Volunteering with a turtle conservation project in Kefalonia, Greece particularly stands out to me. Not only was I able to immerse myself within the sapphire-esque waters and the stunning landscape, but I was also able to make a significant difference to the loggerhead turtle population in this location. The work required restless nights as we helped nurture turtles back to full health as well as guide turtle hatchlings back to safety in the ocean.
Staff Spotlight: Molly Elizabeth Higgs
Title:
Programme Coordinator & WriterPhotos
Having taught and volunteered abroad in Vietnam, Greece, and Thailand, Molly is incredibly inquisitive about foreign cultures. While her teaching English abroad days may be behind her, she is dedicating her focus towards writing about foreign cultures and also helping applicants with the process of moving and working abroad.
What is your favorite travel memory?
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
A company such as this requires thorough communication and teamwork. Not only have these skills improved, but it has also helped me develop my independence and self-autonomy. I am much more confident in using my initiative to navigate and complete particular tasks. Additionally, the sheer quantity of applicants and their unique variables means that my organizational skills have been challenged, thus leading to significant improvement.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
A teacher in Vietnam had spent her free time during the summer holiday visiting orphanages in the northern province of Vietnam called Ha Giang. The topography of Ha Giang is tumultuous due to its sheer amount of mountains, meaning that many of the villages remain isolated. This teacher donated clothes, taught lessons, and spend a significant amount of time engaging with these isolated communities in rural Vietnam near the Chinese border.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
If I had the opportunity, I would love to teach English in Vietnam. However, while I spent a year living in Hanoi, I would like to spend some time teaching in the booming metropolis that is Ho Chi Minh City. While Hanoi remains to be one of my favourite places, I would love to experience the culture of HCMC and understand how these two cities differ in terms of culture.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
Their commitment to providing applicants with a culturally immersive experience is unrivalled. Whereas many other companies may offer positions in tourist hotspots, The Fewer Things also offers an authentic experience by offering placements in regions which are rich in culture. By living among the community and engaging with the local population, applicant experiences are maximised due to how valued they are in their respective locations.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
It is imperative that the company has members of staff who are not only interested in the product or service itself but are also incredibly personable. As most of the workers have taught English abroad themselves, they understand that the process can be overwhelming, but it can also be the most fantastic thing that a person can do. While it may be daunting, our task is to ensure that the transition is seamless and that applicants maximize their experience abroad. Personability also leads to transparency and a good relationship between the company and the applicant.