What is your favorite travel memory?
My favorite travel memory of all time...hmm that is a such a tough question since I have gone on so many wonderful adventures (both on my on and with World Class Programs)! I guess it has got to be the time I was able to get an autograph from PinocchioP! For those of you who don't know, PinocchioP is a VOCALOID producer known mainly for the fast paced and unique lyrics in his songs!
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
Since working with World Class Programs I have had a lot of time to really explore and develop my knowledge and understanding of other aspects of Japanese culture beyond my study of just the language. Most significantly, I have always been a foodie whenever I travel, and World Class Programs has really allowed me to expanded my knowledge of Japanese cooking techniques and delicious recipes!
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
It's hard to think of the best one since they all have such amazing memories, but in general I love whenever a student tells me about a new or unusual food they tried or some amazing new cultural experience that has brough them wonderfully out of their comfort zone on the programs. Those memories always make me the most proud/happy as their teacher to see them experience the world in such great new ways.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I I could go on any program that World Class Programs offers, besides Japan, which will always have a special place in my heart, I think I would choose either Seville, Spain or Florence, Italy. I think it be so much fun to go on either the Spain or Italy programs that World Class Programs offers after hearing other staff and some returning alumni from those programs tell me all about them. Why would I want to go? Well for all the delicious foods there, of course!
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
All of the staff and instructors work together so well and everyone is so enthusiastic about their subjects. I'm especially proud of our team whenever I see the results of our classes manifest during the rest of the trip, like when the students ask for directions from a local on their own or when they use the photography techniques they learned while we're out and about at landmarks.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
By far, to me, the most important thing an organization can do is in taking care of it's clients (or in this case, students) and employees, being open to their feedback, and using that feedback to grow and develop the organization. World Class Programs does such an amazing job taking into account all of the various needs of not only their students, but their families back home and the program staff as well.