Describe a typical day at work.
Every day is different depending on the nature of each work day. There are days when you have to do office work related to coordination of program activities and management. These days are a bit quieter and serve as a battery recharge for the days when program participants arrive in Peru. When our students are in Peru, we focus on making the most of their time! This means, we work hard to execute the various activities of the programs. At times, we are hiking with the students in the Andes, and other days we are sitting together for cultural activities.
Enjoying Lake Titicaca, Peru
What is your favorite part of your job?
For me it is a little difficult to choose something in particular as my favorite. Each program is full of special moments and according to the group, the energy is different. If I had to name just one, I could say I particularly enjoy when I meet young people, who in one way or another, quickly realize the opportunity and make the most of it. That is, the opportunity to be in a different place from their usual environment. Seeing them discovering, sharing, and receiving this cultural experience is something I really love.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
Sometimes handling cultural differences can be a challenge. I am a native from Peru; and, our program participants are from abroad. However, this is easily handled through communication.
Visiting a family on Lake Titicaca with one of our interns
What are some current projects you are working on?
At the moment, we are working on the implementation and improvement of some informative documents to be used in our Nutrition and Natural Medicine program.
What makes Linguistic Horizons special?
I think what makes Linguistic Horizons special as an organization is the detailed preparation and responsible development of each program activity. We believe that these experiences should be personalized, taking into account at all times the needs and interests of each of the participants, so that each person has a unique and customized experience when they return home.
What hopes do you have for the future for Linguistic Horizons?
I would love to see, in the not too distant future, Linguistic Horizons grow and continue to provide intercultural opportunities to people: foreigners and locals. Because the work done by Linguistic Horizons is not only for people who decide to participate in their programs and take a new learning; but, it also serves as an engine for the approach to the vision of social opportunities for the communities where they are carried out.
With my niece, Luciana
How do you help support participants?
As I always tell the participants, they can count on me anytime they need to. This is not only because of my position as coordinator, but also as a friend who is sharing the living culture of their country. With that, I think the door is open for any support they may need during (and after) the program.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
I think it is important that people leave their comfort zone to broaden their vision through real experiences that help them develop as more instinctive, natural, and social human beings.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
I consider language as a basic cultural tool. It is the one that allows the exchange of information and knowledge. Therefore, it is very important to have more options of that powerful tool.
Playing with my percussion troupe in Lima
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means traveling with a purpose. It is not only to travel to take pictures and post on social media; but rather, it is to travel to make an impact on yourself and those who you interact with on your journey.
What does ethical global engagement mean to you?
I particularly believe that it is the responsibility of each human being to promote and practice values that establish, as a starting point, a true respect for the life of all beings. With that as a human premise, we could start talking about a global ethical commitment that not only focuses on social responsibility and environmental care, but also seeks a horizon that is aligned with the real urgency of the world.
