Staff Spotlight: Kevin Williams

Title:
Resident Director - Argentina

Photos

Kevin Williams is a native of Buenos Aires province. He comes from a family of English descent and studied at a bilingual school for all of his elementary and high school years. Kevin has a passion for working in Tourism and has worked in the field since he was 19 years old. He has a degree in Tourism from Ott College in Buenos Aires. He also obtained a degree in Human Resources from Ott College and completed a General Tourism Coordinator program. Kevin has completed First Aid training, a skill that is very useful in working with students. In his free time Kevin enjoys gardening, fishing, playing soccer, and playing the guitar.

Interview

What is your favorite travel memory?

My favorite travel memory is backpacking in South America. I have traveled all over my home country of Argentina, and I have also worked abroad in the hotel industry in Brazil and Ecuador. It is amazing how diverse South America is from country to country and even from region to region. Each place has its own history, slang, culinary culture, and vibe.

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

Serving as resident director for so many wonderful Arcos participants has given me a fresh appreciation for the beauty, nature, and culture of my home country, Argentina. I have led Arcos Spanish Immersion programs in the capital city of Buenos Aires as well as our signature Snowboard and Ski program in Patagonia, in the world-famous town of Bariloche at the foothills of the Andes. Working with Arcos has taught me a lot about teamwork, responsibility, and logistics.

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

One of the most rewarding things about being an Arcos resident director is the impact that study abroad has on our students for the rest of their lives. The best story I’ve heard is from one of my Arcos students who became fluent on our Spanish Immersion program, fell in love with Latin American culture, and went on to become a Spanish teacher!

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

I love outdoor sports, mountains and beaches, so I would be a great fit to go on the Arcos Outdoor Adventure and Cultural Exploration program in Granada, Spain where I would go sea kayaking on the Mediterranean, hike the snowy Sierra Nevada, and try canyoneering. I would stay with a Spanish host family to enjoy homemade dishes and try foods like paella, gazpacho, and traditional tapas.

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

What makes us unique is our student-centered approach to study abroad. We make sure that every single student feels included and that no one falls through the cracks. We are there for them if they have questions. We laugh together. We create experiences that stretch them out of their comfort zones in a fun, safe way. What makes me proud is the tight-knit Arcos team that we have built over so many years.

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

The biggest factor in being a successful company is teamwork. At the end of the day, it is the amazing people at Arcos that make the difference. We listen to our students. We continuously improve our programs and create new activities that will truly help our students immerse themselves in the culture. We work together to set every single student up for success and the experience of a lifetime!