What inspired you to work for the Spanish Institute for Global Education?
Setenil. Traveling around Andalucía
I was inspired by the Spanish Institute for Global Education’s commitment to global education. It’s not just in name, but in practice, as the school receives students from all over the world.
As an educator, I was attracted to the opportunity to work with a dynamic and diverse community. I also enjoy that the organization has local roots in Spain.
Why do you do what you do?
I’m committed to my work and to expanding accessibility to study abroad opportunities because I believe that gaining a global perspective enriches the lives of individuals and their respective communities.
As someone who studied abroad as an undergraduate and who now works in a different country, I also know how these experiences lead directly to unforeseen and remarkable outcomes.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
I will tell my pre-travel self to trust her intuition and talk to locals; there are a million things to take in all around you. I’d also encourage her to call her mom more, forget the fancy dresses (you won’t wear them), and send lots of pictures to her family.
Every travel experience is a learning experience, so don’t worry if your first days don’t go as planned.
Salmorejo with jamón ibérico, a local favorite
Why should someone choose the Spanish Institute for Global Education over competitors?
The Spanish Institute distinguishes itself as a provider of global education experiences by promising and delivering on tailor-made programs that focus on the local riches of our community.
Our president and CEO has led this local program for over 40 years and has always prioritized making one-of-a-kind experiences for students who study abroad. The local knowledge we use to curate our programs cannot be recreated from outside of the community.
Are there any developments with the Spanish Institute for Global Education that you would like to share with us?
Spanish Institute for Global Education is constantly evolving, responding to student needs and interests.
We are very excited to offer an 8-week Summer Internship and Academic program in which students can develop in their professional interests, learn about the global workforce, improve their Spanish, and engage in Andalusian society.
What is the Spanish Institute for Global Education’s mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
The Alhambra gardens
The mission of the Spanish Institute for Global Education is to contribute to the construction of a better world through effective language learning and to serve as a meeting point between different cultures, beliefs, and ideologies.
We continue to work towards this mission by seeking students from all over the world who are likewise interested in getting to know their neighbors and broadening their understanding of the world around them.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope students walk away from our program with confidence in their ability to learn new things, test their preconceived notions, and build community beyond their home country.
I hope students use their experiences in Seville to advance their personal and professional goals, pursue challenging objectives, and keep in mind that they can do hard things.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Today, it is very easy to become siloed into a single way of thinking. The algorithms on social media and the responses we get from AI can reinforce patterns of thinking that leave us complacent in our creativity and worldview.
When people travel abroad, they are inherently entering spaces with different ways of being and knowing. Thus, travel experiences are crucial to breaking patterns that leave us stagnant in our general growth.
Enjoying local beaches with my family
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
For me, meaningful travel is engaging with the local community. While a trip to a foreign McDonald's or Starbucks can be convenient and familiar (and sometimes necessary), people get the most out of their time abroad when they speak to locals, try new foods, and let themselves get lost along new roads.
For me, meaningful travel is allowing yourself to experience a new place without judging it for what you think it should be.
