What is your favorite travel memory?
My favorite travel memory was when I took one of my Arcos Spanish Immersion groups to the beach at Nerja. It was a magical moment when they saw the beautiful aquamarine water for the first time. They were so happy and blissful as they enjoyed the color of the water, the temperature of the Mediterranean, and the life-loving culture of the south of Spain. It reminded me of how special and blessed we are to live in such a beautiful part of the world.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I have worked for a lot of travel companies. What I love about working for Arcos is how well-organized each program's calendar of excursions and cultural activities is. Because our processes are so streamlined and the logistics are so well thought out ahead of time, it means that as resident director I can devote more of my time to the students and their day-to-day experience. I've grown and changed thanks to the friendships I've built with Arcos' staff, host families, and students and the great memories we've shared.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
So many of my Arcos students have told me that their experience with us in Spain has helped them to learn about themselves, break barriers and dissolve stereotypes. That is one of the best parts of traveling abroad--you learn about how other people live, their stories, and their perspectives. As a result, you see your own life, your home, your own culture in a whole new light. It is virtually impossible to travel abroad with Arcos and come back the same. It is a life-changing experience.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I'd love to try Arcos' Active Mexico Hike and Surf Camp because I enjoy sports, bodyboarding, and the beach. The program starts off in Oaxaca City, where I would get to explore restaurants, cafés, museums, churches, and art galleries. Then we would go hike the Sierra Sur mountains before heading to the beach to surf the waves. I have heard the bioluminescence there is incredibly beautiful!
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
Arcos is like no other program. Thanks to the international bridges that Arcos has created, students are able to deeply connect with people, cultures, and ideas that are different than their own. The Arcos Granada team is amazing and I am always proud to work together with them every time we host new groups.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
The biggest factor is being a success is not just to sell dreams but to create experiences that help students grow as people. I have seen this so many times in my Arcos students. Travel requires that you try new things, put yourself out there, be brave, and change. Arcos provides the opportunity to grow in ways you never thought possible.
