The Dells

The film explores the contrast between the dreams and the reality faced by international student workers who have just arrived in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, known as the "Waterpark Capital of the World." These students come from countries such as Turkey, Romania, Jamaica, Thailand, and the Dominican Republic, participating in the State Department's Summer Work Travel program. With temporary J-1 visas, they take on low-paying jobs as lifeguards, housekeepers, and servers, living in dormitories hidden behind a multitude of tourist attractions.

The story follows a group of these "J-1s" as they navigate their daily lives, working, partying, and getting around town in taxis. They encounter various challenges in trying to make ends meet in the U.S., like car troubles, job losses, and long work hours, but rely on their friendships and youthful optimism to get by. Their high hopes for a summer of American fortune and success often clash with their actual experiences, which range from disappointing and humorous to uplifting and profound.