What is your favorite travel memory?
There is a special memory for every trip I have made.
The first that comes to mind is my first trip to London when I was quite young. Coming from a medium size city in Spain, London and its diversity and multicultural flavor left a big impression on me.
I also have fond memories of my travel to Istanbul - the light, the sounds, the nature, and kind people. I love how contemporary New York and Berlin are.
Every place has its charm, and so it is the case with Spain, the wild and evergreen nature on the North, the light of the Mediterranean, its deep roots in Castille, its traditional festivities all over the country, especially in the summer…
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I have been working in the au pair business for many years, but decided to run my own agency in 2013. It has allowed me to have more control and develop more personal work. I believe it has therefore allowed me to grow more professional.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
I could mention some, but what I always like most it is the fact that all of them agree that their initial fears or hesitations when they started their own travel experience, mainly as au pairs, fade away after the first weeks of stay and they allow themselves to open their minds.
Participants quickly realize that they can have their own opinion on countries and their people from their own first-hand experience. I also like when I see that they have grown as individuals and are able to have a positive outlook despite experiencing some of the more difficult elements of travel.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I would choose our Au Pair in Spain program - it is a very successful one. Spanish families are really keen on taking an au pair into their homes and lives, and are willing to show them around and make them feel at home.
Whether it is a short stay in the summer from one to three months or a long stay from 6 to 12 months, Au pair in Spain allow young men and women to get to know Spain and its diversity and improve their Spanish through an affordable program that includes board, lodging and a living stipend, as well as enough free time to attend Spanish lessons, and the freedom make the most of their time abroad.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
Destino Idiomas is a small company that deals with no more than what it can manage. This way, close control and personal customer care is taken. We establish a close relationship with our host families and au pairs, keeping communication open at all times as our key to success. We do not offer false expectations and provide support all through the matching process to ensure that both parts get best possible match.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
As I mentioned above, a constant and good level of communication between all parts: the agency, families, and au pair candidates. Additionally, honesty in the service delivered and support to both our host families and au pairs are the fundamental pillars on which we construct our working method.
