What is your favorite travel memory?
My favorite memory is definitely my bungee jumping experience in New Zealand.
It was my birthday, and I had just received a bonus from the restaurant where I was working at the time. I decided to treat myself to this adventure as a gift and step outside my comfort zone. Standing at the edge was both terrifying and exhilarating, but the feeling of jumping and overcoming that fear was unforgettable. It was absolutely amazing and a moment that reminded me how powerful it is to challenge yourself.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I’ve strengthened my communication skills, especially in cross-cultural contexts, and gained a deeper understanding of how to support students and families through important decisions. I’ve also become more adaptable and solution-oriented, learning to navigate challenges with empathy, clarity, and a strong sense of responsibility.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
One of the most inspiring stories I’ve heard was from a return student in his early 50s who chose to do a homestay experience in Italy, living in the home of a teacher. He shared how warmly he was welcomed and how quickly he felt like part of the family rather than just a guest. Because of that close connection, he was able to discover small towns, local traditions, and hidden places he said he would have never experienced as a typical tourist.
He also spoke about how much his Italian improved through daily conversations at the dinner table and in everyday life, gaining not only fluency but also confidence. What touched me most was hearing how transformative the experience was for him at that stage in his life. Stories like his remind me that exchange is not limited by age; it truly has the power to open our horizons, deepen our cultural understanding, and help us grow into more empathetic and open-minded people.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
If I could go on any program my company offers, I would love to go to Japan and take part in the private Japanese homestay program. In this program, you live with a native teacher in the Tokyo area, study Japanese one‑to‑one, and truly immerse yourself in the language and culture rather than just visiting as a tourist. I think it would be an unforgettable way to improve language skills, experience everyday life in Japan, and explore one of the world’s most fascinating cultures firsthand.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
What makes our company unique is how we focus on creating personalized, meaningful experiences that really connect students with people and places. We go beyond logistics, helping students feel confident, supported, and inspired throughout their journey. We listen to our students!
I felt especially proud of our team when we helped a student adjust to a last-minute program change and made sure they had an incredible experience despite the challenges. Seeing everyone come together, step up, and prioritize the student’s experience reminded me how committed and capable our team truly is.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I believe the biggest factor in being a successful company in educational travel is truly understanding and supporting the needs of students and families. Success comes from building trust, providing guidance, and creating experiences that are safe, enriching, and transformative. When students feel prepared, cared for, and inspired, it reflects the company’s values and reputation, turning one trip into lifelong memories and meaningful connections.
Response from Nacel Educational Travel
Thank you for your thoughtful review! Your way of expressing your experiences is truly beautiful—it’s clear how much this journey meant to you, and we’re honored to have been part of it.
It’s great to hear that you felt supported, made strong connections, and grew from the experience. Watching students build meaningful relationships and feel at home in a new culture is what makes our programs so rewarding. Your recommendation means a lot, and we genuinely appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.
If you ever want to reconnect or embark on another adventure with us, we’d love to hear from you. Wishing you all the best in your future travels and language learning!
Ps. I am still curious if you found the perfect trench coat ;-)