What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
Sakis: I believe that working with such a talented and devoted team is a definite factor to the growth of Global Semesters. Apart from that, everyone on the team loves what they are doing, which is another factor.
We are considered very lucky to be able to do what we love. Also, our onsite staff all around the world is incredibly prepared from our central office team. All these factors have benefitted the growth of Global Semesters.
What country have you always wanted to visit?
Sakis: That’s a tricky question! There are many countries I always wanted to visit, but if I had to choose I would say China for several reasons. It has nothing to do whatsoever with the European mentality we are so familiar with, there are a ton of things to do and see, and of course, one visit is not enough!
By the way, I did get to China back in 2013 with Global Semesters, and although I had an amazing time, I definitely will go back at some point! If I’m allowed a second choice too, I would say Socotra, mainly because a) it has been described as ‘the most alien-looking place on Earth’ and b) a third of its plant life is found nowhere else on the planet!
Why is language learning and cultural immersion important to you?
Sakis: It takes the entire study abroad experience on another level. One cannot describe completely how a certain experience is just by reading or looking at videos. One has to “be there” to experience firsthand something that has been described as different. Books and common knowledge suggest that lifestyle and culture are different in other countries and despite all videos on YouTube and other media, this fact cannot be ascertained, unless of course one spends a few days/weeks in the place ‘real time’.
What language have you always wanted to learn and why?
Sakis: I always enjoyed the Scandinavian languages and culture, so I daresay I’d like to learn a language like Finnish, Icelandic, Swedish or Danish. I know it’ll be a difficult task, but I’m confident that after a long-maybe very long-time, I’ll be able to visit Finland for example and actually understand what other people are talking about!