Aaron

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Experienced Resident Director with a demonstrated history of success working in the higher education industry.

Skilled in Event Management, International Relations, Leadership, Student Development, and other International oriented projects.

Strong educational and professional background in Southeast Asian studies and Tourism and Hospitality Management.

What is your favorite travel memory?

It's hard to choose just one, as my journey abroad has been full of so many amazing people, places and cultures. I would say the best parts were the unforeseen and unexpected moments where plans and related expectations went out the window and I was just living side by side with locals following no plan.

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

I have been blessed to have the opportunity to be directly involved in the creation of new programs from idea and development phases through the marketing and delivery of those programs. I am excited to work with students helping them find their professional footing and access improved professional growth and opportunities through internship and working side by side with leadership on the processes for improving programs for our students and partners.

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

I have so many alumni that contact me, and return and visit me, but one of them said I am part of their Thai memories and experience, and so they felt a return without catching up would be a tragedy. That was the best story. In fact, now I have more than 10 students living in Thailand working, in relationships and continuing education. We are all close, and that is meaningful to me.

I always said to my students: once a P.A. student always a P.A student. My students refer to me as a P.A., which is a term of respect in Thai culture.

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

What makes NEXSTEP unique and makes me proud is that our specialists are truly specialists.

In many companies, you speak with a program manager or specialist who has hardly or never actually traveled to the place they are promoting and sharing with students. We are all specialists in Asia and the majority of our programs are managed by people who have lived in the country for years, or native to the country.

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

It's all about the students who we serve. We were them, we are their connection to the country they chose, and it is a duty and an honor to be the person who helps them fall in love with the country we represent.

It is that dedication to international education and what that means not only to our customers but to the people and places where we work and the world, as we help build peace, through knowledge and understanding.