What is your favorite travel memory?
Without a doubt, reaching Everest Base Camp and the peak of Kala Patthar after trekking for 8 days in the Nepalese Himalayas. It was a tough trek, but luckily I didn't suffer too much from altitude sickness, so was able to appreciate the most dramatic and picturesque mountains I have ever seen. I would love to return one day...maybe next time to the Indian Himalayan region!
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I've definitely become more of a 'people-person', I enjoy talking to people (not that I didn't before!), but now I will happily pick up the phone and chat away!
Meeting volunteers in the field from all over the world has also been eye-opening.
It's interesting see the variety of people we get on our programs, all joined by their passion to make a difference.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
I remember a volunteer who returned to the exact same program the following year, so she could see the kids she taught again - she was amazed by how much they'd grown and progressed with their English language skills.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
It's definitely a tough choice, but as a keen diver, I would join our Marine Conservation Program in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. I've heard the diving is amazing, and you get to live and work right on the beach - getting back to basics really allows you to appreciate the raw natural beauty of our world.
Our oceans are also so neglected in terms of research (compared to land-based ecosystems) so I'd like to do my bit for science! I've also never been to Central America before and would love to travel around the region before/after the program.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
Our long term commitment to sustainability and our partnerships with local organizations. Especially proud when data our volunteers collect is used in scientific journals - quite an accomplishment!
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
The strong sense of connectivity and compassion within GVI, for both staff and volunteers. Talking to each other, listening to one another and above all, caring for one another - an individual will work harder for someone/a company they respect and admire, than one they do not.