What inspired you to work for ISA by WorldStrides?
Studying abroad as an undergraduate student inspired me to work for ISA. I traveled on direct agreement programs through my university, without the support of an organization like ISA.
While my experiences were life-changing and full of opportunities for personal growth, ISA offers students an added value. When I interviewed and met the other staff who work at ISA, I felt that same energy and passion to share the local culture and language through a variety of ways, including fun activities, excursions, and group discussions.
Describe a typical day at work.
My days are just like I like them—no two are exactly the same. While I do spend a lot of time working on the intricate details regarding enrollment management for our sites in South America, I also take care of the on-site responsibilities.
I meet with the Lima students regularly for meetings and organize cultural activities throughout the city. I also seek out new housing options and research upcoming "don’t-want-to-miss" cultural events. I might be at one host institution or another, depending on what’s going on that day!
Rainbow Mountain in Cusco!
Why do you do what you do?
I do what I do because I believe study abroad experiences are crucial to expanding one's intercultural competence. It’s an opportunity to self-reflect on where we come from and to see things from a different perspective.
Students build resilience as they are faced with difficult decisions and situations, all while out of their comfort zone. They learn to adapt and problem-solve—two skills that are important moving forward in life, after college.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love working with college students. They keep me young at heart and hopeful about the future.
I really enjoy watching students be curious and adventurous—traveling, trying new foods. I see their confidence grow as they overcome challenges and reach their goals, whether it be language acquisition, spending time with locals, or even learning how to surf!
Lima Scavenger Hunt with ISA and local Peruvian students.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
I would tell myself to take time to sit and observe the local people—whether at a park or the grocery store—doing everyday things, interacting with each other.
I would encourage myself to spend more time with locals, learning from them as much as I can before I have to return home. I would recommend being present and grateful every day for the opportunity to be abroad, recognizing that it’s not easy for everyone to have such an experience.
I would tell myself that while not every day will be picture-perfect, it’s the tough times where you evolve, and you learn about yourself—building resolve and empathy.
What makes your organization special?
The people, hands down! I have worked at ISA for over 25 years, alongside the same people in the Austin office and abroad.
We have worked overtime together, we’ve traveled together, and we’ve shared milestones together. At the end of the day, our hearts are in the right place, and we are here because we love what we do.
Why should someone choose ISA by WorldStrides over competitors?
ISA has been around since 1987. Although I arrived in 1998, I could already feel a sense of family and was welcomed as one.
ISA works closely with U.S. university partners and students, with the same skills we hope our students acquire while abroad: empathy, flexibility, adaptability, trust, and love.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
ISA's mission is to ignite personal growth through education abroad opportunities with a commitment to exceptional support.
As a resident director, every day I look for ways for my students to live an independent life while in Lima. They proactively seek out activities that interest them and work towards reaching the personal goals they made before even traveling to Lima.
My students know I am always here to answer their questions and provide support as needed.
Out on assignment (excursion) in the desert dunes of Ica.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
After studying abroad in Lima, I hope participants are able to recognize the many similarities between the people they met here and their friends and family back home.
I hope they are curious and inspired to continue traveling, aware of their own personal growth each time they land in a new place. I want them to be travelers, not tourists—engaging in conversations with local people in a safe way, learning to listen first in order to discover the deeper meanings beneath the iceberg that shape the people of the place they are visiting.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
It is important because it normally generates empathy and open-mindedness, as well as a better understanding of one’s own background.
It allows one to self-reflect and, rather than compare, gain an appreciation for differences—associating them with one’s environment.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
I think learning a new language opens doors, allowing one to be a visitor rather than a tourist.
You can connect with people in that language in ways that would be impossible if you do not speak it. You are showing the people of that language that you are genuinely interested in interacting with them on the same playing field, which builds trust and the opportunity to learn much more about them.
Turtle Conservation Project with the Pacaya Samiria Amazon Lodge.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
I recommend that individuals research as much as possible about the cities or countries they are most interested in visiting.
Their ultimate choice may depend on many factors, including academic offerings, city size, sports availability, and opportunities to immerse themselves in a different language and culture, among others.
If someone is worried about feeling homesick or missing out on activities back home, I would recommend a shorter study abroad program—such as a summer program—before signing up for a semester or academic year.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel to me means being socially responsible while traveling, trying to have the least negative impact on the local community and environment.
Meaningful travel means seeking out local people for conversation, trying new foods, visiting local entertainment establishments—not only the ones designed for tourists.
It’s visiting the local market, sitting on a bench in the park, and observing local people interact with each other while they walk their dogs.
It’s also learning about the local slang, researching what are the current events and controversial topics—without forming an opinion before listening and learning.
