What inspired you to work for RVF International?
Having participated in the program for 2 years, I was already excited about their vision and mission, and way of doing things. I was (and am!) so happy to be a part of this team. As a participant, I felt very supported during the process of moving to Spain. It was such a good experience for me that I wanted to help share that with others.
Córdoba, Spain
Why do you do what you do?
I do what I do because moving to Spain changed my life. Getting to share things I have gone through to help other people be brave and follow a dream they have is really meaningful. Plus, everyone I work with is awesome. We all feel like close friends, regardless of how long we have been on the team, and even despite the fact that most of us have never met in person.
What is your favorite part of the onboarding team?
My favorite part of the job is getting to meet new people and help them decide if they want to have adventure in Spain. People understandably have a lot of questions and concerns about what it is like to live abroad. I love being able to answer those questions and help calm their concerns. I loved living in Spain so much that I have stayed, and getting to share that enthusiasm with others is incredible.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
Participants in our program are coming to Spain to teach English, and many of them have no background in education at all. I have been a Spanish teacher since 2008 and have learned a lot in the process. So not only do I get to share my life experience of now having lived in Spain for 3 years, but also my educational and professional background to help people go into the classroom for the first time with more tools and confidence.
Berlin, Germany
What advice would you give your pre-travel self?
Probably first and foremost, carry a small, travel-size roll of toilet paper. Way too many bathrooms don't have any.
Also, you can do this! It's normal to be scared, but it's totally worth it! Having a plan can certainly help overcome some fears, but it's good to leave space for spontaneity, too. Bring a map, but don't be too scared of getting lost. You might discover something great.
Why should someone choose RVF International over competitors?
All of us at RVF really want to give people the best possible experience they can have and support them as much as we possibly can as they come to Spain. We do what we do because we want this opportunity to be available to everyone. And we are with you the whole time you are here, not just when you first arrive.
What is RVF International's mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission is to provide support, connection, and community for people. This means we offer tailored instructions and webinars on how to get the visa, what to do upon arrival in Spain, how to navigate the Spanish bureaucracy, and what to expect as a language assistant. We also give our participants the opportunity to connect with each other and build lasting friendships.
Florence, Italy
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
We hope our participants walk away feeling supported by us and like we did all that we could to help them with their questions or concerns. We want them to feel like the process of moving to Spain was as clear as it could be. It is a complicated process! We want them to know that we are here for them during the whole thing.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
We can't grow as people unless we are pushed out of our comfort zone, and nothing will push you out of your comfort zone more than experiencing new cultures. Seeing that not everyone lives the same way that we do challenges us to be more empathetic and understanding, which is something the world needs more of.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language is important because it not only challenges our brains to stay sharp but this helps us connect with people on a deeper level. Not to mention that it is also humbling and can teach us to laugh at ourselves when we make a mistake and to have grace for others as well when they make mistakes.
Fuerteventura - Canary Islands
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel is a mix of things. It's important to see places that are historically significant and to understand the things that have happened there. I was able to visit Auschwitz last year and, while it was really hard and heavy, it also was sacred and special.
Meaningful travel is also when you get to share it with someone. I have been able to bring my mom to see so many places, and seeing how happy she is when she gets to experience something beautiful and unique are memories that I will treasure forever.
I also think it's important to not just be a taker when you go somewhere. Yes, you are a tourist when you travel, but you can value the local culture and be reverent of the history that you're standing on. That is how we grow and learn to be better people.
What does ethical global engagement mean to you?
This means approaching new cultures and experiences with empathy and openness. Just because something is different from what you are used to doesn't mean it is bad or wrong. I have had to make a lot of adjustments to my life to adapt to the rhythm and customs of Spain but it has helped me grow in patience and understanding not just for this new culture but also my own.
