What inspired you to work for your organization?
What inspires me the most is the fact that working with young people. We have the possibility to have a real impact on their lives. So, I feel that what we do matters.
We can help them change the path of their lives by inspiring their future choices. Their time spent studying in Sicily at our school becomes a life-changing experience for them.
Describe a typical day at work.
My typical workday begins with a daily update meeting, gathering the entire team to communicate updates and set tasks for the day. Following a brief email check, I delve into the project I am currently working on.
This usually involves analyzing data, collaborating with team members, and strategizing to ensure project success.
A garden in which to work and study
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
My current role feels custom-made for my background. Given my academic foundation in economics, I am well-versed in working with numbers, a skillset I apply daily.
Working with international students resonates with me deeply, as it evokes memories of my own time studying abroad.
Additionally, the opportunity to use a language other than my mother tongue on a daily basis is something I truly cherish.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Stay open-minded and conduct thorough research about the country you'll be living in for the next few months to prepare yourself for the experiences that lie ahead.
Familiarizing yourself with its culture, customs, and local nuances will greatly enhance your ability to adapt and thrive in your new environment.
Cooking with local ingredients
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
We prioritize addressing students' needs with great care and attention. Furthermore, our location holds significant importance. Situated in Siracusa, a charming town in Sicily, its intimate size contributes to a sense of safety, particularly for individuals experiencing their first solo venture abroad.
Despite its compactness, Siracusa boasts a lively cultural scene, ensuring a rich and vibrant experience for all.
What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?
I am optimistic about broadening the diversity of countries our students come from. Our aim is to cultivate a global community of students, providing them with the opportunity to broaden their perspectives by interacting with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Sharing experiences is fundamental, particularly for young individuals, as it fosters mutual understanding and growth.
What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?
Due to the modest size of our town, living costs are notably lower here. Additionally, Siracusa's charmingly unpretentious atmosphere, in contrast to bustling cities like Florence or Rome, means fewer crowds and fewer foreigners.
This unique setting offers our students unparalleled opportunities to connect with locals and fully immerse themselves in the authentic local culture.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission is to offer innovative, collaborative, and interculturally enriching learning experiences, all while striving to bring about substantial benefits to both the local and global community.
In pursuit of these objectives, we actively collaborate with local NGOs to engage our students in initiatives aimed at enhancing community life at the grassroots level.
A break during the excavation
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
What I hope participants take away from our programs is, first and foremost, lifelong friendships. Establishing new connections is paramount for young individuals, and forging bonds during a life-changing experience ensures they gain a companion for life.
Additionally, I aspire for them to create lasting memories, which they can share with loved ones back home, serving as cherished companions throughout their journey.
If you could participate on one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
If given the opportunity to participate in one of our organization's programs, I would undoubtedly choose the archaeology program.
From an academic perspective, I find it incredibly enriching as it offers students the chance to excavate in authentic temple sites and collaborate with local institutions actively engaged in preserving cultural heritage.
On a personal level, being the daughter of an archaeologist, I have grown up dreaming of participating in a genuine excavation.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
I strongly believe that traveling and gaining experiences abroad, whether through work or study, is the most effective way to broaden one's horizons and connect with individuals who share similar interests.
When you engage with a different culture on a daily basis, you naturally become more patient, understanding, and empathetic. You break out of the confines of your own world and realize that there are myriad ways to approach the same task.
This newfound perspective proves invaluable not only in your professional life but also in your career, as it teaches you to think innovatively and thrive beyond your comfort zone.
Discovering the local landscape
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Language, as a crucial tool of communication, is fundamental for interacting with others. By acquiring a second language, the breadth of individuals you can connect with expands significantly.
Moreover, language proficiency is highly valued by employers, enhancing your prospects during job searches. Employers often view CVs showcasing diverse language skills favorably.
Furthermore, language serves as a gateway to understanding culture, offering insights into the customs and perspectives of those who speak it. Embracing language learning thus provides a unique opportunity to deepen cultural understanding and foster meaningful connections.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
My advice for individuals considering traveling abroad is to look beyond the most popular or glamorous destinations. Instead, invest time in thorough research to discover the perfect fit for your personality—the destination that can offer you the most enrichment.
Don't hesitate to opt for an experience that diverges from the mainstream narrative; choose a place where you can immerse yourself in genuine experiences rather than conforming to tourist expectations.
Consider smaller, lesser-known locales where you can feel truly at ease, connect with local communities, and authentically become a part of the destination.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel, to me, is more than just sightseeing and leisure. It involves immersing oneself in diverse cultures, connecting with local communities, and gaining a deeper understanding of the world.
It increases your empathy, expands your mindset, and contributes positively to the local community. It is an authentic experience that will have a lasting impact on your life, whether through cultural exchange, volunteer work, or sustainable tourism practices.
At the end of the day, meaningful travel is about creating meaningful connections, both with others and with the places you explore.
