What inspired you to work for your organization?
I want to help individuals reach their full potential and enjoy a life changing experience that they'll never forget. I have always loved traveling and understand the value of exploring other cultures.
I believe there is much to gain from expanding our worldview and broadening our minds. I have also lived abroad for an entire two years and know what it is like to set foot in a different country, not having your family or friends close by, and the difficulties it may entitle.
I want to make the process of adapting to a new culture for Canvee students as easy as possible. I will try to make them feel special and hope they make the most of their experience.
Why do you do what you do?
I want people to be happy and feel good about themselves, broaden their worldview, and enjoy life to its fullest. I've lived abroad for two years while studying for a Bachelor's degree, and previously I have traveled for one month to six different locations to study English.
I know how these experiences can benefit you in the short and long run, they have definitely changed my life forever. I've made friendships for life (still friends with most of them after 10 years) and I have created experiences that I will tell my children and grandchildren about.
Traveling Madeira
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
From living abroad and traveling during the summer for language learning, I know the struggles of arriving new in a place that you've never been, without knowing anyone or how to move around to get what you need.
I've learned from the struggles and want to make a difference when students come here. I also know what I most enjoyed and will make sure they have the same opportunities.
From my job background I have learned how to lead teams and work together to achieve the same objective. I also know about accounting and finance so I make sure all the numbers are accounted for and the business is sustainable in the long run.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Prepare to face some cultural shock and be open to adapt or, at least, respect a new culture. Try to make sure everything is as good as possible at home (friends and family), so that when you're abroad you are not constantly thinking about your home and actually enjoy living abroad, meeting new people, and living new life changing experiences.
At the beach in Valencia
What makes your organization special?
For over 20 years the program director has been spreading the word about emotional intelligence, positive psychology, and personal development.
He was a pioneer at that time and through the non-profit associations Desata Tu Potencial and Fundación Objetivo Felicidad, he has changed the life of hundreds of people (some of them wanted to end their life) and reaches more than 5,000 adolescents every year.
Also, the program takes place in Valencia, our home place and where we live. Both founders and program director/coordinator live in Valencia and will be here to assist students 24/7, making sure the program is running smoothly and students have the experience they came for. We want each of them to feel special and will make sure we do the best we can to achieve it.
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
I will make reference to the 20 year experience in the fields of education and life coaching that I mentioned earlier. Our non-profit organization's aim is to help people learn how to be happy. We think this is the ultimate goal in life for most people.
Our program is also unique because it actually lasts nearly a year (not only 12 weeks, like most gap programs). We have created a certificate in collaboration with a Spanish university focused on the core skills to succeed in life—both personal and professional lives.
You only need to have graduated from high school to get the certificate (no college experience required). The transversal skills we teach are ranked top by employers and are more valued than technical skills at most jobs.
I also want to mention that the team behind the organization is located at the same location the program takes place, thus we will be here with students making sure everything runs smoothly.
Family - Sri Lanka (dad and sister)
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Canvee Life School’s mission is the following: At Canvee Life School we help individuals achieve their full potential, in both their personal and professional lives, by delivering a life changing experience.
In an effort to achieve it, we have created The Life Changing Gap Year Program which mixes living abroad, learning a new language, doing volunteer work, and traveling around Europe with learning the core skills needed to achieve your potential in your personal life and professional career.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
We want them to discover their strengths, and even uncover ones that they didn't know they have. We want them to become happier, smarter, more persuasive, engaging, resilient, healthy and self-sufficient.
We want them to finish the program with a clearer picture of who they are, what they want, what matters to them, and what's next in their career. We want them to form strong friendships and broaden their worldview. And, ultimately, we want them to have the best (or one of the best) years of their lives.
Myself in the US - Thanksgiving
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
We believe there is much to gain from traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures. It broadens your mind and expands our worldview. It is important for you to get different perspectives and develop empathy for others.
You gain a deeper understanding of international issues and develop cultural sensitivities. Of course, it is an opportunity to make new friendships, discover more about yourself, and make new memories. It also can add up on your resume.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel, for me, is really immersing in the host culture, and learning how people in the country live, eat, and have fun. It is understanding the country and its people.
It is making the most of your experience abroad and appreciating every opportunity to learn about how others live. It’s about enjoying the city to its fullest and its people. Appreciate what you most like about the culture and also what you like more about yours (in comparison).
Interact with locals. Eat local food (not just tourist things). Learn about their traditions. Learn about the history of the city. Try to learn the language (at least a few words). And leave with the feeling that you've made the most of your stay.