What inspired you to work for your organization?
I was inspired to work for Beyond Academy as I share the same ethos and values. My own journey through education and work has been a little unconventional, so I appreciate that Beyond Academy is so inclusive and welcoming to everyone.
I understand the importance of gaining professional experience to see what you enjoy as much as what you may not enjoy.
As a keen backpacker, I also understand the importance of travel and all the opportunities it can provide for you to grow as a person. I wish I could have had the chance to take part in one of the programs when I finished school!
The view from the Two Brother's Hike in Rio De Janeiro
Why do you do what you do?
I enjoy that each day is different, as I get to speak with so many people during admissions interviews. I am good at making connections with people as well as providing support and information. It's exciting that I can help people experience the joys and opportunities that taking an immersive program with Beyond Academy offers.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is hearing how excited a candidate is during an interview and then being able to accept them onto the program. I have so many positive memories from exploring new places, making friends on travel programs, and learning new skills during internships.
I am always excited for these interns for all the amazing experiences awaiting them and I am grateful I can be a small part of their journey.
Punting in Cambridge - one of the day trips offered on the London Immersive Program
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
The advice I would tell my pre-travel self is to appreciate every moment. You want to remember it all! Appreciate joy in the small moments as well as the big adventures.
There is so much you can learn from the people and cultures you immerse yourself in, and some of the best memories will be made when you step outside of your comfort zone.
What makes your organization special?
I believe Beyond Academy is special because of the diverse and global nature of its employees that all share the same values making it unique. It feels so inclusive, with great communication and collaboration throughout the whole company. Within every role, you can see the positive impact you are making.
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
Beyond Academy keeps the interns' experience at the center of all their decisions. The programs are developed to provide a fully immersive experience with continuous support from start to finish.
Along with all the knowledge the interns will gain from their internship, the career development aspects of the program help to set them up for their next steps and the community aspects ensure they are having a great time whilst doing it!
What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?
The quality of the Immersive Internship Programs easily market themselves. The content appeals to many; those looking for professional placements as part of studying or in their holidays, those looking for a change or to start a new career, and anyone who is looking to experience another culture whilst still adding valuable experience to their CV.
Cartwheeling at the Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Beyond Academy's mission is to provide career-boosting immersive programs that allow people to take charge of their future. Understanding that everyone's journey is unique, and they all deserve to have a career they love.
We value the importance of experience, the combination of work experience and travel, and creating everlasting memories for our interns.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope that all the participants will take away from Beyond Academy's programs a great sense of both achievement and confidence, as well as a powerful self belief that they can do anything!
Throwing yourself into a new experience can be daunting at first but it is so rewarding—all the participants should be very proud of themselves.
If you could participate on one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
I would love to participate in the Seoul Immersive Program. I love visiting Asia and have wanted to go for a long time. I would choose to take part in a fashion internship.
Seoul is such an exciting place for this industry especially with the combination of the historic heritage and the new creative energy of the city. It would be amazing to have the chance to experience this place with the community team and to live like a local.
Feeding a Kangaroo in Australia
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
During admissions interviews many people ask if they need lots of experience to take part in the Beyond Academy programs. We welcome everyone to apply! We have interns from all over the world!
We welcome applications from everyone regardless of education background—we also work with students who are looking to take their internship in a gap year before university, as well as some who've decided university is not for them.
Our team works hard to find the right internships that are well suited to each person’s skills and career goals.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
It is so important for people to travel and experience new cultures. It provides vital life experience through exposure to different cultural practices and environments. There is ample opportunity for personal development in addition to opportunities for learning.
Meeting different people from diverse backgrounds gives a chance to make connections all over the world. It is amazing to see how great friendships blossom and how much you can learn from others. These are experiences you can take back home with you and share.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel to me is when you get the opportunity to experience different cultures and meet different people. Being able to learn from others and take that new knowledge with you to share with people back home, or others you meet traveling, is so purposeful.
I believe travel that allows you to reflect on your impact on people and places helps you to be a part of a positive global community.
What does ethical global engagement mean to you?
Ethical global engagement to me means positively interacting within different countries and taking an active role to participate in learning about their culture. It is important to learn about and respect the varying cultures across the world.
When traveling, it is key to support local people and their businesses, always striving for more global equality. It also means appreciating all a place offers without leaving behind a negative impact.
