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Staff Interview with Alasdair Thompson

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Alasdair Thompson

Alasdair Thompson

Interviewed in 2018

After graduating, Alasdair spent two years traveling extensively around southern Africa. He then moved to Brighton, where he accrued experience across a wide variety of roles with ski tour operators. Joining Work the World in 2013, Alasdair has become an expert in guiding students towards their perfect internship, sharing his enthusiasm for all of our fantastic destinations. In his spare time, Alasdair is a keen skier and cyclist.

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What inspired you to work with Work the World?

For me, it was all about what the organization stands for. Our directors have total integrity when it comes to putting our students first and I’m a big fan of that.

What position do you hold at Work the World?

I’m the Senior Internship Consultant, which means I advise and guide our students to their ideal destinations based on their clinical interests.

I’ve been at Work the World for about three years now and have built up an extensive knowledge of all of our programs so far. I’ve also spent time in the majority of our destinations, witnessing exactly how the programs operate on the ground.

Man pointing to sign on a mountain in the Andes

Having visited many of our destinations, I can confidently say that students who travel with us have the time of their lives

What you are your main responsibilities?

Day to day, I mainly talk to students who get in contact with us, sharing our service offerings with anyone interested in our programs and help them to choose a destination that's the right fit for them.

How do you use your own international experiences in your current position?

I’ve been lucky enough to travel to many of our destinations. In my role as Senior Internship Consultant, that on-the-ground experience is essential when I’m advising students on which destination suits them best.

Why is it important for people to travel and experience new cultures?

Traveling broadens the mind. It helps us to see another side of the story that we’re all living, and helps us become stronger and more accepting people.

What is the best bit about working for your organization?

Speaking to students who are at the very beginning of their Work the World journey. That, and having the satisfaction knowing that once they’ve signed up for a program, the experience they gain will be life-changing and have a huge impact on their future.

What plans do you have for the future of your role and for Work the World?

I’m going to be actively working towards becoming even more of an expert in my knowledge of our destinations. Again, it’s all about helping our students make the best possible decisions about where to travel.

How does Work the World differ from other organizations?

I would say it’s the fact that we’re a personal, passionate, and dedicated organization—we’re the opposite of a large corporation, which won’t pay as much attention to detail and quality.

Describe a time when you felt especially proud to be part of Work the World.

I’m proud of working here every day. I’m always speaking to students who have found our website and are interested in our internships and talking to them about what they can experience. Sharing what we do and hearing all the positive reactions gives me a lot of pride in my work.

What Work the World destinations have you visited, and which has been your favorite?

I’ve been very lucky to have been to the Philippines, Nepal, Peru, and Sri Lanka. I’d have to say my favorite was Nepal, just slightly ahead of Peru. Nepal’s an absolutely stunning country with an awe-inspiring landscape, history, and culture.

What advice do you have for someone considering a healthcare placement abroad?

As we have formal relationships with all of our hospitals, we can cater to the majority of clinical interests someone might have in most destinations. Because of this, I’d advise to make your choice based on destination. Go somewhere completely different to home which you’re unlikely to visit again. Go with a completely open mind and make it count!

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