Grace works as part of the dynamic team at TravelBud. She is the Program Coordinator and handles inquiries and applications.
Having taught in South Korea through the TravelBud Program herself, she now adds a unique, personal touch to queries from anyone interested in pursuing the wild adventure of teaching English abroad!
What is your favorite travel memory?
During my winter vacation in Korea, I headed to the bustling, tropical paradise of Cambodia to meet my best friend for vacation. We had many incredible days and hilarious, spontaneous adventures!
On the 31st of December, we did the full Angkor Wat Temple tour, had an amazing lunch and headed to a New Years Eve Party in Pub Street. It was an amazing way to spend the final day of 2016 and roll into the new year with a bang!
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I think I've been opened up to the fun that comes with working for a growing, start-up company that has a very unique company culture. It's not a regular 9-5 and has taught me so much so far.
I also realize that the most important aspect of any job is to do what you love and to feel purpose -- with this job, I thoroughly enjoy helping people embark on the same journey abroad as I was once so lucky to have experienced.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
I think expanding your horizons in all facets is part of the experience of teaching abroad. Beyond seeing new places, meeting people from all walks of life and realizing that despite completely different backgrounds you can become friends with everyone, is an important aspect too. Having a participant meet their best friend or even the love of their life is always beautiful to me!
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
Having done the South Korea Program already and in my time there had the chance to see South East Asia too, I'd absolutely love doing the Colombia Program to explore a part of the world I haven't seen yet.
The opportunity to really make a difference, combined with the awesome Colombian culture, sounds like an amazing time! It has minimal overhead costs and you can choose a 6 month or 1-year placement which is great for flexibility.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
Our company is unique because of the fact that we only offer programs that we ourselves have taught in. It allows for a personal experience and a personal touch.
I was especially proud of seeing the growth of our company, but more so, the fact that despite the growth we managed to maintain the very personal interaction. People are not just a number, the whole team cares deeply about each applicant.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I think if there is a passionate team of people who truly believe in the value of what they do, it will inevitably drive a company forward and make it successful on so many levels. Everyone at TravelBud has a passion for the experiences we facilitate for teachers abroad and the success of TravelBud is a testament to that.