Westcoast Connection: Ecuador & the Galapagos

I really can’t point to a “best” story I’ve heard from someone else. Usually my alumni trip members tell me about some funny story involving some really cool person they met on their past trip. My competitive nature sees it as a challenge to ensure that I can provide an even better experience with greater friendships on the programs I lead. I’m in the business of creating memories of a lifetime after all!

Thailand Community Service. I’ve never been to Asia so there’s that aspect – but more importantly the service projects on the programs are super interesting. They span from renovating an orphanage, to having a cultural exchange with an indigenous tribe, developing day camp style programming for a school and more! The program really touches on a variety of different kinds of service, plus you get to explore the country with some really cool activities too. Who doesn’t want to SCUBA and snorkel at Koh Phi Phi?

The motto is “Each and Every” and they truly mean it! They accommodate the unique needs of “each” trip member while also looking out for the well being of the whole group – the “every.” When one of my student’s couldn’t go canyoning because they were afraid of heights – the company provided a horseback riding activity just for them! Another time a company supervisor came to visit us and brought us all ice cream and candy after we had been stuck in traffic. They really do care about everyone!

Safety at WCC is their #1 concern! And that’s not just physical safety – but also emotional. They stress the importance of ensuring the social well-being of every trip member. They know that you can have the best itinerary in the world, with lots of cool places and activities, but if you’re not enjoying the people you’re with – you won’t have fun. From how they assign rooms, to the activities, to the staff they hire – it’s all part of a giant puzzle that makes each individual program the best it can possibly be for every trip member (and staff too).