What is your favorite travel memory?
My favorite memory is seeing the admiration and joy in the eyes of my students when they discover the wonders of Cusco, the capital and birthplace of the Inca empire. I always treasure the memories of watching my students interact with local students and professors in Lima, making friends, and learning Spanish, all while appreciating the rich culture and cuisine of Peru.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
Working with Arcos has changed my perspective. I have a new understanding of what it means when people come to visit my country. It makes a big difference when students truly want to immerse themselves in Peruvian culture and share it internationally. Arcos has allowed me to continue to develop my knowledge of Peruvian culture and history, and share it with students who really appreciate it.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
Most students start their stories with food. As you may have heard, Peruvian food is known as one of the most delicious cuisines in the world and has so many flavors to discover. Students also talk about the colors. From the moment our students step off the plane, they are surprised by the rainbow of colorful crafts, sweaters and ponchos. Machu Picchu and all the sacred sites in Cusco leave you breathless. What often sticks with students is the mysteries surrounding their construction and how advanced the Inca civilization was to have created such astounding cities and societies.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I am drawn to Arcos' Ancestral Flavors: A Oaxacan Culinary Journey. Like Peru, Oaxaca, Mexico has a strong and deep Indigenous culture that infuses the food with unique flavors, traditional spices and local ingredients. I would love to try the Oaxacan ceviche to see how it is the same or different from Peruvian ceviches. I have heard that mole is also delicioso!
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
Arcos stands out from the crowd because of the level of personalized attention the directors give to each student. We offer exciting programs full of meaningful cultural activities and excursions. I am especially proud of my team when unexpected situations arise. Our team has the experience and attitude to adapt and be flexible. Sometimes those unexpected changes lead to learning and on-the-spot problem-solving, which is one of the greatest lessons of travel abroad.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
The biggest factor in success is integrity. We deliver the highest quality in our programs. We design our calendars with the growth and learning of our students in mind. We put in the care and effort necessary to give our students the opportunity to explore as they learn about themselves and the world.
