What is your favorite travel memory?
Learning to scuba dive in Thailand. I was a little nervous beforehand, but once I did my first real dive, I was absolutely hooked. There was an entire new world to discover and explore, and my group had so much fun together!
Which destination is most underrated? Conversely, which is most overrated?
Ghana is extremely underrated in my opinion. If you suggest a vacation there, most people will look at you quizzically, but it is a fascinating country! There are beautiful beaches to relax on, breathtaking hikes, and so much to learn about the different cultures within the country and their history.
I wouldn't say Thailand is overrated, but it has a very high concentration of tourists and backpackers, which can be a bit overwhelming sometimes. That being said, there is a reason so many tourists go- it's a must see for any traveler.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I'm constantly learning new things about different cultures. Through our returning volunteers and our global staff, I learn something new every day about different ways of life, different customs, and even different sports rivalries! Working with Projects Abroad has given me a much more global outlook, and I am very grateful for that.
What unique qualities does your company possess?
We are a big company- with operations & staff in over 30 countries, but we are in constant contact with each other trying to make sure that each volunteer has the best experience possible, and there is a real sense of community among our volunteers and staff. We also have a big emphasis on sustainability, not only environmentally, but in the communities that we work in. We make sure that our partner organizations and facilities are doing necessary, worthwhile work and that this work will continue to benefit the community as the years go on.
Describe a time when you felt especially proud to be part of your current team.
When we established a project focusing on providing support to newly arrived refugees and migrants in Italy. This is the biggest refugee & migrant crisis since World War II, and that we are one of the organizations on the ground providing at least some medical and legal support to those who have just survived a harrowing journey is something that I think the whole company should be proud of.