What inspired you to work for American Language Services?
Los Angeles seemed like an amazing learning opportunity and the company seemed very nice and a friendly learning environment during the online meetings. They were also quick in responding to e-mails, which made it seem very good.
New York Yankees Stadium
Describe a typical day at work.
My workday started at 8:30 am wishing everyone good morning in the office and walking to the coffee machine.
Then I would sit down at my desk, open my e-mail, and start filtering what was for me to handle and what was for my colleagues. I then started processing invoices and invoicing our clients.
Often my coordinator would call me to his office to explain a thing or two he thought would be interesting for me to know and learn. When I was finished with my daily tasks, I would walk up to my coordinator and ask for more work.
Why do you do what you do?
I have always liked accounting courses, and I wanted to find out if working for an accounting department would be something I would want to pursue my career in. It has helped me gain a position in one of the big four accounting firms, so I would say I learned a lot and it was the best decision I could have made at the time.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Next to the fact that I really liked the tasks given to me, I think my favorite part of the job was the people in the office, who made me feel appreciated and welcome from the very first day. There was always room for questions and small talk, which made me feel extremely comfortable in the office.
Yosemite
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
My education and international background make a solid framework for my current role, however, I am still studying further in accounting.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
I face challenges in digitalizing tasks and working with colleagues who are digitally not up to date. I overcome this by explaining, for example, Excel, and trying to teach them how easy it can be to use and how much more efficient it is.
What are some current projects you are working on?
I am currently working on some sales projects.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Do it, you will love it.
What makes American Language Services special?
American Language Services is special because of its friendly and culturally diverse environment. I could always walk up to anyone with my questions and they would be very willing to help me out and explain everything I wanted to know in detail or direct me to the person I could better ask.
Alcatraz, San Francisco
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
If you want to work in a smaller team where you get to know everyone very well, you should definitely apply here. Also, the city is always thriving, which is an amazing adventure if you like adventures and challenges.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
The organisation's mission is to make the world smaller by connecting people around the world and providing language services globally. They have a lot of employees working remotely from a lot of countries. This goes from Bulgaria to Brazil. Also, the office team is culturally diverse and has people from multiple continents.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope participants have as much of an amazing time as I had working for this company. It is an amazing opportunity to go abroad for a certain amount of time and learn about the culture and business culture of the country you go to.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
It is important to see what else is out there besides where you live and what you are used to. For me, travelling abroad made me realise how much I love living in the Netherlands and how well the Netherlands has organised things. Being away for so long is a great adventure and I would do it again in a heartbeat, but it also makes you realise what you want in life.
LA Dodgers Stadium
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel, to me, encompasses several elements. Engaging deeply with local cultures, customs, and traditions. This involves more than just visiting tourist spots; it's about connecting with local people, learning their stories, and understanding their way of life.
Using travel as a way to challenge oneself, learn new things, and gain a broader perspective on life. This could include pushing personal boundaries, trying new activities, or reflecting on one's own beliefs and values.
Traveling in a way that minimizes negative impacts on the environment and local communities. This means being conscious of resource use, supporting local businesses, and choosing eco-friendly options whenever possible.
Finding ways to contribute positively to the places visited. This might involve volunteering, supporting local charities, or participating in community projects. Building relationships with people met during travel, whether locals or fellow travelers. These connections often lead to deeper, more memorable experiences and sometimes lifelong friendships. Treating travel as an opportunity to learn—about history, geography, art, cuisine, and more.