What is your favorite travel memory?
My favorite travel memory is when I was studying abroad in Madrid in 2007 and I took a mini-vacation to Italy over spring break. We were in Rome and looking for the ruins and I will never forget leaving the subway and walking onto the street and looking to my right and seeing the city.
I thought to myself "where are these ruins?!" Then I turned to my left and boom, right in the middle of the city were these beautiful ancient ruins. It was so cool that I could be grabbing a cup of coffee at a modern day cafe and then 1/4 mile away walking through such a magnificent piece of history.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
Working for USAC has re-opened my eyes to the importance of traveling and getting to know other cultures. I was a changed person after studying abroad, but 10 years later and I haven't thought of a lot of the lessons I learned while abroad in a long time.
Working with USAC and engaging with students on a daily basis, you're reminded just how big the world is and the importance of staying current on what's happening in other countries.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
Accra, Ghana. When I studied abroad I didn't do a ton of research on different places to go, I thought I just wanted to be somewhere in Europe where I could learn Spanish.
Seeing the pictures of Ghana and hearing the experiences from the students I definitely would be a little "braver" in my selection and go to Ghana! It's an incredible program that offers amazing volunteer opportunities and a head-first dive into South African culture.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
Passion. Nearly every person in this office not only loves to travel but has studied abroad and personally benefited from the experience. When you can relate to your product on that personal level, you are successful.