Staff Spotlight: Claire Betts

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London Program Director
Originally from a small village farm in the East of England, Claire decided after college that she needed to see the world. After traveling to many places including parts of South East Asia, Europe and Australia, she knew eventually she would live in one of those places.

woman with a koala

What position do you hold at Global Experiences? What has been your career path so far?

I am the London Program Director and have been working for Global Experiences for almost a year now. I am responsible for all internship placements, employer liaison and ensuring every student has a fantastic experience whilst in London. I previously lived in Sydney Australia, where I was employed by an international college assisting students with immigration programs and career development. Global Experiences made it possible for me to make an easy transition back to London after nearly 4 years away from family and friends. They gave me the opportunity to work in a role that I feel passionate about, and to provide an internship program that I truly believe in.

What country have you always wanted to visit?

Travel has always been a passion of mine, and I am a fairly
well-traveled individual. I still have a long list to work through
though. South America is top of the agenda where I would like to
complete the Inca Trail, as well as Machu Picchu. I plan to visit as
many of the states as possible over the next couple of years, having
spent many years on the other side of the world. The United States is
also up there, and I am planning a trip to Florida next year where I
will be visiting Orlando and Miami. When I lived in Australia, I met
many locals who didn't have a passport. I understand why, as Australia
is such a big country and so far from many parts of the world. Being
back in London as really made me appreciate Europe, and I have
traveled there more in the last 10 months then I had in years before.
I think Berlin is my favorite city in the world.

What's your favorite ethnic dish?

My favorite dish has to be Prawn Pad Thai. I ate this in Thailand
everyday when I holidayed there and have it at least once a week from
my favorite Thai restaurant in East London. I also love spicy food, so
another favored dish of mine is a good Indian Curry! I haven't been to
India, but I have eaten some amazing food cooked by my friends and
curry mile at Brick Lane! You can never beat your Mother's cooking
though, and I like to take a trip back home as often as possible,
timed strategically on a Sunday for a lovely roast dinner with all the
trimmings.

What was your favorite traveling experience?

My best traveling experience to date is when I visited the Global
Experiences office! It was my first trip to the States and it really
lived up to all my expectations, and a whole lot more. I visited
Washington DC and had a photo in front of the White House where there
were real life snipers on the roof! I visited Annapolis, home of
Global Experiences which was a beautiful city with beautiful people.
Everyone was so friendly and couldn't do enough for you. I went on to
New York where I was a complete tourist, taking photos of all the
major landmarks and feeling like I was in a constant film-set. I love
to shop (a bit too much) and I certainly did that, spending my first
two hours in Manhattan in Macy's. I can not wait to visit again.