Describe a typical day at work.
My day usually starts early in the morning with a nice cup of coffee! That's something I really love about this job — it’s never a typical 9-to-5 office job. One day I can be picking up the participants from the airport and then on another day I can be taking the group for a hike, or teaching them about sustainability. We can be driving around the island enjoying the beautiful landscapes. Or I can be preparing dinner for the group. It's never boring at all!
My favourite view!
Why do you do what you do?
I do it because it makes me feel that I am contributing to make this world a better place. I'm sure that the people who stay at our camps leave caring even more or doing more things to help the earth.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I get to meet a lot of wonderful people and learn about their cultures and enjoy a bit of their delicious cuisines! Every night we have ”Cultural Nights” so each person will present their country, it can be by a presentation or a movie, music, games, etc. The person will talk about their hometown and culture and then we will enjoy a delicious meal together.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
As wonderful as it is to meet and interact with different nationalities, sometimes you come across different points of view as well, but it is always great to learn from a different perspective. Communication is the key! By listening to each other, it’s easy to comprehend and to open your mind to new ideas.
What makes Worldwide Friends special?
The people! Everyone, from the employees to the participants. We are committed to change the world and we just know you will have the time of your life with us.
Working together we can achieve greater things!
What hopes do you have for the future for Worldwide Friends?
It would be amazing to see the organization expand to other countries and to continue the great work it is already doing in Iceland. Personally I think it will make a tremendous impact.
What makes Worldwide Friends easy to market to potential participants?
Everyone is absolutely friendly and helpful here. You don't have to worry about making friends. We have a chill and relaxed environment that I am sure is appealing to everyone wanting to travel.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
Awareness! It is important for everyone to understand the problems the planet is facing nowadays. Some people are not even aware of the impact of their footprint, so the idea is to make everyone take immediate action and be more responsible in their everyday life. Even small things can have a big effect.
What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?
What is a Mexican girl doing in Iceland? My answer always is: because I just fell in love with Iceland, with its people, with its landscapes, the music, the vibe. I just can't leave.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
The skills and experience you gain from traveling abroad can give you lifelong personal benefits as well as a leg up in the professional world. Traveling abroad builds confidence because you are new to a country you've likely never been before and you have to make it work.
Meeting new friends :)
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
It will open many doors for you and, more importantly, will open your mind to new ideas allowing you to meet incredible people. It will take you out of your comfort zone and push you to the most amazing places.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Just go. Don’t think, don’t hesitate. It will change your life forever. It will open your eyes to the world, to a new perspective of life. Never will you be handed so many opportunities than during your time abroad.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel Is when the travel enriches your life in some way. It’s when you connect with nature, when you connect with yourself. It does not matter what type of travel you are doing, as long as you have the chance to help others while doing it.
