Andy MacGregor

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Andy is originally from Portsmouth in the United Kingdom and has lived in Sweden, The Republic of Georgia, South Korea, and Colombia. In 2016, he moved to Minnesota and started working with World Endeavors, where he manages the Participant Services team. He's always willing to chat, travel, or play soccer if you can pin him down between trips!

What is your favorite travel memory?

I spent a year and a half living in the Republic of Georgia, and every day I experienced something new and wonderful, but the one trip that stays in my mind is when I traveled to the mountainous region of Svaneti. The mountains are breathtaking, and the region is dotted with countless beautiful old towers and castles. Everyone I met was so friendly and always willing to share a meal and a story with me.

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

I now appreciate the work that goes into crafting immersive and safe international experiences. It's not just 'plug and play' because everyone is different and there are so many questions to be asked! I would also say that my cross-cultural communication skills have improved. On any given day, I might speak to people in 5 or 6 different countries, so I've had to learn how best to communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds to get the best results.

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

I've heard so many stories about returnees meeting people abroad who've become their best friends, or sometimes even their partners, but the one story that stands out would be a first-time traveler we sent to intern in Ecuador a couple of years back. She'd never left her state and was incredibly nervous before she took off on her first flight. Whilst abroad, she completely immersed herself in the culture, refined her language skills, and really made the experience her own. It was amazing talking to her after she got back; the transformation was incredible and she already had her next international trip booked!

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

I've always wanted to go to Australia, so an internship in Sydney would be an amazing experience, but I would have to pick our Intern in the Valencia program. I love the Spanish language, food, and pace of life, and would relish the opportunity to learn more about the culture and perfect the art of the siesta!

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

We're a really well-traveled team, and we've lived the experiences we talk about each day, so I think that sets us apart. I'm always proud of my team when I hear them speaking to applicants, even if it's been a busy day in the middle of a Minnesota winter, I know that my team offers amazing customer service to everyone.

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

I think that having a well thought out health and safety plan and a good track record of safe experiences is huge for any organization that sends people overseas. I also think that passion plays a massive role in success. If you have a dedicated team, who truly believe in the transformational power of international experiences, then you're definitely on the right track!