Got Questions About International Residence Hall?
We’ve Got Answers!
Here are a few of our most frequently asked questions. Don’t see your question here or would like more explanation? We’d love to answer your questions one-on-one – Contact Us.
What is International Residence Hall?
International Residence Hall is an innovative seasonal workforce housing concept that began in 2013 in Lake Delton/Wisconsin Dells, WI. The Village of Lake Delton (Wisconsin Dells), was in the same position many other communities are in today. They recognized that in order to sustain and grow the BridgeUSA program in their area, support local businesses, tourism growth, and infrastructure improvements, a permanent housing solution was needed. In implementing a solution, the primary goal was to keep the rents affordable for the exchange visitors while giving them a clean and safe place to live.
Why have J1 workers?
These international students/workers, or J1 workforce, have long been an essential part of Coastal Alabama’s local travel, tourism and hospitality economy.
As the need for these workers grows, so does the need to house them in a safe environment. Because this workforce arrives primarily in our area’s peak season (Spring/Summer), when hotels and apartments are at the height of occupancy, a lodging solution is essential to aid Coastal Alabama’s hospitality industry and overall economic health.
What type of workers are coming in? Are they illegal?
The residence hall is exclusively for international students and other workers who participate in programs such as the U.S. Summer Work Travel Program (J-1 Visa) and the H2B Visa Program.
These individuals are not only legal but are in high demand by areas similar to ours. These other tourism areas like Pigeon Forge, TN, Myrtle Beach, SC and Wisconsin Dells, WI, heavily rely on this type of seasonal workforce programs to fill the vast number of hospitality and tourism roles.
This international-student workforce was not brought in exclusively for OWA but is being used by a wide variety of businesses throughout Coastal Alabama who continue to struggle with finding a consistent seasonal staffing solution.
Why is housing being provided for these students/workers instead of locals who need affordable housing?
The residence hall for international students is not a housing initiative but a workforce development solution. Those participating in the workforce program are required to pay rent to IRH and maintain employment. Our local economy depends on a reliable seasonal workforce, and broader solutions to our communities’ needs rely on a healthy local economy.
What happens if one of the workers does something inappropriate?
Participants are expected to abide by the rules guiding their program. Failure to do so may lead to J-1 visa early termination. Termination is very serious and can have many negative consequences such as the ability to stay in the United States, attend school, and apply for future work authorizations.
What kind of security measures are onsite?
The state-of-the-art campus includes 24/7 staff on site with security monitoring and RFID access control to all resident areas.
What type of work will they be doing in the community?
Coastal Alabama is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country, and with the growth of businesses and attractions in the area, we need more employees ready to support all of those jobs. These positions will primarily be filled within the hospitality and tourism spaces.
