Tristan Owen

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Tristan is TravelBud’s Chief Technical Officer and with 12 years of experience in the field is responsible for the bright and shiny Travelbud website you see before you. He also comes up with all the clever tech to make sure you get the exact info you need when visiting TravelBud.

What is your favorite travel memory?

Travelling and Hiking through Patagonia with my girlfriend. It is one of the most magical landscapes and the freshest air I've ever breathed. The hiking was intense but so rewarding when you reach a summit and look out over the vistas and lakes below.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I've become much more aware of our responsibility to our participants. For many it is a life-changing adventure and being able to calm nerves or prepare our participants helps to frame their expectations in a positive manner for their experience ahead - we remind ourselves of this constantly within the team which forces us to always offer the best service and information to all of our participants.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I can't single out one story but collectively what we do hear time and time again is that it was a life-changing adventure that has contributed positively to personal growth while opening their eyes to culture and compassion.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

Teach English in Colombia! I love South America having traveled through Buenos Aires and Patagonia and I've always wanted to go to Colombia to experience the culture, people, and landscapes.

I love the history of the country and would love to teach and travel my way through as much of the country as I can.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

A recent reviewer had the following words to say which really underlines what we're trying to do as a company:

"The human side of this organization is what set's it apart from others. If you decide to embark in this incredible journey, just know that you won't be alone. Travelbud and the Travelbud family will be there to help you along the way!"

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Honesty and care!

All of us at TravelBud have taught or volunteered abroad and we understand that teaching and traveling is one of the greatest privileges to help shape compassion and cultural awareness. We want all of our participants to get the best out of their experiences and we do this by offering honest support.

A recent participant had this to say which best describes our focus on honesty and care for all our applicants:

"They gave such a personal touch to get me ready for my Thailand experience and always gave attention to personal details when checking up by phone call or email, which made me feel like I wasn't just a number. Both the staff and founders have gone out of their way to make sure we were looked after, supported, happy -- and if not happy, a plan was always made."