What inspired you to work for Spanish Gap Year?
I was inspired to work for my organization because I wanted to make a meaningful impact on students during their time abroad. I’m passionate about helping students experience the best of Spain while growing academically, personally, and professionally.
With a background in international marketing, social media, and storytelling, I love blending creativity and strategy to build authentic connections that resonate with students before, during, and after their experience. I truly believe travel and education have the power to transform lives, helping people gain confidence, independence, and a clearer sense of who they are and what they want for their future.
Being part of that journey and supporting students as they navigate a new country and culture is incredibly meaningful to me.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Carmel Bunkers Views
I would tell my pre-travel self to intentionally schedule time to journal and reflect throughout the experience, not just at the end, because everything moves so quickly abroad and those quiet moments are what help you actually process how much you’re growing in real time. It’s easy to get caught up in the pace of new places, people, and routines, but reflection is what turns travel into lasting personal development.
I’d also remind myself not to overlook the “small” practical things that seem unimportant at first but make a huge difference in day-to-day confidence, like knowing where to find a pharmacy, how to ask for help in a new language, or where to quickly buy a charger when yours inevitably breaks or gets lost. These everyday problem-solving skills are what make you feel capable and independent in a new country.
Building comfort with those basics early on changes the whole experience, which is why we prioritize teaching students exactly those kinds of skills during their first days in Spain.
Describe a typical day at work.
There is no true “typical” day in my role, which is one of the things I love most about it. Some days I’m creating social media content and marketing campaigns, while other days I’m meeting one-on-one with students to discuss their experiences in Spain, their goals, and their personal growth.
I might be helping a student navigate everyday challenges, like translating at a pharmacy, or leading weekly group sessions on topics like public speaking, breathwork, culture shock, and boundaries. My work blends mentorship, education, marketing, and student support in a very meaningful way.
Why do you do what you do?
I do what I do because of the transformation I get to witness in each student. There is something incredibly special about being invited into such a formative chapter of someone’s life and helping guide them as they grow.
Watching students gain confidence, independence, and a deeper understanding of themselves is deeply rewarding. I feel so grateful to be part of their journey. Every single student teaches me something new, and each connection reminds me why this work matters so much to me.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is meeting with students one-on-one each week. Those conversations allow me to truly get to know their story, their purpose, and what brought them to Spain in the first place.
I love creating a space where they feel seen and supported, and together we can turn their goals into actionable steps. Watching them gain clarity, confidence, and momentum toward the life they want is incredibly meaningful to me.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
My education and international background shape my role every day. Coming from the United States, where communication is often more indirect and culturally different from Spain, I understand firsthand how challenging cultural adjustment can be. This helps me guide students as they step outside their comfort zones and learn to adapt to Spanish culture with openness and confidence.
My experiences connecting with people from all over the world have also taught me how to support students from diverse backgrounds. I’m able to help them navigate cultural differences, build understanding, and feel more at home in Spain while embracing the growth that comes with the experience.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I face is helping students navigate culture shock. Adjusting to life in Spain can be exciting, but also uncomfortable and overwhelming at times. Many students initially feel frustrated or skeptical about cultural differences, especially when things don’t work the way they are used to.
I overcome this by creating space for them to process those emotions and validating what they’re feeling without judgment. Through conversation, reflection, and guidance, I help them shift from resistance to curiosity.
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is watching that transition happen as students begin to appreciate the beauty, rhythm, and richness of Spanish culture.
What are some current projects you are working on?
One of the projects I’m currently focused on is bringing more outside experts into our group sessions to offer students specialized learning experiences on a wider range of topics. We tailor our workshops based on each student cohort’s interests and goals, so right now I’m designing sessions that feel especially relevant to them.
I’m also coordinating experiential activities like horseback riding, surfing, and other cultural adventures that help students connect with Spain in fun, memorable ways while continuing their personal growth.
Catalan Cooking Class in Barcelona
Why should someone choose Spanish Gap Year over competitors?
What sets us apart is the level of personalized, hands-on support we provide throughout the entire experience. We don’t simply place students in a program and send them on their way—we stay actively involved in their journey from arrival to departure.
Through weekly one-on-one check-ins focused on both practical adjustment and personal growth, we help students reflect, process challenges, and make the most of their time abroad.
We also support them in navigating everyday life in Spain, from going to the pharmacy or scheduling doctor appointments to troubleshooting transportation or even helping translate at the supermarket. These small but essential moments are often where the biggest growth happens, and having guidance makes a real difference in building independence.
This consistent, personalized support helps students feel safe, seen, and empowered as they adapt to a new country and culture, allowing them to fully focus on growth, confidence, and meaningful connection during their time abroad.
What is Spanish Gap Year's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission is to have a positive impact on both the local and international community by creating meaningful opportunities for decent work and equipping learners with skills that support them for life. This includes language development, cultural awareness, social skills, wellness, and personal growth, all within the framework of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
We continue to work toward this mission by embedding it into every part of the student experience. Through weekly one-on-one check-ins, group workshops, and hands-on daily support, we help students actively build confidence, independence, and cultural understanding while living in Spain.
Whether it’s guiding them through cultural adjustment, supporting their wellbeing, or creating learning opportunities through real-life experiences, everything we do is rooted in multiculturality, inclusivity, sustainability, and personal responsibility.
We don’t just talk about growth—we actively support it every day in real, practical ways.
What makes Spanish Gap Year special?
What makes our organization special is how deeply we personalize each student’s experience. No two pathways look the same, because we take the time to understand each student’s interests, goals, and personality, and build their schedule around that.
Whether a student is passionate about volunteering with animals, taking classes in art history, or exploring a mix of internships, cultural activities, and language learning, we can create a program that reflects exactly what they want from their time in Spain. This level of flexibility and intentional design allows each student to have a truly meaningful and unique experience abroad.
What hopes do you have for the future for Spanish Gap Year?
My hope for the future of our organization is that we continue supporting students in the same meaningful, hands-on way we do now, while expanding our reach to a wider audience. I want us to keep growing so we can share our mission and sustainable travel programs with more students around the world.
At the same time, I hope we never lose the personalized, high-level support that makes the experience so impactful. As we grow, I see us continuing to build programs that combine cultural immersion, education, and personal development in a responsible and sustainable way.
Are there any developments with Spanish Gap Year that you would like to share with us?
One of the most exciting recent developments is the expansion of our global internship network for students. We are actively building partnerships and opportunities that connect our students with meaningful internships across the world, giving them access to real professional experience in a wide range of industries and destinations.
This allows students to continue their growth beyond Spain and into a truly global context. It’s a really exciting step forward because it strengthens our mission of creating international, purpose-driven experiences that prepare students for their future careers while continuing to support their personal development.
What makes Spanish Gap Year easy to market to potential participants?
What makes our organization easy to market to potential participants is the fact that our programs are truly personalized. Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all experience, we take the time to get to know each student and understand their interests, goals, and motivations.
From there, we tailor their experience in Spain to fit who they are and what they want to get out of their time abroad. This level of customization makes it easy to communicate value, because every student can clearly see how the program can be shaped around their individual journey and aspirations.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope participants leave our programs with confidence above all else.
Confidence in themselves, in their ability to navigate new environments, and in their capacity to handle challenges independently. Beyond that, I hope they gain a deeper understanding of Spanish culture, stronger communication and social skills, and a real sense of personal growth.
I also hope they leave with practical, real-world experience through internships, volunteering, or entrepreneurship-focused opportunities. Whether they are working with local businesses, supporting community projects, volunteering with animals or social initiatives, or exploring entrepreneurial ideas, these experiences help them connect their personal interests to meaningful impact. It gives them the chance to build skills, explore career paths, and understand what it means to contribute in a global context.
Most importantly, I want them to leave with clarity about who they are and who they want to become. Living in Spain, stepping outside their comfort zones, and engaging in hands-on experiences often becomes a turning point for students.
The experiences, connections, and challenges they face shape not only their perspective of the world, but also their understanding of themselves and their future direction.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures is important because it pushes people beyond what is familiar and comfortable. Being in a different place is uncomfortable, and being uncomfortable is how we grow. When students leave their home environment, they are challenged to adapt, communicate, and understand perspectives that may be very different from their own. This builds resilience, empathy, and confidence in a way that staying within a familiar setting often cannot.
Living in another culture also helps people develop a deeper awareness of themselves. As they navigate new systems, languages, and social norms, they begin to recognize their strengths, their limitations, and their ability to adapt. These experiences often lead to greater independence and clarity about personal and professional goals.
Beyond individual growth, cultural exchange fosters connection and understanding between people from different parts of the world. It breaks down assumptions and stereotypes and replaces them with real human experiences. In a world that is increasingly interconnected, this kind of understanding is not only valuable but essential.
Ultimately, traveling abroad is not just about seeing new places; it is about becoming a more open, capable, and grounded version of yourself.
How do you help support participants?
I support participants by being present with them throughout every stage of their experience, both in structured and everyday ways. On a practical level, I help with the day-to-day realities of living in Spain, whether that’s assisting with doctor appointments, translating at pharmacies or supermarkets, or helping them navigate unfamiliar situations so they feel safe and supported.
On a more personal level, I meet with students weekly to check in on their wellbeing, their goals, and their personal growth. These one-on-one conversations allow me to understand their experience deeply and help them turn challenges into learning moments. I also lead group sessions focused on topics like culture shock, communication, breathwork, boundaries, and public speaking, giving students tools to better understand themselves and thrive in a new environment.
Most importantly, I support participants by creating a space where they feel heard, validated, and encouraged. My role is not just to guide them through logistics, but to help them grow in confidence, independence, and self-awareness as they navigate life abroad.
If you could participate on one of Spanish Gap Year's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
As a program leader, I already get to experience a lot of what our students do firsthand, which is one of the best parts of my role. I’m on the ground with them, sharing many of the moments that make their time in Spain so meaningful.
One of my favorite experiences so far has been canyoning in the Pyrenees mountains with the students. It was such an incredible mix of challenge, teamwork, and excitement, and it really reflected what our programs are all about.
If I were to choose a specific experience to do again or expand on, I would want to continue exploring the more adventurous and immersive side of Spain—traveling through different regions, taking part in outdoor activities like canyoning, surfing, or hiking, and combining that with cultural immersion in local communities.
I love the balance our programs offer between personal growth, adventure, and real connection, and being part of those moments alongside students is something I value deeply.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
Participants often ask questions about safety, daily life, and what support will actually look like once they arrive in Spain. One of the most common questions is about host families, and I always reassure them that we work with carefully vetted, trusted hosts who are selected to provide a safe, welcoming, and culturally immersive environment.
Another frequent concern is what happens if they need help outside of scheduled hours. I explain that students have access to 24/7 emergency support, so they are never alone in handling unexpected situations. Whether it’s a medical issue, a practical challenge, or simply needing guidance, there is always someone available to support them.
Students also often ask about their academic or language progression. I let them know that Spanish classes continue throughout their program, helping them build confidence and fluency over time while reinforcing their cultural immersion.
Finally, participants are curious about the different pathways available, and I explain that we offer tailored options such as internships, volunteering, and entrepreneurship-focused experiences. These pathways allow students to align their time abroad with their personal interests and future goals, making their experience both structured and meaningful.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language is important because it completely changes the way you connect with people and experience the world. In Spain, even attempting to speak Spanish opens so many doors; you go from being an outsider observing a culture to someone who can actively participate in it. People respond so differently when you try, even if you make mistakes. There’s a warmth and openness that comes from that effort, and suddenly everyday interactions become real connections.
It also allows you to understand culture on a much deeper level. Language isn’t just words, it carries emotion, humor, and perspective. When students start speaking Spanish, even at a basic level, they begin to see the beauty of daily life in Spain in a completely new way. Simple things like ordering food, asking for directions, or chatting with locals become moments of confidence and connection instead of stress.
Beyond that, learning a language builds confidence and independence. It pushes you to be uncomfortable, to try, to fail, and to try again, which is exactly where growth happens. And in that process, students often discover that they are more capable than they thought, both socially and personally.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel to me is travel that gives back as much as it takes. It is not just about seeing new places, but about being intentional with how you move through the world and the impact you leave behind. For me, that starts with sustainability and choosing slower, more conscious ways of traveling, like taking trains instead of flights whenever possible, and being mindful of the environmental footprint of each journey.
It also means actively participating in environmental conservation while abroad. Whether that is planting trees, joining local cleanups, or supporting community-based sustainability projects, I believe travel should contribute positively to the places we visit. These experiences create a deeper connection to the land and the people, because you are not just passing through; you are helping protect and preserve it.
In addition, a portion of every program fee is donated to local nonprofits in the cities we operate in, which ensures that every student experience directly supports the communities they are living in. This creates a cycle of positive impact where travel is not extractive, but regenerative.
Meaningful travel is also about respect and reciprocity. It is understanding that we are guests in these spaces and that we have a responsibility to engage thoughtfully, learn from local communities, and support initiatives that benefit them long-term.
For me, travel becomes truly meaningful when it combines personal growth with environmental awareness, cultural respect, and real contribution.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
My advice to anyone thinking about going abroad is simple: do it, but go in with an open mind. Try to let go of expectations and any biases you might be carrying, because so much of the value of the experience comes from seeing things as they are, not as you assume they will be.
There will be moments of discomfort and confusion, and that is part of the process. Instead of resisting it, lean into it. Those moments are often where the most growth happens. Stay curious, ask questions, and allow yourself to learn from people and cultures that may be very different from your own.
If you can approach the experience with openness and humility, you will not only adapt more easily, but you will also gain a much deeper appreciation for the place you are in and for yourself.
What issues do you see in the world of international education that don't line up with your values and expectations for mutually beneficial & educational relationships between providers/programs and the communities in which they are located within?
One issue I see in international education is when programs prioritize volume over meaningful engagement with local communities. In some cases, students are brought into a country without enough emphasis on cultural understanding, responsible travel, or long-term impact. This can lead to experiences that feel transactional rather than mutually beneficial.
I also think there can be a disconnect when programs do not fully integrate into the communities they operate in, or when local voices are not meaningfully included in shaping the experience. If international education is truly going to be valuable, it has to work both ways. Students should be learning from and contributing to the community, not just observing it from the outside.
Another challenge is when student support is limited once they arrive. Living abroad naturally comes with culture shock, emotional adjustment, and practical challenges. Without strong, consistent guidance, students can feel isolated, which takes away from the potential of the experience.
What does ethical global engagement mean to you?
Ethical global engagement to me means approaching international work with respect, responsibility, and reciprocity at the center of everything you do. It is about making sure that travel, education, and cultural exchange are not one-sided, but instead create real value for both students and the communities they are entering.
For me, this shows up strongly in volunteering, sustainability, and community-based experiences. Ethical engagement means working with local nonprofits in a way that genuinely supports their mission, not just using them as a backdrop for an experience. It means students are actively contributing, whether that is through education projects, animal welfare, social initiatives, or environmental conservation efforts like tree planting and local cleanups.
Sustainability is also a key part of this. Choosing lower-impact ways of traveling, being mindful of consumption, and encouraging students to understand the environmental responsibility that comes with global mobility all matter deeply. Ethical engagement is not just about what you do while you are in a country, but how you get there and the footprint you leave behind.
It also means building real relationships with local communities. Not observing from a distance, but engaging in a way that is human, respectful, and open. Learning from locals, listening to their perspectives, and ensuring that their voices shape the experience is essential.
Ultimately, ethical global engagement is about ensuring that every experience creates shared value. Students grow, but so do the communities they interact with, and that balance is what makes global education truly meaningful.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
Hiking in Barcelona
My hope for the future of international education is that it becomes more ethical, sustainable, and community-focused. I would like to see programs prioritize meaningful engagement with local communities, support real partnerships with nonprofits, and encourage students to contribute through volunteering, environmental conservation, and responsible travel practices.
I also hope that student wellbeing and personal growth remain at the center, with strong support systems that help students navigate cultural adjustment in a healthy way. Ultimately, I want international education to continue evolving into something that creates mutual benefit for both students and the places they live in, where learning, connection, and impact go hand in hand.
What qualities in program & host community relations are important to you? (And Spanish Gap Year?)
The most important qualities in program and host community relations are mutual respect, trust, and genuine collaboration. For me, it is essential that relationships are built on listening to local communities and understanding their needs, rather than simply placing students into environments without context or connection.
At our organization, we prioritize working with host communities in a way that feels balanced and sustainable. That means partnering with local schools, nonprofits, and families who are actively involved in shaping the student experience, not just hosting it. We value transparency, ongoing communication, and long-term relationships that benefit both students and the communities they live in.
Equally important is cultural respect. Students are encouraged to approach their experience with humility, openness, and curiosity, while host communities are respected as educators in their own right. When both sides feel valued and heard, the experience becomes far more meaningful and impactful for everyone involved.
