Exchange workers fired from Carowinds for underage drinking, will return to their home nations

I feel sorry for these guys.

The drinking age where they're from is almost certainly 18 – that's what it is just about everywhere outside the US.

That being said, you do have to obey the laws of the country you're in. This is a hard lesson in that.

Seems like an overreaction. If they fired every 20 year-old on their workforce that has had an alcoholic beverage, I'm guessing there would be none left.

The running from police probably has more to do with it than the underage drinking part. Would you keep anyone on your payroll who handles cash, or operates rides, if they were on a bad footing with the local police?

Saying everyone underage drinks is just insulting. Just because underage drinking always has -- and always will be -- a problem, saying everyone under 21 has indulged in intoxicating beverages is an exaggeration.

Welcome to America. Home of Jersey Shore, Party down South. Holidays, Sporting events, and the best reasons to ever consume copious amounts of poison on a regular basis. Guilty.

Agree with JscII: had they been sitting in their swanky quarters at the Clarion Hotel drinking while underaged, there wouldn't likely have been an issue. It was the large crowd in a parking lot, where people started to run when the police showed up, that made this into an issue.

The J-1 work and travel visa program is critical to many parks and attractions across the USA, including most Cedar Fair parks. It's a great cultural diplomacy program that benefits the amusement industry on many fronts, seriously. But depending on what happens in November with the election, it may have a profound effect on HR staffing at many domestic parks.

The program is already fragile as is with lots of public scrutiny. This certainly won't help...

Jscll said:

Saying everyone underage drinks is just insulting. Just because underage drinking always has -- and always will be -- a problem, saying everyone under 21 has indulged in intoxicating beverages is an exaggeration.

No, calling your mother fat is insulting. Saying everyone underage drinks may be an exaggeration, but it's not much of one. Over 80% of 20 year-olds have had a drink. So let me rephrase. If they fired every 20 year-old on their workforce that has had an alcoholic beverage, There would be about 15% of them left.

So I still think it's an overreaction, the police didn't even charge them with anything so clearly they don't think it's that big of a deal either.

I stayed at that Clarion and, uh... far from swanky...
Nice view of the park though.

And a word to all exchange workers: Don't come over here breakin' any rules.

'MURICA!

This is Carowinds first year doing the foreign work program. Wonder if they'll continue next year...