What led your path to Human Connections?
I taught high school Spanish for more than a decade and I was fortunate to work at schools which had robust experiential education programs. One of my favorite parts of my job was organizing and facilitating annual trips. I especially loved accompanying students to Spanish-speaking countries as the intercultural and linguistic learning that happens in one week abroad is enormous. When I saw the Student Programs Director position at Human Connections I knew that I could draw on my experience and passions to contribute to the students’ experience at this organization.
With students and partners Segis and Yadi of Rancho Las Parotas near San Juan de Abajo
Describe a typical day/week as the Student Programs Director.
One of the things I love about my job is that there is so much variety! I enjoy hosting and facilitating student programs, but I also like the behind-the-scenes organizing and planning that goes into preparing for these experiences. On any given day you could find me with a group of students, enjoying a group meal, exploring a town or beach in the Riviera Nayarit, visiting community partners or organizations, deep in Google docs creating itineraries or budgets, collaborating with colleagues to create experiences, or communicating with students, teachers, and professors about an upcoming trip. I’m always busy and the work is always interesting!
How do you support Human Connections’ students?
The most visible part of my support of students is during their time here. I facilitate their experiences in the office, whether that be program orientation, educational workshops, projects, or excursions. I answer questions and offer support about any aspect of their experience in Mexico: homestay families, apartments, transport, food, culture shock—you name it! The Human Connections team is available 24/7.
However, I think an equally important part of my job is supporting students before and after their experiences with us. Studies show that pre- and post-trip support are essential to personal and intercultural growth when one ventures abroad. All Human Connections students receive ample information before their trip about Mexico, nonprofits, and responsible tourism, as well as all the nuts and bolts to prepare for their trips.
Students have a journal that they complete while here which they take home as an important artifact from their time in Mexico and we hold a goal-setting session in which we discuss what they would like to prioritize as they re-integrate in their home country—I think this is a really essential element of our support.
I organize Human Connections alumni groups on Facebook and LinkedIn so that students can stay in touch and network with our ever-growing group of alumni. Of course, I’m also available for letters of recommendation. Supporting students is a huge part of my role at Human Connections!
Traveling - on a beach south of Puerto Vallarta
What makes Human Connections unique?
All of our programs engage the local community and connect them with international travelers through mutually beneficial experiences, organic dialogue, and respect. We pay our partners fairly for their time and we consider environmental impacts in all of our programs. There are many opportunities for tours, trips, or internships out there, but we are organizing all of these programs in an intentional and ethical way. To me that is what makes us unique and I hope that other organizations will follow suit so that the future of all travel is responsible.
You have been studying Spanish throughout your educational career. What sparked this interest?
I started studying Spanish in high school and continued my first year of college. As my language skills grew and I was able to communicate more I became more motivated. I could see how it would be a useful skill to complement any profession that I may pursue. I have always loved travel, so I signed up to study abroad in Granada, Spain. That’s where I really fell in love with the language and decided to major in Spanish.
You have extensive teaching experience abroad (in Spain and Myanmar) and domestically (in Seattle, Washington). How do these experiences influence your work with Human Connections?
One of the things I loved about being an educator is that I was always learning. This aspect of continuous growth and development is one that I appreciate in my current role as Student Programs Director as well. My background and former experience as an educator enable me to be a strong facilitator for Human Connections’ student programs. I think that I have a good idea of what students like, what they are capable of, and what questions they may have. I hope that it makes me approachable, too, as I am always open to hearing students’ feedback!
In the Human Connections’ office - presenting at a partner's meeting
What can students expect from Human Connections programs?
Students can expect a complete experience during their time in Mexico and support from the moment they sign up until well after their experience finishes. We consider students as part of our team and onboard them into our organization. They work on real projects that affect our future trajectory and that of our local partners. All programs are complemented with educational workshops, discussions, visits to local entrepreneurs and partner organizations, many meals, excursions, accommodation, and 24/7 staff support. Students should expect to challenge their assumptions about Mexico, travel, and development and take these new thoughts and questions away with them.
Why is it important to travel and learn new languages?
For me both travel and learning languages are ways to broaden your perspective and shake yourself out of your comfort zone. I think it is important that we constantly question our ideas about the world and these two activities both offer ample opportunities in which to do so. I know that these two activities will always be part of my life for this very reason.
On site - at Doña Belen and Don Juve's home in Bucerias, testing out a piñata we made in their workshop
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
For me, meaningful travel comes down to respect. Respect for your host communities, learning some of the language, getting to know the people in the place where you are visiting, for the earth (being responsible with your trash, recycling and perhaps carbon-offsetting your trip – it’s affordable and simple), and for your home country by behaving respectfully.
What hopes do you have for the future of the student experience at Human Connections?
Human Connections is in an exciting moment of growth. We are always discussing ways in which to make our student trips and internships more meaningful for participants, partners, and our organization. Our internship program is evolving to be a more selective program. We require an application and Skype interview of each potential participant.
Our intention is twofold: we want to ensure that we have the right interns to collaborate with Human Connections and we also desire to serve the selected interns exceedingly well on their personal and professional journeys. Since our internships are intimate experiences, they offer excellent opportunities for bonding, both with fellow interns, staff, and community partners. With smaller group sizes we can ensure that we offer students a quality program that will leave a lasting impact on their careers and lives.
