OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Twenty-year-old Ukranian college student Julia Utochkina is studying English and French and plans to be a teacher.

She came to Old Orchard Beach this summer to work at Palace Playland, improve her English and learn about the American culture. This is her first time in the United States.

“It’s easier to explain it if you experience it yourself,” she said.

Utochkina is one of the hundreds of young people in the area working for the summer on J1 Visas, a program which promotes cultural exchange between the United States and students from abroad.

A number of these students, like Utochkina, attended a J-1 orientation at the Salvation Army, which was put on by the community group Old Orchard Beach Seasonal Workforce Committee in conjunction with town officials and local agencies.

The goal of the orientation was to make students aware of the available resources and help them to keep safe and make the most of their stay in Old Orchard Beach, said committee member Pat Brown.

Town Manager Larry Mead welcomed the students, and Old Orchard Beach Seasonal Workforce Committee members and representatives of the police and fire departments, Social Security, the Salvation Army, the Old Orchard Beach Chamber of Commerce and Shuttlebus-Zoom gave them advice and information. In addition, representatives from local banks set up tables in the lobby with information about their services.

Deputy Police Chief Tim Deluca urged the students to not be afraid to talk with police, saying that they could trust the officers. He told students to use the buddy system when walking late at night and to bank their money to keep it secure. He told them not to be afraid to report a crime, and that they wouldn’t lose their visa if they went to authorities.

Perian Carpenter from Shuttlebus-Zoom told students about the local bus system and the late bus they may use rather than walking home late at night.

Fire Chief Bill Farley gave an overview of fire safety, told students to learn the address of where they are staying and advised them that it was illegal and dangerous to walk along the railroad tracks.

Brown and fellow committee member Helene Whittaker gave students practical advice such as taking pictures of their living quarters to prove the condition of the place when asking for a rental deposit back, and getting a receipt when they pay rent.

“Just remember, have fun and be safe,” said Whittaker.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].