Interns from Jamaica settling in at WHC

The international intern program at Western Home Communities looks a little different this year. Instead of many interns traveling here at once, two interns are currently gaining experience in hospitality. 

“I love the environment,” says Alethea Arnold, who arrived last fall from her native Jamaica.  “It’s my first time in the U.S. so I’m learning a new culture and meeting new friends.” 

Shadae and Alethia take a quick break for a photo before heading off on their shifts at Western Home.

Shadae McPherson, who came to Iowa from Jamaica during the winter, expresses similar sentiments. “Experiencing the new culture, meeting new people and learning something new every day is what I love.” 

Staggering the intern arrivals helps manage hiring needs with required onboarding.  

“Last year we were training 20 people at once and introducing them to our workplace environment,” says dining services manager Matt McDonnell.  “We may have another new intern this spring, but we understand now that there can always be delays in visa processing.”   

Similar to last year, each intern will work through four different phases during their time here. The first is orientation to Western Home Communities as well as Iowa and Cedar Falls. This can include helping them establish bank accounts, learning how and where to buy supplies, and managing the cold weather – which McDonnell admits is always a topic. 

The second phase is cooking in each of the independent living kitchens, followed by serving as a cooking supervisor. This phase gives them an opportunity to learn and grow career-wise, building on the skills they brought with them. Gary Crosser, dining manager of independent living, helps the interns learn to lead a team, write schedules, make food orders, track cost percentages and interact with guests. 

During the fourth and final phase, residents get a taste of what the interns have learned. When the time comes, Shadae and Alethea will decide what type of event each wants to host and will be responsible for all aspects from start to finish, with assistance provided by the kitchen team. 

“One may choose a buffet with food from their culture, for example, or perhaps a wine dinner. It’s up to them,” says Matt. 

After a year in Cedar Falls, each intern will return to Jamaica; they’re required to be back in their home country for a length of time, working in a community and sharing what they learned while they were here – even as they leave a taste of their own culture and traditions behind in Cedar Falls.