What inspired you to work for Fundacion Bolivar Education?
Since childhood, I have been interested in learning languages and traveling to experience new cultures. Following extensive international experience, I am dedicated to helping younger generations achieve their goals.
I enjoy working with individuals or groups of all ages and nationalities, assisting them with trip planning, sharing local culture, and supporting their travel experiences.
We visit local markets to experience traditional foods and drinks that are unique to our region.
Describe a typical day at work.
My daily responsibilities include responding to participant requests regarding Spanish classes and volunteer programs. I provide essential information on safety, security, and extracurricular activities, including weekend trips.
Furthermore, I engage with participants during daily cultural activities and oversee airport transfers.
What is your favorite part of your job?
The part I enjoy most about my work is the final departure at the airport. Receiving heartfelt thanks and, sometimes, even seeing participants say goodbye with hugs and tears, is a testament to their accomplishments.
Many express a desire to stay or return the following year, and I maintain lasting connections with many of them through social media
This process requires experience and collaboration in the roasting, grinding, melting, and final stages. We pair this 100% cacao beverage with cheese empanadas, a traditional Andean treat
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
In addition to my language teacher training, I spent eight years in Germany. This background helps me manage diverse interpersonal dynamics and provide emotional support and motivation to participants, many of whom are traveling away from home for the first time.
I have found that proficiency in multiple languages is a significant advantage in building trust and fostering strong connections with those I serve.
What challenges do you often face, and how do you overcome them?
While participants face various challenges upon arrival—such as adapting to the weather, language, and local cuisine—the most significant challenge involves navigating cultural differences.
Through patience and trust, we facilitate a smooth transition into our culture. Furthermore, we provide dedicated support to participants from regions where English, German, or Spanish are not the primary languages to ensure they successfully adapt to the program.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
A primary piece of advice we offer participants is to maintain an open mind. We believe that respecting and embracing cultural differences is essential to a meaningful travel experience.
To support this, we provide an orientation tour covering local social norms, safety rules, and program logistics.
Why should someone choose Fundacion Bolivar Education over competitors?
As part of our cultural activities, we also offer an Ecuadorian cooking class. During this session, we prepare and taste traditional dishes such as llapingachos or BBQ guinea pig, allowing all participants to collaborate and enjoy the local cuisine together.
The foundation seeks to raise funds to support those in need across various sectors. Each participant contributes a portion of their fee toward improving their specific placement area.
We also organize customized programs tailored to the interests of each participant, offering flexibility and personalized service from arrival to departure to ensure confidence and security.
What is Fundacion Bolivar Education’s mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
The foundation operates as both a Spanish language school and a volunteer organization, legally accredited by the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Education. Our mission is to improve the lives of children and adults while maintaining and caring for local flora and fauna.
Both the income from Spanish classes and the volunteer participation fees are used to support these programs and cover the foundation's administrative expenses.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
We hope that each participant returns satisfied with their contribution to those in need.
Our goal is for them to gain a new perspective, learn new languages, and understand the realities of life in our country. We believe this experience enriches them as human beings, leaving them with the sincere affection of those they supported.
For active participants, we also coordinate sports and recreational outings at local parks.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures is vital for broadening perspectives, fostering empathy, improving adaptability, and building global awareness by challenging prejudices and connecting people through shared human experiences.
This leads to personal growth and a greater appreciation of the world's diversity. It breaks down stereotypes, enhances problem-solving skills in unfamiliar situations, and develops intercultural communication, transforming individuals into open-minded global citizens.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
A meaningful journey is based on deep connection, personal growth, and positive impact, going beyond traditional tourism to immerse oneself in cultures, learn from locals, and understand diverse perspectives.
This ultimately transforms the traveler, leaving them better, fostering empathy, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. It is intentional, focused on the purpose of the trip, prioritizing authentic experiences and mindful presence over sightseeing.
