What inspired you to work for IPSL?
The idea that I might be a part of something that opens the eyes and hearts of young Americans was very inspirational for me. I've had the good fortune to travel a lot in my life and I know that it has only helped me to be a better person. I wanted to be a part of an organization that has such great passion for connecting with people across the globe.
Machu Picchu, with my friend Magaly, in Peru
Why do you do what you do?
I have a passion for traveling and connecting with people from all over the world. I believe, very strongly, that the more we travel and interact with people from different backgrounds, the better off the world would be.
I very much want to be a part of encouraging others to step out of their comfort zone and to experience new cultures.
What is your favorite part of your role as the Lead Management & Faculty-Led Director?
Interacting with my colleagues who are the best group of people that I have ever worked with. And, of course, interacting with potential students and helping them make study abroad decisions. I love when a student shares their story and I am able to think about our different programs and which one(s) might suit them best. Having had the great pleasure of experiencing many of the programs, I love sending students to places that I have been and loved.
Spectacular Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
Because I was a foreign exchange student, I am able to relate to some of the inhibitions and fears that some potential students have. I can sympathize with these fears (having had them myself) and share my own stories to encourage them to move forward despite them. It's worth it!
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Dive in head-first. Leave your insecurities behind. Start a conversation (even if your Turkish is way less than perfect!). Take advantage of being in a new place (where nobody knows you) and leave that shy girl back home.
What makes IPSL special?
Each and every person that works at IPSL makes it very special. We all come from different places and different backgrounds, but we all share a common goal which is to help as many people as we can to experience and participate in another place, another culture.
Hanging out with Marine Iguanas on Isla Isabela Ecuador
If you could participate on one of IPSL's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
Wherever I go, I am a sucker for working with children. And I've had the great pleasure of doing just that on almost every program we have! For me there is nothing like the joyful face of a child, the laughter, the curiosity, the fearlessness. They are inspiring whether from Cambodia, Peru, Colombia, or Greece.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
To put things into perspective and to understand that my way isn't the only way. To see that it's possible to survive without television, new clothes, new stuff, and still be happy. Sometimes to see that you don't have it so bad after all. Travel can be humbling and embarrassing realizing that we sometimes gripe about the silliest things.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Just do it! Even when things don't turn out exactly like you thought they would, the experience stays with you, changes you, helps you.
Even many years after the fact, I am forever changed and grateful for my foreign exchange experience.
Babouche Merchant in Marrakech, Morocco
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
That you experience a place and its people by really 'being there'. Not just ticking tourist spots off your list but understanding those tourists spots, the history and the meaning to the people of that place. Listening to the people and trying to understand what they are all about. Learning something new, understanding something differently, making new friends.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
That it becomes more widespread and available for students of every income level. My hope would be that the people 'in-charge' would share that vision and encourage and fund study abroad education for as many American citizens as possible with the understanding that the more we travel the better we can become.
