Each moment of traveling is wonderful; in my personal opinion, it could be a bit unfair to choose just one memory. For me, just walking in the rainforest and seeing a thousand years forest is magical. Walking in the cloud forest and feeling the mist gently stroking my face it's one of the most beautiful feelings I've ever felt...or being in front of one of the most imposing and majestic volcanoes in the world and that I feel small facing the greatness of nature, but at the same time protected by itself.
Staff Spotlight: Catalina Ovares Fernandez
Title:
Onsite DirectorPhotos
Catalina (or Cata as she goes by) is a native Costa Rica. Cata has always had an intense love of nature which led her to study Tourism and graduate as a Naturalist Guide. Cata is an extremely friendly person and loves to help others and, of course, spend time with her sweet son Franco.
What is your favorite travel memory?
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
Through the years, I've learned a lot, not only how it is to work in a company with such a great organization, but how to handle many different situations with customers. I have learned a lot regarding office work that improved my skills in that.
Besides that, sharing with people from all over the world makes me open my mind to very different ways to think and act, helping me have more empathy towards others, being more comprehensive and active too...
I have learned a lot, I am sure I will keep learning...
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
Sol put special attention to the students' immersion and I can not forget one of our students that did our teach English volunteering to little kids and she fell in love with a special needs little kid (and he fell in love with her too, by the way), and after this volunteering, she told me that she decided that she wants to be a pediatric nurse and she is already studying to make that dream come true.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
All of them are great and I would do any of them; just being in another country where you not only will learn another language but see and experience a totally different culture will make you grow not only as a student but as a person too.
The opportunity to visit different places and do cultural and adventure activities will be so much enriching and FUN!!!
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
The company's commitment to give the best experience to the students - it is a company that really cares about students' security but always making them feel welcome and with a real Spanish immersion. When the students finish the session and I can have a conversation with them in Spanish, not only that makes me feel proud but happy because it means that your work was really worth it.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I truly believe that success comes from the GREAT care we put into each and every detail that will make their visit an unforgettable experience.
Also, how we care about security, immersion in Spanish and the culture of the country, making them feel welcome and making sure they are having a wonderful time in a completely different environment. We always place students' satisfaction first!!!