What is your favorite travel memory?
My favorite travel memory was, for sure, on this hike in Kyoto, Japan to the top of the Fushimi Inari mountain, it is a 2 hour-ish hike to the top and is full of beautiful torii gates, sites, and has a lovely shrine at the very top as a nice reward. The reason that I've have such positive experiences with this hike is not only because it is beautiful and full of unique sights all the way to the top, but also because I've seen so many kids on our programs who didn't know if it would be fun or if they could make it to the top, only for them to try it and then make it all the way to the top and be elated because they pushed themselves. On a program packed full of learning and culture, this kind of fun personal growth is an amazing experience to see.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
From my very first year working for World Class Programs, I have grown endlessly in my confidence, both as a teacher and as a person, after teaching on every single trip. I tend to be more reserved and hesitant in regular life outside of the programs, but being responsible for the education of safety of high schooler aged students has allowed me to be more confident and developed in my own abilities, and in my own style of teaching, as this is such an important part of the job. I can't believe how much easier and more confidently I walk through my daily life after working on this program, it has changed my life to such a great degree and I am beyond excited for the next set of programs coming up this year!
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
I remember hearing from a student who had travelled to all of the available programs that we offer throughout their whole high school career, and that the best part of every summer was traveling with World Class Programs, meeting new people and forming friendships with them even though they live all throughout the country (and in some cases, the world!). This alumni specifically told us that, after coming back from the programs, she travelled for hours to hang out with her new friend in a city she's never been to before. That level and love and friendship from only 3 weeks is really touching, it's such a good testament to how close people who begin a program as strangers can get in only 3 weeks.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
Hands down, I would go on our Japan program if I had the opportunity to as a student. The bright lights, cute characters, culture, safety, and politeness of society in the big cities of Osaka and Tokyo you can't get literally anywhere else. Living like a Japanese local in the apartments we stay in feels like a very opposite cultural experience that is very much worth doing with other people your age. Personally, eating ramen, sushi, oyakodon, and gyudon like a local, in addition to visiting arcades, karaoke, and bowling, is an incredible local experience that is unrivaled.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
I think we, as educators, have always done a great job of stretching our staff's attention and time across all of the needs of every student. If a student really wants to do something that isn't on our schedule, we always find a way to make it happen if it's possible and reasonable. When we're not teaching class, we are dividing our tasks so we can get everything done, like getting train tickets, making reservations, and taking kids to the atm or to get supplies like sunblock. Our staff are such a great team and the programs all benefit greatly from the dedication and professionalism of its educators and staff.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I think the communication of team members and their ability to work together really defines the success of the company. Having team meetings with lots of conversations, taking time to get to know each other, and having talks at the end of days about how things went and our strengths and weaknesses, really helps you get a good feel for where you thrive and other team members need help on certain tasks or vice versa. World Class Programs, from the ground up, is a student centered organization and community of educators, and students/families can see that from the first interaction with any of our staff. I am beyond proud to work for an organization like World Class Programs and can't imagine teaching for anyone else!