What inspired you to work for World Class Programs?
Manga Class - Gesture Drawing Demo
The first trip I taught on with World Class Programs was to Osaka, Japan, in 2023. Having had a lifelong love of Japan and Japanese culture, I was very excited for the opportunity to teach the Manga and Anime art forms in the country where they were created.
I had already been teaching drawing and character design classes for several years, and greatly enjoyed helping my students to have those "lightbulb moments" when the concepts connect, and suddenly they're able to draw something they never could before.
But to do that in a setting where they're immersed in the culture and can interact with it up close? Outside the walls of a traditional classroom? That added a richness and depth to the experience, and I was able to bring the concepts to life in ways that weren't possible with my typical classes.
It's safe to say that after that summer, I was hooked! I'm excited to continue teaching on the Japan program and others in the years ahead.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Well, for one thing, I'd tell myself to pack lighter! And to be strong... but be excited!
I had no idea of the challenges I would face in planning a curriculum abroad and helping to facilitate a trip for the first time. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that I not only overcame those challenges but actually thrived in them and discovered a level of capability and confidence in myself that I had never known before.
I would also tell myself to be prepared to make some awesome friendships! The camaraderie we staff members built together was so much fun and led to some of my favorite memories. We've all learned how to flow really well as a team on our programs, so each time a new program starts, it just feels like getting back into the groove with your old pals.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Discovery—but that goes in two directions! I love introducing the students to the new country and showing them around. Even if I've done a thing multiple times before, like meeting the wild deer that roam around the city of Nara in Japan, it's still so fun to see their reactions as they experience it for the first time.
On the flip side, I love it when students discover something we have never heard of and tell us about it! We've learned about so many cool things thanks to student recommendations, and it always makes us smile to see that they got to have a completely unique experience because they were willing to step out and explore.
Tokyo Skytree
Why should someone choose World Class Programs over competitors?
When you travel with World Class Programs, it really feels like you're traveling with a little family group. We know it can be daunting to travel across the globe with people you may not have met before, so we do everything we can to create a fun and welcoming atmosphere.
Both at the beginning of the program and throughout, we build in activities that foster connection and teamwork, so that within a few days, the students are forming friendships. As staff, we also try to provide a personal touch. We know the cities we travel to very well, and we make a point to get our students familiar with their surroundings quickly so that it feels less like a far-off place and more like a home away from home.
We'll give students suggestions based on their interests in different local things they could see, food they could try, etc., so that the program experience feels more tailored to them.
What is World Class Programs' mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?
As an organization, our highest goal is to educate our students about the world through lived, hands-on experiences. You can learn a lot about a place or culture in a standard classroom setting, but to go and experience it yourself provides a whole new depth of understanding. It ignites curiosity and fosters compassion for humanity.
Additionally, we want to build confidence in our students that they can go beyond and succeed. We want them to experience the thrill of taking a step of independence and realizing that they are capable of more than they realized.
Whether that's talking to a local in their native language, navigating a new neighborhood, or trying a food they've never heard of before, all of these things teach them that they can overcome their nervousness and open them up to new possibilities!
What hopes do you have for the future for World Class Programs?
I certainly hope to see things grow! I'd love to see bigger groups and for us to be able to add new programs to countries we haven't previously visited. But more than anything, I want us to be able to continue giving students awesome experiences and memories that they'll cherish for years to come.
Waiting at the Airport
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
In addition to having hands-on learning experiences in their country of interest, I really want students to experience a strengthening of their confidence. I've known so many young people who feel unsure of themselves, some of whom are struggling with a lot of anxiety.
In our programs, we create an atmosphere where students can step out but still have a safety net under them. Once they try something and realize that they can push past their fears, it unlocks a whole new mindset.
Our hope is that they take that newfound independence home with them and apply it to their everyday lives. That they can meet new challenges with confidence and have a more positive outlook towards themselves and their future.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
It's wonderful to see that spark of connection when a student suddenly understands the significance of something in a culture—how their history influenced their art or cuisine, how the local geography influenced their architecture, that kind of thing. It imbues a greater sense of meaning to the world we live in, and compassion for the people we share it with.
You can get that to an extent from a class or a documentary, but there's still going to be a level of removal. When you experience it in person, it now becomes a part of you. This naturally causes you to care more—you see yourself less as a casual observer and more as an active participant in something bigger than you. You come away with a greater respect for others and hopefully an inspiration to make a positive impact through your own life.
How do you help support participants?
Prior to the programs, we provide students with materials to help them prepare for the trip and host an informational meeting for them and their families. We also make sure they know they can reach out to us with questions.
Once on the trip, we continue to keep that open line of communication and provide activities that help them become familiar with their surroundings and each other. Staff is available 24/7 to assist students with any needs that arise, and we keep parents informed as well to ensure we make the best possible care decisions for them.
It's very much a combined approach of empowering students with the knowledge and materials to resolve challenges that come up, while also being present with support and guidance when needed.
Arcade Night
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
For me, meaningful travel is about truly understanding another part of the world, and hopefully enjoying it along the way! You get more out of life when you approach it with an attitude of curiosity.
Our programs are designed to provide a multifaceted experience with a country and its culture. We look at both historical and modern aspects and link the two to each other. We visit the famous tourist sights, but we also encourage students to go out and interact with the everyday local culture.
By giving them a sample of so many different things, our hope is that it would inspire them to go further, either to learn more about that country or to discover a new one. All of this gives them a greater appreciation for our world.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Do it! But be prepared! A little planning on the front end will go a long way to help you have a smooth, enjoyable experience.
Also, be realistic in thinking about where you want to go and why you want to go there.
