What is your favorite travel memory?
My favorite travel memory was the first time I went to New Zealand - in 3 days I was able to see Mt. Taranaki, Rotorua, Lake Taupo, and the Rangipo Desert. New Zealand is full of amazing landscapes and warm, kind people. Everywhere I went, I felt at home! It is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been!
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
Working at VUW has allowed me to connect with students from all over the Americas, and grown my appreciation for international education. Since I am based so far away from the University, I have learned to be creative in how I connect with my colleagues, work independently, and learn new and fun ways to connect with students. I learn new things every day from the students I work with, and love hearing each of their motivations for taking the leap to study halfway across the world.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
It is not uncommon to talk with someone who has studied in New Zealand, and immediately fell in love with the country and never wanted to leave. So many students have chosen to build their careers and lives in New Zealand after studying there, which tells me we must be doing something right!
The best story I have heard is from a former student who spent a semester at the University - he was majoring in computer science, but chose to take some animation and visual arts courses during his time at the university. As a result, he published his own illustrated children's book and is now illustrating a comic column for a local newspaper. It was incredible to hear how he was able to learn outside of the box and delve into a whole new area, which he turned out to love!
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
If I could study abroad again, I would 100% go to New Zealand. It's an amazing place, with such a warm, welcoming, and unique culture. When else in your life will you be able to travel that far, and spend 4 months in place, for this cost?
I spent all of my study abroad experiences during my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Europe, which were incredible experiences as well! However, Europe is relatively easy to get to from many parts of the US. As an adult, its a bit harder (and more expensive) to go as far as New Zealand. I wish I would have taken advantage when I could have!
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
The staff and support teams at Victoria University of Wellington are what make us unique - nearly half of the university staff are from outside of New Zealand, and most of us have traveled or lived in other places. We bring a wide array of experience and knowledge, which in turn helps us be the best support system for our students!
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
Having people who love what they do, and can relate with students, makes such a difference! To understand what it's like to live in a new place and learn a new culture helps us to better support students and relate to their experiences. It also creates a really fun and collaborative working environment!