You’re a current staff member, but also participated in an ISV program. What about your experience volunteering abroad led you to want to work for ISV?
There were a few years between me completing my ISV program and working for ISV, but in that time I realized just how big an impact the trip had on my life. It helped shape my worldview, so I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to work in the ISV office and be a part of that process for others.
White water rafting along the Pacuare River in Costa Rica
What does your role as Student Coordinator look like on a daily basis?
I work predominantly in Student Care for participants traveling on departure dates throughout the Australian summer holidays, and the tasks change from day to day. I do anything from reviewing applications, responding to participant’s phone and email enquiries, sending out newsletters, designing emails, invoicing, sending queries to our international office staff and more!
You’ve been with ISV for almost four years, what has been your biggest accomplishment?
It’s a great feeling when a group of students return from their ISV Program. You read their evaluations and realize that they’ve both been through something life changing and have changed the lives of others.
If you could attend another one of ISV’s programs which would you choose?
I would choose ISV's Thailand program. Thailand is an extremely popular tourist destination among Australians, but I know I know that if I traveled with ISV, it would be more meaningful. The program allows participants to develop a rich understanding of Thai culture and the current environmental and political challenges facing the country, as well contributing something positive and connecting with locals.
What sets ISV’s volunteer programs apart from the myriad of other volunteer programs out there?
There are multiple reasons, but I think one of the main is the in-country office staff. The Country Coordinators in each of the ISV destinations are really outstanding, accomplished, skilled, fun, and in this industry for all the right reasons. As a result, ISV has fantastic Project Leaders and Tour Leaders, so I feel as though I work as part of an international team of great individuals.
Michael with other volunteers in Volcan Arenal in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Your educational background is in Psychology and the Arts. How do you apply your skills and interests in Art to your work as Marketing Assistant and Psychology to your work as Student Coordinator?
I have received a fine arts education in realist figurative painting and to create a realistic artwork, you have to focus on both the big picture and the fine details simultaneously. If you get caught up in the detail without thinking about the broader goal, you can waste time – but if you just look at the big picture without the fine details, you don’t make progress. I apply these principles to my work with ISV. I’m constantly juggling the fine administrative details with the broad scope of what we’re doing globally. When it comes to psychology, understanding the significance of this program for first-time travelers is really important in the role, as is clear communication.
What’s your favorite part about working for ISV?
It’s a dynamic environment that utilizes a diverse range of skills, making the work challenging, stimulating, and rewarding. I’ve grown as a person since working for ISV, through acquiring new skills and developing the pre-existing, but I’ve also connected with a team of wonderful staff who are passionate about travel and care about the planet. That’s very satisfying.
