KC is a graduate from the University of Missouri in the United States and has spent the past year in various countries such as Italy, Australia and now China as an Edu-Pal. KC fell in love with Edu-Pal China’s program and became part of the recruitment and marketing team, trying to spread the word of how awesome this program is!
What is your favorite travel memory?
How to pick just one memory?! One of my favorite memories was on a study abroad trip in Greece, and as a Greek-classics major, this was a trip of a lifetime for me. It was the Fourth of July, Independence Day for us Americans, and being in a different country we didn’t really celebrate it in the traditional way - we couldn't pass up a perfectly legitimate opportunity to celebrate.
We were in Kapetaniana on the island of Crete, and after a big Greek breakfast, we set out on a five-mile hike down to the beach. Now, this hike was not for the faint of heart. Even though it was all downhill, it comprised of switchbacks on the side of a mountain, so not only was it pretty steep, it was also super windy! Dust and dirt were kicked up into the air, sticking to our sweaty skin and matting our hair while we pressed against the wind! At one point, a bee got tangled up in my dirty, windblown hair, and even though my friends desperately tried to get it out, the poor thing ended up stinging my head in fright.
While it was a difficult hike, our spirits were kept high by singing ridiculously out of tune, being chased by goats and taking in the gorgeous views over the Libyan Sea! When we finally reached the beach at the bottom, we were rewarded with refreshing, crystal clear blue waters with rocks to explore and jump off of.
After we were done, we thankfully had cars come and drive us back up to the top (which was just as equally terrifying, if not more so, on the switchbacks!) where we had a massive Greek buffet laid out for us! So even though there were no fireworks or barbeque to celebrate with, it was the best Independence Day I have ever had!
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
When I started out on my “tour around the world,” the main intention I had was the cliché “discover who I really am” goal, but in all actuality Edu-Pal China has pushed me to become the best version of myself, through learning a new language, becoming a better teacher, and even expanding my marketing skills.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
Did you study abroad in school? If not, what inspired you to work in international education?
I have studied abroad and I think Edu-Pal China program is a great opportunity for those who are interested in Chinese culture and/or teaching! Not only are you bringing your own culture here to China as you are helping teach and practice English: you are fully immersed into the Chinese culture, with Mandarin classes and many cool cultural activities!
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I am actually currently an Edu-Pal myself, and I will recommend this program over and over again!
It is extremely invested on the exchanging of cultures, so not only are you bringing your own culture here to China as you are helping teach and practice English, you are fully immersed into the Chinese culture, with Mandarin classes and many cool cultural activities! It’s a win-win for everyone!
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
As someone who has been an au pair before, this program has been by far the best that I have been a part of! The amount of care that is demonstrated by the staff here has been something that I haven’t seen in the au pair world, and the dedication to education on everyone’s part (whether it is the kids who are learning English or you learning about Chinese culture) is so fantastic!
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I believe the biggest factor in being a successful company is being in tune with everyone who is involved. When good communication and support are practiced, everyone, whether it is clients (or in our case, Edu-Pals and families) or workers, is happier, besides, people in EPC care for each other, so success will surely follow！
