What inspired you to work for the Andean Alliance for Sustainable Development?
Originally, I worked with the Andean Alliance for Sustainable Development as a graduate-level intern. I was completing my Master's in International Education and had the opportunity to come to Peru to gain more hands-on experience.
After my 6 month internship, I spent a year and a half traveling as a program leader even though I never felt as aligned to the mission of the other organizations that I worked for. I always resonated with the AASD because of their approach to development work while using a social enterprise model to sustain the projects.
I was offered a job to come back and work with the AASD in Peru and it was too good to pass up.
With co-worker on the Experiential Learning team at the AASD, Anna.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is leading groups! I miss it since the last group we had was in March. I can't wait for the time when we are able to facilitate and host groups again.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I would say that the most valuable experience that I have is a mixture of working with student programming and development work from my Peace Corps experience in the Dominican Republic.
Knowing Spanish is essential for my job in Peru but also having first-hand experience of on-the-ground development work helps a lot. From knowing this, I know how important it is to foster relationships and trust within the communities where we work.
This helps me do my job better when it comes to leading and facilitating groups in critical discussion about sustainable and community development.
Translating a Weaving Workshop from Spanish to English for a group of students.
What are some current projects you are working on?
Currently, the Experiential Learning team at the AASD is exploring virtual program opportunities. We already had success with one over the summer and now we are looking for other ways to market our Fall programs. I also have spent some time making updates to our website.
What makes your organization special?
Our organization is a non-profit 501(c)3 with a social enterprise model. The funds we get from our student groups funnel into our community projects related to agriculture in campesino communities.
We act as a third-party provider, taking care of all of the logistics, itinerary, planning, etc. but also have fostered long-lasting relationships and now have a reputation in communities for helping implement agriculture initiatives.
Leading a group at the Urco Ruins and teaching them about the history of the legend Pitusiray.
Why should someone choose the AASD over competitors?
The funds that we get from our student programming go directly to support our community projects in the campesino communities. We are able to make the most impact because of this social enterprise model.
What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?
We are small, dedicated, personable, accommodating, and so much more. We will also offer a discounted price on our program in Peru to anyone who does a virtual program with us.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope that students take away a new appreciation and recognition to the Andean culture. They are connected to nature, Pachamama, they live sustainably, and they are extremely resilient. They do not need our help, as much as it is so important to learn something from them and see what they have to teach us about living in a way that is more in harmony with nature and each other through authentic connection.
How do you help support participants?
We are with participants throughout the whole process. We have materials pre-departure, during, and post-program. We have students fill out a medical emergency contact survey so that we can learn more about them and their needs in order to provide them with the best experience and service possible.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
It helps you connect with so many others that you would have never been able to before and helps you also see things from a different perspective due to how the language is expressed.
Group Picture Summer 2019
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Close your eyes, and feel it. Does your heart feel called to go there? If the answer is an immediate yes, lean more into it, there is something bigger waiting for you.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel has some form of connections and transformation involved. Connections and transformation come together, we cannot be without the other if we want a meaningful experience.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
Due to COVID-19, it is hard to predict the future of international education. I hope that international education is able to still provide students and participants with authentic, meaningful experiences and connections.