Jennifer Freele

Photos

What is your favorite travel memory?

Hiking through a cloud forest with my students on the remote island of St. Helena.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

I've come to truly understand the positive impact that developing caring and supportive relationships with your students outside of the classroom can have inside the classroom.

I've learned how to work on the fly - when things are literally flying around the classroom because a rogue wave hit the side of the boat - and to teach without ready access to technology and supplies.

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

That this program challenges them to learn and grow in ways they never thought imaginable. That they leave with an entirely new family, a family that in some ways understands them more than their closest friends and relatives ever could.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

Class Afloat, as a teacher, for the full school year. It's worth it to commit to the entire experience, and to prepare yourself to be traveling and teaching for 9 months.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

I've been so privileged to work with such a group of dedicated, caring, and hard-working professionals. The teachers who work with this school care so deeply about the well-being of the students on board, as well as their academic successes, that they put every effort into making each day great.

I was proudest when we came together to plan and execute big events and ideas, all with the aim of improving the program for the students.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Effective communicate and genuine passion.