Tell us a little about GET Ecuador and your role at the company.
GET (GrowExperienceTravel) Ecuador is a local Cultural Exchange Organization founded by professionals whose passion is to share the amazing natural regions and culture that Ecuador mainland and the Galapagos Islands offer. We believe that living abroad is a unique opportunity of cultural and personal understanding.
Our team has worked on industry related businesses for the last seven years gaining invaluable experience. We are specialized in volunteer and travel programs and we see each one of our participants and groups as a family with different needs, dreams, and expectations.
I graduated in the Tourism Management field at UCT (Universidad de Especialidades Turisticas)- Quito, have more than 10 years of experience with travel and exchange programs and I believe that travelling and discovering new places is a truly lifetime opportunity everyone should have.
My role at GET Ecuador is to create new programs, and ways to promote them, working together with the team to offer quality volunteer and travel experiences in Ecuador.
How did you get involved in the volunteer industry?
Since my last year of high school in the United States, I have enjoyed learning about different countries, when I came back to Ecuador I knew that my passion was on the Tourism field and to show all the amazing natural and cultural attractions my country offers. Since the second year of University studies I have got involved on the industry guiding and working on the operations department. Five years ago, I have also being involved on marketing area.
What makes GET Ecuador unique?
What makes us unique is basically: our team and philosophy. Our team works nonstop, aiming to develop interesting itineraries and programs. We pride ourselves on promoting innovative activities and creating lifetime experiences while still helping our participants to grow-learn, and experience Ecuador from a completely new perspective.
Our philosophy: We believe that every company, no matter how big or small, could contribute to making the world a better place. It's hard to label any travel organization as an ecologic institution; after all, tourism is all about going to places, which requires transportation (most of the times by plane, for instance) that pollutes the environment. However, sustainability isn't only about environmental issues, but also social sustainability.
We work towards environmental and social conservation contributing with local communities around the country.
In your experience, what characteristics make a good international volunteer?
A good international volunteer can be defined as a person who is motivated and has a very good attitude towards new environments and a culture, someone who is able to share his/her own ideas with others and is moved by a passion to Grow Experience and Travel!
What does the future hold for GET Ecuador?
We feel confident and optimistic for the future; we will continue to develop programs that contribute to sustainable development of local projects and give participants a lifetime experience.
