What is your favorite travel memory?
During a backpacking trip through Cuba with four friends, we had no set plan and let the country surprise us. A family we’d just met invited us in, cooked for us, gave a private piano-and-sax concert, and taught us to dance. Along the way, I met incredible artisans: woodworkers, potters, weavers, leather makers, who showed us their crafts and the care and skill they put into making things last. Experiencing their work and the warmth of everyone we met made the trip an unforgettable lesson in heritage, craftsmanship, and human connection.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
Since working at my current company, I’ve grown by being surrounded by colleagues who truly put their hearts into their work...it’s been deeply inspiring. From my role, I get to connect with host companies, students, and faculty, acting as a kind of matchmaker between all parties. This exposure has enriched me and allowed me to bring together the different skills I had developed in past roles. It has also come with great responsibility, as I work with many teams inside the company, which has strengthened my ability to navigate human interaction with negotiation, active listening, problem-solving, and strong relationship-building.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
I’m always moved by students who go beyond the academics or the adventure and truly immerse themselves in the local culture. Seeing them learn bits of the language, meet locals outside the program, explore the city’s food and transport, and return home with a fresh curiosity and new perspective...it amazes me how much a trip can transform their worldview.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
It’s so hard to pick, but I’d probably choose either Costa Rica or Madrid. I’ve never been to Costa Rica, and I’d love to immerse myself in its incredible nature while learning in that environment. Madrid calls to me as an art lover (with a BA in Art History and a Master’s in Art Mediation) their art-focused Study Abroad program just sounds like a dream come true!
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
What makes our company unique is the people. There’s genuine teamwork here, which makes the day-to-day hustle feel much lighter. We also work with small groups, so the experience we offer is truly human and personalized. I’m always proud of our team because we genuinely have each other’s backs. Our culture is collaborative rather than competitive; we understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses and know how to bring them together to succeed as a team.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I believe the biggest factor in being a successful company is staying true to its mission, and our company does this really well. Even as we grow, we maintain the warmth and cohesion of a small team and take care of our colleagues. We keep the focus on people (both our team members and the students and clients we serve) ensuring their needs and experiences remain the top priority, regardless of their background.