Which study abroad destination is most underrated? Conversely, which is most overrated?
Gael: As a trend, the non-traditional study abroad destinations are becoming more popular. For example, when I studied abroad no one went to any programs outside of Europe, but now other programs are growing like Istanbul or Hong Kong or Australia. Nevertheless, there are still more traditional programs like Florence and London that are still very strong and are equally as beneficial as study abroad destinations. Overall, there is just more willingness to try something new.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
Gael: As a study abroad program, SU Abroad is very well-established and has been around a long time. We make sure that we are helping students throughout their experience from inquiry to their time abroad even in the minor details. For example, we help students get their travel visas before they depart so they are not overwhelmed by the paperwork associated with that process. Furthermore, we have close communication with the overseas staff and we are set up to deal with potential problems very quickly. Those factors help us to maintain a successful program.
What was your favorite traveling experience?
Gael: I went to the part of Malaysia located on the island of Borneo, my parents were teaching there before I was born and I had heard so many stories that I decided I wanted to see it. I got a chance to go back and visit when I was in Japan. We went down the river and met a tribal family living in a longhouse on the river that let us stay there for the night. When we got there they were having a wedding celebration and we saw so many different rituals. It was a great experience. The experience was so different from anything I had come across and it will never happen again. The entire trip was so memorable.
What language have you always wanted to learn and why?
Gael: I would love to lean Japanese. Though I lived in Japan for three years teaching English, I never really mastered the language past being able to hold polite conversation. I almost took Japanese in college but instead I opted for a European language, but now I wish I had learned Japanese because it is less common to know.
Why is language learning and cultural immersion important to you?
Gael: I grew up in the UK but I have spent 15 years in the Untied States and three in Japan. I have learned that you only get surface level [interaction] if you don’t immerse yourself culturally. Growing up in Europe, language was very important. I went to school when the European Union was opening up, we were afraid that we would be left behind if we didn’t learn the European languages. I found that learning a language opens the job market for new opportunities.