When did you first become interested in traveling?
I feel as though I have been interested in travel my whole life! I traveled around the U.S. with my family throughout much of my childhood, and my first international trip was at 12 years old. It’s such a part of who I am and is a lifelong passion!
What inspired you to become part of Greenheart Travel?
A friend who I studied abroad with (Sara Thacker actually!) got a job with Greenheart back in January 2011 and posted it on Facebook. I started following Greenheart Travel pretty much immediately after, regularly stalking their job board to see if anything opened up. Fast forward five years, and my stalking paid off when the perfect job opened up and I applied and got it!
Megan and her Greenheart Travel colleagues on their staff retreat and training in San Miguel de Allende, México
Why is Greenheart Travel different from other organizations?
I think we are different than other organizations because of our culture. We're all travelers ourselves, so we care about our participants having a positive and transformative experience, but we also help them set realistic expectations about going abroad. Traveling isn’t always puppies and rainbows -- there can be times of real challenge! We are honest about that from the beginning and I think that goes a long way to build trust and integrity with our participants.
I also feel really passionate about our environmental values and commitment to service-learning. We try to take a holistic approach to cultural exchange. It’s not just about going abroad once; it’s about building a community of like-minded travelers that connect people and the planet.
In one of her favorite cities in the world, Megan overlooks the stunning Lisbon, Portugal skyline.
As the program manager for Greenheart Travel, how do you help ensure participants have a positive experience abroad?
There is a lot that goes into having a positive experience and it starts with good preparation! I like to focus on thorough and thoughtful planning for my participants. I provide a lot (maybe too many!) resources for them so that they understand each step of the process in going abroad. That includes things like packing lists, culture shock training, phone and internet options abroad, budgeting forms, SMART goals, etc.
What is the best advice you have for future participants?
It’s all about attitude and expectations, so set yourself up for success by being open-minded and flexible. The people who excel abroad are those who are open to all sorts of new experiences and are always saying yes to trying new things!
During a recent volunteer project in Costa Rica, Megan had the opportunity to visit a local school where the students were obsessed with her DSLR camera and all wanted to pose for photos!
How does Greenheart Travel make short term programs filled with meaningful experiences?
Regardless of length of stay, trips abroad can be meaningful when you are intentional about your choices. Many of our programs are inherently made more meaningful by the full-immersion, homestay accommodations we offer. This allows participants to make local connections and get to know “real” people living their “real” lives. We also encourage all of our participants to participate in volunteer or service-learning opportunities while abroad through the Greenheart Club.
Why do you think high school students can especially benefit from international travel?
I think one of the least mentioned, but most tangible, benefits of studying abroad is increased confidence. Many young people have so much pressure and stress heaped on them that it can lead to a feeling of helplessness. But when they are able to navigate an international airport on their own, have a complex conversation in a foreign language, or build relationships with diverse people, their confidence explodes and that is such an important thing for young people to learn! They are so bright and optimistic, and having the confidence to share that is paramount to their success as young adults.
Megan posing with a group of Greenheart Travel students from Foundations College Prep during their volunteer project in Ciudad Quesada, Costa Rica
What is the best part about working for Greenheart Travel?
The people -- both participants and colleagues! I'm lucky to work with my friends who also happen to be dedicated, passionate and hard-working people who are 100 percent committed to the programs they manage. Hearing the stories of transformation from my alumni is one of my favorite things about my job, because it brings home how rewarding and meaningful the travel experience was for them.
