What is your favorite travel memory?
One of my most unforgettable travel memories is visiting Malaysia. I spent time exploring Kuala Lumpur, wandering through vibrant street markets, tasting incredible food, and soaking up the fascinating blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures. But the highlight was stepping into the Batu Caves during Thaipusam festival—it was an explosion of colors, sounds, and devotion unlike anything I had ever experienced. Traveling to places so culturally different from my own has shaped the way I view the world and deepened my passion for fostering meaningful cross-cultural encounters.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
Since joining Expanish Buenos Aires as Site Director in November 2024, I’ve grown tremendously as a leader and problem-solver. Managing programs for international students has taught me to balance operational excellence with personal connection. I’ve become more creative and resourceful when coordinating immersive experiences while also ensuring students feel supported and safe. Working closely with U.S. universities, local partners, and students from around the world has sharpened my intercultural communication skills and reminded me how rewarding it is to build bridges between cultures.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
One of my favorite stories comes from a student who arrived nervous and hesitant to speak Spanish but, after a few weeks with us, invited their local friends to a homemade asado. They proudly described how they prepared traditional Argentine cuts, shared mate, and spoke entirely in Spanish throughout the evening. Moments like these are what make this work so special—the transformation goes beyond language skills; it’s about confidence, belonging, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I would choose one of our immersive study abroad programs in Buenos Aires. The city is vibrant, diverse, and full of opportunities to connect language learning with real-world topics. I’d love to join a program focused on human rights, medicine, cinematography, arts, engineering, or environmental studies—areas where Buenos Aires offers unique insights and experiences. Our programs allow students to dive into academic content while living the culture every day, which makes the learning journey much more impactful and memorable.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
Expanish stands out because we don’t just teach Spanish—we invite students to live the language. Our programs combine high-quality academics with real cultural immersion through curated activities, local connections, and personalized support. I felt especially proud of my team when we had to quickly reorganize a large welcome event for a U.S. university group whose flight was delayed. Everyone—from teachers to coordinators—pitched in to make the students feel at home the moment they arrived. That spirit of teamwork and care is what makes Expanish special.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I believe success comes from creating meaningful, human-centered experiences. At Expanish, we focus on listening deeply to students’ goals and personalizing their journeys so they feel supported, challenged, and inspired. Cultural authenticity, flexibility, and empathy are at the heart of what we do. When students leave Buenos Aires not only speaking better Spanish but also carrying stories, friendships, and a sense of connection, that’s when we know we’ve succeeded.