Staff Spotlight: Patty Valencia

Patty is EdOdyssey’s Program Coordinator in Peru. Patty was born in Ica, Peru and has practically lived there her whole life. Ica is a small city where you know everyone. It's always hot and there is (literally) sun 365 days of the year -- that’s why she is always so happy! She loves sharing her country and culture with students and is also eager for a new adventure.

That is an easy one: Last year, I got to travel together with my two best friends for the first time. We’ve been friends our entire lives, but never traveled together so we planned a short trip to Cusco. It was only for a couple of days, but the whole trip was so special and full of joy and love I honestly can’t pick a favorite memory. I would travel with them a thousand times.

With EdOdyssey I have been able to learn about aspects of my country that I had never examined so closely. Together, with our students, I have been able to learn about my country’s culture, history, language and people in a deeper, much more holistic way. This has made of me a prouder and even more thankful Peruvian.

I know it might sound a little bit dreamy, but I really hope there is a time when we don’t need to tell our students (especially female students) how to take special care of themselves.

Every day and semester has been amazing and taught me so much. Students always thank me for teaching them and helping them so much, but it really feels like I’m always learning and growing too. Everyday is a new experience and opportunity for growth and I love that!

All of our Peru programs are amazing, but since I am Peruvian and personally help create and design our Peru programs, I would definitely start with the United States immersion program as I haven’t been there before and there is so much history and culture. I would love to learn more about Americans and their country.

I fell in love with EdOdyssey and its mission even before I was part of the team. Before I joined EdOdyssey I occasionally helped with student groups that were visiting Ica and one evening I helped organize a special BBQ dinner in the middle of the desert with a bonfire.

After dinner, Peter, the company’s founder, led the group’s nightly reflection and I was moved by the students’ words. They were talking about how great and life changing their whole experience of being in Peru had been and how great was to see people being so happy with what they had and supportive of each other even when they hadn’t much to offer. This was all happening during a time when there were bad floods all over the coast and many cities were badly damaged.

I really saw something pretty unique there. It was through travel and these authentic, hands-on experiences and interactions that these young high school students were able to open their eyes and hearts, gain new perspectives and grow. They were grateful to have seen what they saw. I was inspired by the power of EdOdyssey’s trips that later when I had a job offer the decision to join was easy.

How EdOdyssey works with students and designs the custom trips is truly unique. I love sharing my country with students who want to know Peru, helping students improving their Spanish and show students my country not as a tourists but authentically, like a local.

I’m proud of EdOdyssey’s vision to make the world a better place through travel because, now more than ever, it is what our world needs. We need to get out of our comfort zone. We need to be better. I’m also really proud to be part of a organization that is so focused on students and education. I honestly believe we are doing something great here and my goal is for students to feel the same way on their ways home after their trip.