Staff Spotlight: Yenifer Lovatón

Title:
School Director

Photos

Born and raised in Lima, Perú, Yenifer has traveled all throughout the United States and Central/South America and has worked in hospitality, tech, and now education. She's a huge fan of ceviche and loves meet students who travel from far and wide to Costa Rica to learn Spanish and explore the country's many beautiful sights.

Interview

What is your favorite travel memory?

When traveling to Cusco Peru to see the ruins of Machu Picchu for the first time. I was 8 years old and my beloved grandfather worked for the Ministry of Culture of Peru. He asked for special permission so that my cousins and I could enter the ruins of Machu Picchu before all the tourists entered. It was a magical and beautiful experience, as we were able to witness a majestic sunrise and learn from the beautiful master class that my grandfather gave us on the Inca culture of Peru.

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

This is the most rewarding job I have ever had in my life! It makes me feel very good to help our students and staff. I consider myself a restless person and that is why I always need to grow and improve. This job allows me to do that and that is why it is perfect for me. I look back and it is incredible the evolution that this work has allowed me!

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

I have several very nice stories, but one that I remember most is about a lady who, after learning Spanish at our school for 2 months, was able to travel to Colombia to meet her 3-year-old granddaughter who was born in Colombia for the first time. She shared a photo of herself with her granddaughter, telling me that it was extremely exciting to be able to speak with her in her native language and also with her daughter-in-law's family. An experience that I will never forget.

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

I would love to take all the great programs we offer!! But if I had to choose one, it would be our Teen Spanish Summer Camp, as teenagers not only develop greater fluency in the Spanish language, but also a new perspective on life. And with this newfound confidence and worldly perspective, campers return home eager to continue their Spanish learning and ready to share the photos and videos of their Spanish adventure in Costa Rica.

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

There are several occasions in which I have felt proud to belong to the Tico Lingo Spanish School team, but definitely the most special was when Tico Lingo was included in the list of the 7 best schools to learn Spanish in the world, which was drawn up by the National Geographic magazine. We received congratulations from many of our students and community.

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

I consider that our team is the most relevant factor in our success. Our team has a reasonable balance of skills, knowledge and experience, as well as being a group of people with cohesive chemistry who collaborate and work well together. In addition, you can feel a lot of respect, trust and assertive communication in our daily tasks. Everyone on the staff here truly enjoys getting to know new students and welcome them our beautiful city.