Brianna Dora Costa

Photos

Brianna has always felt that people are more interconnected than many realize and that we are most united through experiences and knowledge. This belief has sparked her passion for intercultural education. She received her bachelor's degree in Social Work from New York University and her Teaching English as a Foreign Language certification from the International TEFL Academy. Brianna has worked as an English as a Second Language Program Coordinator at the nonprofit organization Nido de Esperanza and as a teacher at Open Hearts Language Academy, which is an international English language institute. When she is not working, Brianna loves going to the gym, meeting new people, dancing, and doing any outdoor activity. When she is not working, Brianna loves going to the gym, meeting new people, dancing, and doing any outdoor activity.

What is your favorite travel memory?

My favorite travel memory was a trip I took to the Dominican Republic after my first year of college. The Dominican Republic is a place that is full of both natural and cultural beauty with a rich history. Not to mention, I also made some great friends on this trip who helped me to grow as a person.

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

The time I have spent at Puentes has been incredible, and I am extremely grateful to form a part of such a spectacular organization! Since joining the Puentes team, I have been able to learn about various technology tools that I hadn't previously seen. In addition, my communication skills have gotten stronger, and I have become more detail-oriented.

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

Seeing as I have a personal connection to Argentina, the best stories that I have heard from return students are when they tell me how Argentina has broadened their perspectives and left a lasting impression on them. It warms my heart to be able to show others how wonderful this country that has played such a large part in my own life is.

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

I would go on an immersive trip! The possibilities in Argentina and Uruguay are infinite, so the immersive trips allow participants to hone in on Argentina/Uruguay with a specific lens that aligns with their individual interests. Since I have always adored connecting people through culture, I would do the "Tourism and Hospitality in Argentina" trip.

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

What makes Puentes unique is the versatility of the organization. We offer internships in multiple professional fields, immersive trips, and study abroad programs, plan a wide range of cultural excursions for students, organize professional workshops, host guest speakers, coordinate housing, and even provide students with a "Spanish Jumpstart" class. Through Puentes, the students' experience in Argentina/Uruguay will be well-rounded and meaningful on professional and personal levels.

I am constantly proud of my team for the great level of communication we have with one another and the emphasis we place on making Puentes a positive and team-oriented environment.

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

To be a successful company, you need a combination of organization and passion. Keeping a company afloat requires you to manage various components, and without organization, important items may fall through the cracks. However, if you do not love what you do, it shows in the quality of your work and your professional interactions. At Puentes, our passion combined with meticulous planning allows us to give the students an impactful experience that they will never forget.