Which study abroad destination is most underrated? Conversely, which is most overrated?
Anywhere that is off the beaten path – non-traditional countries/areas, Small towns, villages, less well-known schools. In my experience and in the experiences of many of my students, there is often a deeper cultural experience to be found outside the cosmopolitan cities of the world.
Look for those areas that other people aren’t going to and go there; look for the schools that you haven’t heard of and look for courses there. Being in a location where you struggle to find people like yourself is a good thing!
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I’m breaking the rules here and picking two things: innovation and great employees. Companies, particularly those that have been around awhile, have to be able to keep up with the ever-changing preferences of today’s student. Great employees breed great companies through motivation and true belief in the work they are doing.
What country have you always wanted to visit?
Jordan! I love Arabic language and culture and Petra is on my short list to visit!
What was your favorite traveling experience?
I happened to find myself in Egypt on an IFSA-Butler program at Alexandria University for the January 2011 Revolution to overthrow the regime of Hosni Mubarak. While we were eventually evacuated from the country, the experience was life-changing.
I certainly never expected to witness the historic upheaval of a people discovering that they had the power to change the course of history. You never quite know what’s in store when you step out onto the road and study abroad!