Why do you do what you do?
I do it because it’s amazing! Getting to travel with students from all around the globe and helping them to explore the world is the most enriching experience I can have. I have been working with Forum-Nexus for more than two years and I have learned a lot both professionally and personally throughout my experiences being a part of the staff team.
Enjoying the sun and the beach at Cinque Terre!
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is visiting new places and getting to know new people from different countries all around the world. Every year I get to travel to new cities and meet new people who come from different cultures, backgrounds, and lifestyles, and that is priceless!
What are some current projects you are working on?
I’m currently working on finding new ways to reach international students, including Egyptian students, so that they can learn more about Forum-Nexus and join us for a life-changing summer experience!
Four of the amazing Forum-Nexus team members at the Eiffel Tower!
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
My advice to my pre-travel self would be to enjoy each moment, explore the culture of each city you visit, and always find something new to discover! Although I travel to some cities more than once, through Forum-Nexus or otherwise, I always find new places and activities each time, giving me a deeper understanding of the culture and a higher appreciation for the city/country.
What makes Forum-Nexus special?
The diversity and internationalism are what make our organization special. Our team is from all around the world - each person comes from a different country with a different background and we all get to learn from each other. The fact that we host students from all around the world and that we are a multi-country program makes us even more special. We have so much attention to detail as we plan the various aspects of our program, and our hands-on approach helps us to give the best study abroad experience to our students. We also have a very beautiful concept among us, invented by our Program Director Dr. Hugo Hervitz, which is that whenever we encounter a less-than-perfect circumstance during the program (for example, a meal that we did not enjoy), we refer to it as “interesting” rather than using negative terminology, and we immediately move forward. I managed to adopt this positive way of thinking in all aspects of my life and it has really made an impact.
What is the Forum-Nexus mission and how do you continue to help them achieve it?
Our mission is to provide a first-class international educational experience and to foster an appreciation for the richness of other cultures, by offering unique and life-changing summer programs that encourage the exchange of ideas with individuals from around the world and create a community of students with a passion for learning and exploring the world with an open mind. We continue to work toward it by being open-minded and appreciating different cultures, leading by example for our students and going above and beyond to offer amazing programs every summer.
If you could participate in any Forum-Nexus program, which one would you choose?
I would participate in any Forum-Nexus program! In 2019, we are going to Asia and I have never been there so that is really exciting for me. I would immerse myself in the culture of each city and country on the itinerary - there’s a lot to learn from the different Asian cultures.
Forum-Nexus staff, student assistants, and interns preparing for a life-changing summer in Barcelona!
When choosing locations, what qualities in a program and/or host community are important to Forum-Nexus?
The most important qualities in our program and the way that we interact with our institutions, partners, students, and environments are the emphasis on increasing International IQ and the diversity of experiences between cities/countries. A key component of our program is our International IQ Seminar, which provides students with an overview of history, culture, politics, language, etc. in each country visited during the program. This allows for an immersive experience and to ensure that our students are really connecting with each country/location. And, the fact that we travel to so many cities accompanied by international faculty and staff members as well as international students gives a participant a well-rounded experience that cannot be matched by any other study abroad experience.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
My advice for anyone thinking about going abroad would be to just do it! Studying abroad opens your mind and teaches you in many different ways. Also to travel with an open heart and mind; there’s a lot to learn from traveling.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
It means to travel with an open mind and heart, that traveling is the best teacher, that you always get to learn and live something new, and to just seize each moment!
