to Christian and Jason and all the incredible staff I had the chance to meet.

Arianne Santos Catelli
Staff 08'/09'
BRAZIL

Travelling abroad and living in a different country with different people, sounds at least challenging. I have taken part in the Work and Travel experience program and became one part of the small and talented Staff from the Round Hearth.

During the three months we worked at the Vermont's #1 ski dorm, my co-workers and I learned a lot from the work itself, our managers and our amazing guests. It took us a little time to get used to the new environment, but once we did it we started to enjoy the experience at the most. Everything was incredible:

The staff was friendly and concerned with the team; the city was beautiful and charming; and the work itself was rewarding and fun.  Christian and Jason have been the most professional and warmhearted managers we could ever hope for. They were able to delegate tasks when necessary and be friends all the time.

The work and travel experience served to me as a test of my habilities and as a boost on my professional skills. I have to thank our managers, the owners of The Round Hearth at Stowe and all the staff for the great moments we had together and for all the things I learned and that will be certainly of great help to my personal and professional life.

Luiz Andrade
Staff 08'/09'
Brazil