What inspired you to found Evolve Abroad?
After working in the industry for so long for a variety of different organizations, I realized that there was a need for smaller providers to offer participants customized experiences focusing on niche topics which are relevant to today's global climate.
Hanging out with students on beach and marine awareness day
How have you used your education and international travel experience to conceptualize and now run Evolve Abroad?
I use it in multiple ways, from project design, implementation, and evaluation, all the way through to assisting in career coaching and personal development.
What makes Evolve Abroad special?
Our nurturing environment. We pride ourselves in building strong personal relationships with all of our participants and are committed to ensuring that each experience is customized to suit the individual requirements of each and every participant.
How do you help support participants before, during, and after their time abroad?
We offer comprehensive 360 support, right from the beginning with a consultation to ensure that their program ticks all the boxes and is sure to offer them the experiences and outcomes that they are looking for, to assisting them with pre departure travel planning and support, 24 hour support while they are in their host country, and then a final skills audit, career development map or plan for next steps. Then we do a follow up check in once they have returned home and settled back into normal life.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Do your research beforehand to make sure you have selected the program that best suits you interests and personal outcomes, and then while you are in your host country, keep an open mind and engage with as many people and explore as many places as possible!
Why do you do what you do?
I do what I do because I believe that the only way we can really solve the challenges we face on our planet today is to work collaboratively with people around the world, and this is one way of achieving this goal.
I believe that my travel experiences allowed me to grow in the most profound ways and opened up a world of opportunity to me, so I would love to help as many people as possible to have similar opportunities and experiences.
Working with women in township at our skills development centre
Describe a typical day at work for you.
Every day is different for me. A day could entail travelling to incredible places to collaborate with environmentalists or community leaders around the globe to work together in designing high impact projects and partnerships, which tackle the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Or, talking to students or young people looking to embark on their very first career and assisting them in finding the best project, partner, or organization to work with, and writing articles, contributing to panel discussions, or working on curriculum design. Days are busy and there never seems to be enough time; however, life is never dull and is always fulfilling.
What are some current projects you are working on?
I am currently working on solving the challenges of how technology is becoming more and more essential to education, and how this will affect people in remote villages who do not have the same access and opportunities. I’m working on figuring out how we can include them and ensure that they do not fall behind the development curve.
What makes Evolve Abroad programs easy to market to potential participants?
The fact that our products are unique covering niche topics and areas of interest, and that we are one of the most affordable providers around and have the ability to customize any of our programs to suit individual requirements.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Research your host country and learn a little about the culture and history before you travel; this will greatly enhance your experience and provide you with insight, which will assist in many ways during your trip.
Teaching children in foundation phase about the importance of agriculture.
What do you hope participants take away from their time with Evolve Abroad?
We hope that participants have become more aware of current global challenges, are more culturally intelligent, have expanded their global network, and most importantly are inspired to become responsible global citizens.
Are there any new things you’re working on that you would like to share with us?
Yes! We have launched a new virtual space, which opens up learning, intercultural engagement, and internship opportunities from your own home. This means that now you can engage in an international space without having to find the budget to travel, overcome visa restrictions, and work to a flexible schedule.
What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?
My hope is that we will build an extended collaborative community of global citizens committed to making our world a better place to live. Who will work together, intelligently, and creatively to solve the challenges we face has a global community such as poverty, inequality, and preserving our planet.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means being open to engaging openly and respectfully with the people from different cultures and backgrounds, exploring off the beaten path places, being mindful of your footprint wherever you go, and always seeking to preserve the environment and cultural practices wherever you go.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
That the opportunity is opened up to a wider audience and that barriers of visa, funds, and time become a thing of the past. As many young people as possible should have the opportunity of international education, as it is essential to creating a global learning space.
