What inspired you to work for Acros Journey Abroad?
I have always been passionate about studying abroad and Spanish so I wanted to be involved with an organization that focused on Spanish-speaking countries but provided experiences in a variety of contexts.
Language learning is a great reason to study abroad but there are so many other things these countries have to offer such as the culinary arts, outdoor adventure, and community services opportunities.
Describe a typical day at work.
I spend most of my day coordinating the development of the in-country programs and preparing for the arrival of our participants. I usually do advising calls with parents and interested participants in the afternoons.
Why do you do what you do?
I feel very passionately about the benefits of international education. These experiences define who we are and prepare us to be better, more compassionate humans.
Exploring Santiago de Compostela while on the Arcos Camino de Santiago program.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Getting to go on-site and actually seeing the participants in-country. To see them grow and blossom in the experience is an amazing and fulfilling feeling. They gain a confidence that can only be achieved through stepping outside of their comfort zone.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I use my Spanish everyday whether speaking with directors or writing emails to our partners overseas. It is necessary to have a strong understanding of the Spanish language and also a cultural understanding of these different countries.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
Life carries inherent risk and international education has an added level since it means going to a foreign country. There is a leap of faith required by the participants, but mainly the parents. I need to navigate helping people find a level of comfort to pursue the programs with confidence and trust in our capabilities.
What makes Arcos Journeys Abroad special?
Arcos Journeys Abroad offers a variety of experiences to choose from. We are based in Spanish-speaking countries and offer Spanish immersion and also offer, what we call, "Active Discovery" and "Cultural Discovery" programs. Participants can travel with us to any of our destinations and choose their experience whether that is in or out of the classroom.
Brent with an Arcos Camino de Santiago group.
Why should someone choose Arcos Journeys Abroad over competitors?
We offer a holistic approach to study abroad. We plan activities throughout the day and on the weekends. Participants can stay multiple sessions and do different types of programs.
For example, they could do a Spanish Immersion program for two weeks and then stay two more weeks for an outdoor adventure program. We run multiple types of programs at the same time. This unique approach allows siblings and friends to go at the same time and each can choose their program of interest.
What makes Arcos Journeys Abroad easy to market to potential participants?
We provide all-inclusive programming so there are no surprises about what is included. We are very personable and go the extra mile to work with our clients. We were very careful in choosing countries that are of great interest to participants. We have designed program experiences that are straight-forward and meet the interests of students today.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope they leave with a greater confidence in themselves and their abilities. This program really helps participants become aware of what they are capable of and find the magic in the world around us.
I hope that they find something new about themselves that they would have not discovered otherwise, or maybe it would have taken much longer. I hope that our participants reflect on their experience with us and see it as a defining moment in their lives.
How do you help support participants?
We have a strong in-country support team. Each program has its dedicated in-country directors who lead the program from start to finish. We also have our homestays that provide the attention, security, and meals that allow our participants to feel safe and comfortable in their new country.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
Participants most often ask about the daily schedule and housing. This can depend a lot based on the program they choose with us but I make them understand that we have a thoughtful curriculum planned each day and that there is no time to be bored.
Most of our programs are homestay experiences and there are a lot of questions about that. I explain that often it is the aspect participants are most nervous about and later it is their favorite part of the program!
Horseback riding in Costa Rica.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
It builds humanity and compassion. It seems today that there is a move towards us vs. them and travel abroad bridges the perceived differences we have about each other and allows us to develop a greater understanding of our oneness.
It also allows us to celebrate the unique aspects of the different countries and cultures. These can be life-changing benefits such as discovering olive oil for the first time or having your first backpacking experience.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Just go for it! It's something you'll never regret and it will be a defining moment in your life. Read about the different options we offer and see what piques your interest the most. Don't overthink it as you can never make a bad choice when it comes to going abroad!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Not just being a tourist but becoming a part of that place. It means digging deeper into learning about the language, the culture and the people. And through this you learn more about yourself. Meaningful travel engages the participants on many levels.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I hope that young people continue to seek experiences outside of the comfort of their home and their country. I am concerned about the stress of technology that can make it harder for young people to engage with others and go outside the small window of their screens. I hope that international education becomes the norm as I am confident it builds better citizens that will help guide this world on a positive path forward.
