What is your favorite travel memory?
Without a doubt, ashboarding at Cerro Negro in Nicaragua. Think surfing but on an active volcano. If you are a daredevil, this is definitely the experience for you. You get to hike up a volcano for an hour or two and rush back down on a board. Nothing beats those views, especially at sunset. 100% recommend.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I’ve had the opportunity to fall back in love with study abroad programs. Being surrounded by a fun, supportive and collaborative team truly makes all the difference in the quality of the work and the experience as a whole. Every week brings something new to learn, laugh about, and celebrate. And let’s be honest, working in an inspiring and aesthetically pleasing office is a big plus that makes every day even better.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
The most moving story I have heard is that of a couple students that were able to find and confirm their passions and their career paths while being in one of our programs. Both students mentioned feeling a bit lost at the beginning of the program but at the end they felt more like themselves and were able to connect with what moved them to the core.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I believe I would participate in one of the faculty led programs that we organize. From the lectures, to the cultural activities, the tours, the Estancia days. It's an all encompassing experience and I would get to learn about a subject of my interest while living in a new city, getting to know locals but also other international students.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
I love the fact that it is a boutique type company. Therefore, a lot of the staff is local to each of our locations. This means you get the best representation of the culture, the best recommendations, the best way into the city. I believe that is invaluable and create a much more immersive experience. Students always have a place to go to ask questions and have guidance. They never feel alone.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I believe the main thing is having a clear objective and a collaborative team. Finding the balance between a relaxed and fun environment while accomplishing the company's goal. Everyone at Expanish leans into giving students the best possible experience and personalizing students' stay as much as possible. Therefore, even though two students go through the same program, their time may be completely different because they will receive recommendations tailored to their interests.