Apart from the Summer Camp USA program, have you done any other of the BUNAC programs?
I did our Work Canada program. I was based in Vancouver and acted as the HR and Volunteer Manager at a ski resort. I did it for a season (nine months) and absolutely loved it.
What country have you always wanted to go to?
Australia - I’m one of the only people in the office that hasn’t yet been! My dream is to work on a beach there as a lifeguard. I would do the Work Australia program in a heartbeat.
Why is language learning and cultural immersion important to you?
I learnt German at school, and shortly afterward I worked in a primary school in Germany. As I was teaching little kids I kind of needed to be able to speak German fluently, and now I know first-hand all of the advantages that come with having a second language. I strongly believe that the more people experience travelling and different cultures beyond the TV and the Internet, the more people from all around the world will come together. It’s about building healthier relationships with other humans; they may have a different culture or way of life from us, but travelling creates a collective understanding that at our core we are all just people.
If you could pick one favorite travelling memory, what would it be?
Definitely when I arrived in New York for the first time. We were driving through Manhattan in a taxi, and I could see the skyline flying past my window. Getting out of the car in Times Square was like stepping into a movie. It was one of those moments where it really dawned on me that I’d left home – it was so different and new. I had a similar feeling when I watched the sunset in Monument Valley, Utah.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
Always believe in your mission and follow it through. At BUNAC we are very customer focussed. We have their interests at heart – we are here for them. For decades we have helped young people across the U.K learn new skills and experiences that have changed their lives, and we will continue to do so.