What inspired you to work for your Alzar School & Gap?
My wife Kristin and I were inspired to found Alzar in 2004 because we had felt frustrated with our own educational journeys. We believed there should be more to learning than could be found inside the four walls of a traditional classroom. We knew that if we could combine the outdoor adventure, leadership training, and cultural exchange that had impacted us, Alzar's programs would change students' lives.
Describe a typical day at work.
I spend much of my work days supporting the implementation of Alzar's mission. That means meeting with directors of programs, hosting students for dinner at our house, and solving the logistical challenges that come with running programs on two continents.
Why do you do what you do?
Alzar has been fortunate to be a steadily growing and constantly improving organization. My work as Head of School is to keep our vision high, looking for new opportunities.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love when I hear stories of our alumni using their leadership skills in their communities after their programs with us. It is incredibly rewarding and reinforces why Alzar exists.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I am connected to Chile on an almost daily basis. That means I use my Spanish regularly, and have to make decisions that are sensitive to the cultural norms of Patagonia. In the US, leading an organization regularly presents challenges that requires me to be flexible and adaptable—both gained by time abroad.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
I believe that anyone who starts something they believe in will ultimately put in long days. Your mental and physical endurance are challenged. For me, looking for the adventure in life helps prepare you for those moments.
What are some current projects you are working on?
We are setting up gap programs in Idaho and Chile for 2021-2022. We are focusing on getting the word out about our programs to great high school graduates.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Spend as much time as you can to learn the language of the area you are visiting! Speaking directly with folks you interact with makes the experience so much richer.
What makes Alzar special?
The people. Everyone who works at Alzar is uniquely committed to the organization and the students who join us. I am so proud to be a part of the team.
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
Alzar truly cares about all of the students who participate in our programs. We are a growing organization, but everyone who passes through is well-known and appreciated.
Are there any developments with your organization that you would like to share with us?
Alzar recently purchased a beautiful 375-acre, lakeside "campo" (farm) outside of Coyhaique, Chile, which we are developing into "Base Patagonia." This base will serve as a launchpad for all of Alzar's students who pass through the region.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
We hope that participants leave with the confidence and skills to be leaders in their communities. They will have reflected on their own leadership and are able to articulate their leadership style.
If you could participate in one of Alzar’s programs, where would you go and what would you do?
Tough question! I would say I would head to Patagonia and drink mate with gauchos. Or, I would head to the Salmon River and stretch my legs out on the beautiful sandy beaches.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Language brings us closer together. Even learning the basics can go a long way. If you have the chance, bridge cultural gaps by extending a "welcome" in a new language. You won't regret it.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Plan ahead and then seize opportunities. You can learn about a destination before you go, and this preparation will make the overall experience richer. Once there, make sure to be on the lookout for small opportunities to experience the culture. That might be as simple as sharing a hot drink with a person in a cafe.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is anything that stretches you out of your comfort zone. As Mark Twain said "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I hope that we see a groundswell in students considering alternatives to the traditional educational paths. As part of that, I would love to see everyone have a meaningful international experience.