<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3>
<p>After a financial disaster with a failed franchise venture, which led to my divorce after 25 years of marriage. I wanted to escape the UK, travel to parts of the world I had never visited, and do some useful environmental conservation work. I specifically wanted to go to Southeast Asia, an area that had fascinated me from an early age.</p>
<h3>Why did you choose <a href="https://www.goabroad.com/providers/nature-care-volunteering" target="_self" class="link">Nature Care Volunteering</a>?</h3>
<p>This program offered volunteering opportunities in Indonesia for 3–6 months. The information on GoAbroad's website interested me, and I was further encouraged by the prompt answers to my questions from the administrator/Director of LPTM in Makassar, Sulawesi, Indonesia. It offered the chance to stay in a local village and plant trees, meet people, and discover more about an Islamic country.</p>
<h3>What was your favorite part about Indonesia?</h3>
<p>Indonesia is a very interesting country and is growing rapidly economically. I stayed in Makassar, a vibrant and bustling city in South Sulawesi. I learned much about the history of Indonesia, the Islamic religion, ancient traditions and beliefs, but above all I loved meeting the people and sharing my Western culture with them. I much enjoyed discussing philosophical questions with my host Director, Dr Baharuddin Abidin. </p>
<p>I learned to live on my own, and discovered inner resources that I never knew I had. After 35 years of working in the UK, I enjoyed the freedom of going where I wanted and doing exactly what I wanted.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered"><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1/images2/interviews/jhubirxaatugoyrkik5g.jpg" alt="Tim Taylor from England with fellow volunteer Laura Sykes from Australia, in Governor's Office, Makassar City, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. 2008."><div class="caption"><p>Tim Taylor from England with fellow volunteer Laura Sykes from Australia, in Governor's Office, Makassar City, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. 2008.</p></div></div>
<h3>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h3>
<p>Sharing experiences with the Indonesian people, learning about Islam, discussing deep philosophical questions about the meaning of life, working hard but enjoying the environment and new experiences. I also, of course, met other volunteers from all over the world and learned about their countries, their own motivations, and lives back home.</p>
<h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3>
<p>My host, Director Dr Abidin, and his family supported me throughout the program. They answered my questions and were very friendly and hospitable. The staff of LPTM (as it was then called) were also very professional, polite, and helpful; they made my experience even more enjoyable. I learned a little of the Indonesian language and was able to communicate with the villagers and other Indonesian friends I made in the city.</p>
<h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3>
<p>I cannot say that there was anything I wish I had done differently. It was all a new experience, and I had to learn quickly as I went along. There may have been some differences of opinion when discussing religion and Islam with my host, but it was good-natured and not at all disagreeable, as he was a wise man and lived according to his devout beliefs, and we both greatly respected each other's views.</p>
<h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h3>
<p>A typical day was to get up early, wash or shower, then try to find breakfast. I then reported to Director Dr Abidin and discussed the day's work with him. He often got sidetracked into telling me many amusing or interesting stories, and he seemed to enjoy my company and my responses to his humor! Very occasionally he was serious, bothered by a family or business problem, but he always explained to me what the problem was and how he was going to solve it. </p>
<p>After these discussions, we went about our work of preparing tree saplings for planting out. I often accompanied Dr Abidin to his many meetings with the Rotary Club of Makassar or the Chamber of Commerce, or his University lecturers, and he wanted me to participate. He was extremely generous in sharing all his interests with me, so I gained a full picture of his life, his family and business, and visions for the future. </p>
<p>In the evenings, I usually had dinner with fellow volunteers or other friends in local restaurants.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered"><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1/images2/interviews/oqwmvxiinmp9urqidntn.jpg" alt="Tim Taylor, British Environmental volunteer in Indonesia, with fellow volunteer Laura Sykes (teaching volunteer) Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia . 2008."><div class="caption"><p>Tim Taylor, British Environmental volunteer in Indonesia, with fellow volunteer Laura Sykes (teaching volunteer) Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia . 2008.</p></div></div>
<h3>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h3>
<p>Makassar is a very interesting city, heavily influenced by Dutch colonizers from the seventeenth century who traded exotic and valuable spices from the Indonesian islands to Europe. Fort Rotterdam has an interesting museum with old cannons, fortifications, and cultural artifacts and costumes on display. </p>
<p>I enjoyed going to fish restaurants and hearing about the history of the place. I loved going to see the ancient caves of early human habitation at Leang Leang and exploring the karst limestone Stone Forest at Maros-Pangkep. </p>
<p>I was taken to Lake Tempe, about a 5-hour drive from Makassar, where fishermen catch fish in large nets and live in shacks on stilts above the water. I also went to Toraja, a famous region where they place dead bodies in stone caves or hang coffins on ledges in steep cliff faces. </p>
<p>I learned much about the many different tribes of Sulawesi, such as the Buginese, and the wars and conflicts over thousands of years.</p>
<h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3>
<p>In Makassar, I stayed in student accommodation near the city center. This was a pleasant enough building, with the students' rooms surrounding a courtyard. The room was basic but comfortable, with separate toilet and shower facilities, a bedside table, and cupboards. There was a fan and blinds, as it grew very hot during the day. </p>
<p>In the village, I stayed in half of the house of the village administrator who was responsible for paying pensions to the locals. My room was very basic and bare, but had a bed and some storage space. I ate in the living room next door. Despite the dirt and rubbish, I survived for a month in this house and tried to teach the locals about waste disposal, although it was challenging to see much change.</p>
<h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h3>
<p>In my case, I was on a placement in Indonesia, which has the largest Muslim population in the world—about 250 million people. Participants must observe the rules in this Islamic country, including modesty, moderation, consideration of others, orderly behavior, and no alcohol for Muslims. My host organization, LPTM, warned me about the rules and requirements so I was prepared.</p>
<h3>Would you recommend Nature Care Volunteering to others? Why?</h3>
<p>Yes, I would certainly recommend this organization and volunteer opportunity to others. LPTM's volunteer program recently changed its name to <a href="https://www.goabroad.com/providers/nature-care-volunteering" target="_self" class="link">Nature Care Volunteering</a> to distinguish it from the construction training program. </p>
<p>Nature Care Volunteering has clear aims and objectives. It has clear instructions and information about its many programs. It answers questions fully and promptly. Its comprehensive website explains opportunities, fees, accommodation, and what to expect in Indonesia. Above all, the programs are what they say in the introduction, and offer an amazing experience for young and old alike.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered"><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1/images2/interviews/b7n17ohpqlwfie8asnwj.jpg" alt="Tim Taylor, British environmental volunteer, with Laura Sykes and staff of LPTM (now Nature Care Volunteering), Makassar, Indonesia 2008."><div class="caption"><p>Tim Taylor, British environmental volunteer, with Laura Sykes and staff of LPTM (now Nature Care Volunteering), Makassar, Indonesia 2008.</p></div></div>
<h3>What do you feel is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?</h3>
<p>Undoubtedly, travel and volunteering overseas can broaden your mind and outlook, as well as change your preconceptions and life. I loved the freedom to choose which country to go to, the programs, and the work. </p>
<p>After many bad experiences in the UK, I recovered my health and mental state by traveling and meeting different people from all over the world, and living with my host family and friends. I was able to rebuild my life after my volunteering experiences, and I wrote a book showing that personal disasters and setbacks can be overcome. <em>Dust in the Sunshine</em> is a paperback published by Pegasus Publishers in the UK and available in the US on Amazon, Google Books, Bookshop.org, Barnes and Noble, and Walmart.</p>
<h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3>
<p>I now live in Nepal with a Nepali wife and a 10-year-old daughter. I have built a new life, with new priorities and objectives. And I also like to share that travel can certainly help you overcome many problems in your life.</p>
<p>My book, "Dust in the Sunshine," narrates how travel has impacted my life.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>I am the sort of person who likes to learn from every situation and experience. For me, travel is most meaningful when I can experience the country and connect with its people, while also feeling safe and comfortable. I enjoy learning about the people and cultures of the places I visit and prefer experiences that go beyond sightseeing.</p>

Timothy Taylor

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Timothy Taylor who participated in Nature Care Volunteering program.

Timothy Taylor | Nature Care Volunteering Nature Care Volunteering Interview

Reforestation Program in Takalar, Indonesia

Nature Care Volunteering

Nature Care Volunteering Alumni Interview with Timothy Taylor

<h3>What inspired you to work for <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/volunteer-safari-initiative rel="" target="_self" class="link">Volunteer Safari Initiative</a>?</h3>
<p>I was inspired to work with Volunteer Safari Initiative by my passion for tourism, conservation, and community empowerment. Through my experience in tourism, I realized that travel can be much more than visiting beautiful destinations—it can be a powerful tool for learning, creating connections, and making a positive difference.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Seeing the challenges faced by communities and wildlife in Kenya motivated me to help create opportunities for people from different parts of the world to contribute their skills, share experiences, and learn from local communities.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I believe meaningful travel should benefit both visitors and the communities they visit. VSI allows me to combine my knowledge and experience in tourism with my passion for conservation, cultural exchange, and responsible travel.&nbsp;</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1789721056/images2/interviews/29bLd0nNeKvfQr4aA6nDRkhcr5ZDKzvttgele3SF.jpg" alt="Participants during a safari trip"><div class="caption"><p>Participants during a safari trip</p></div></div>
<p>Through our programs, I hope to create lasting connections and support projects that bring genuine, sustainable benefits to communities and the environment.</p>
<h3>What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?</h3>
<p>I’d tell my pre-travel self to stay curious, embrace the unexpected, and be open to learning from every person, place, and experience. Travel is not just about visiting beautiful destinations; it is about the people you meet, the cultures you discover, the stories you hear, and the memories you create along the way.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I would remind myself not to be afraid of stepping outside my comfort zone, because some of the most meaningful experiences happen when you try something new. I’d also encourage myself to respect local cultures, ask questions, listen more, and avoid making assumptions about people or places.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Every journey offers an opportunity to grow, gain a new perspective, and understand the world differently. Most importantly, I would travel with an open mind and heart, knowing that the experience can change you in ways you may never expect.</p>
<h3>Describe a typical day at work.</h3>
<p>As a Program Manager, my typical day involves planning and coordinating volunteer programs, managing partnerships, communicating with volunteers, and ensuring projects run smoothly. I oversee schedules, logistics, and field activities while supporting our conservation and community initiatives. I also monitor project progress, address challenges, and ensure volunteers have a safe, meaningful, and impactful experience.</p>
<h3>Why do you do what you do?</h3>
<p>I do what I do because I believe travel can create a positive impact beyond the experience itself. I’m passionate about connecting people with communities, supporting conservation, and creating opportunities for volunteers to make a real difference. Seeing how small contributions can create meaningful change motivates me to keep building programs that benefit both people and the environment.</p>
<h3>What is your favorite part of your job?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1789721057/images2/interviews/ZFssZ7uV8h5nBSPTBVPgglFuTqf2AjwbGHVLGfkV.jpg" alt="With volunteers at the Mangrove restoration project"><div class="caption"><p>With volunteers at the Mangrove restoration project</p></div></div>
<p>My favorite part of the job is seeing volunteers connect with local communities and contribute to meaningful projects. I enjoy creating experiences where people can learn, make a difference, and leave with a deeper appreciation for Kenya, its people, and its natural environment. Seeing the impact of their work makes it all worthwhile.</p>
<h3>How do you use your education and international background in your current role?</h3>
<p>My education in Hospitality and Tourism Management has given me strong skills in tourism, program planning, customer service, and destination management. My international exposure has also helped me understand different cultures, expectations, and perspectives.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I use this knowledge to design meaningful volunteer experiences, build partnerships, and create programs that connect international volunteers with local communities in Kenya.</p>
<h3>What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?</h3>
<p>One of the common challenges is balancing different volunteer needs, project requirements, and unexpected changes in the field. I overcome these challenges through clear communication, careful planning, teamwork, and flexibility.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I also believe in listening to our partners and volunteers, learning from each experience, and finding practical solutions that keep our programs impactful and running smoothly.</p>
<h3>What are some current projects you are working on?</h3>
<p>I’m currently working on expanding Volunteer Safari Initiative’s conservation and community development programs across Kenya. This includes developing new volunteer opportunities in wildlife conservation, marine and mangrove conservation, community empowerment, and youth programs.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I’m also building partnerships with local organizations and communities to create sustainable projects that provide meaningful experiences for volunteers while delivering long-term benefits to local communities and the environment.</p>
<h3>Why should someone choose Volunteer Safari Initiative over competitors?</h3>
<p>People should choose Volunteer Safari Initiative because we are committed to creating genuine, meaningful impact rather than simply providing volunteer experiences. We work closely with local communities and conservation partners to ensure that our projects respond to real needs and create lasting benefits.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We believe volunteering should be a two-way learning experience, where participants contribute their time and skills while also learning from the people, culture, and environment around them. Our volunteers receive personalized support before and throughout their placement, helping them feel prepared, welcomed, and connected to their projects. We also provide opportunities to experience authentic Kenyan culture, explore the country, and build meaningful relationships with local communities.&nbsp;</p>
<p>What makes VSI special is our focus on responsible volunteering, genuine partnerships, and creating experiences that benefit both participants and the communities they serve.</p>
<h3>What is Volunteer Safari Initiative's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?</h3>
<p>Our mission at Volunteer Safari Initiative is to create meaningful opportunities that connect volunteers with local communities and conservation projects across Kenya while promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We believe volunteering should create genuine value for the communities involved while giving participants the opportunity to learn, contribute, and experience Kenya in an authentic way. We work toward this mission by building strong partnerships with local communities, conservation organizations, and other stakeholders to develop programs that respond to real needs.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We support initiatives focused on wildlife conservation, environmental protection, community empowerment, education, and cultural exchange. We also ensure that volunteers receive the guidance and support they need to participate responsibly.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Through these efforts, we aim to create lasting relationships, encourage cross-cultural understanding, and ensure that every volunteer experience contributes positively to both people and the environment.</p>
<h3>What makes Volunteer Safari Initiative special?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1789721058/images2/interviews/NZcH6MTvWrIMNWU98SJCn6JJyQpsg2BYHXvtAVAB.jpg" alt="Participants at Lumo Conservancy"><div class="caption"><p>Participants at Lumo Conservancy</p></div></div>
<p>What makes Volunteer Safari Initiative special is our focus on genuine impact, meaningful connections, and authentic Kenyan experiences. We work directly with local communities and conservation partners, ensuring volunteers contribute to projects that address real needs.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At the same time, we create opportunities for volunteers to learn, grow, experience our culture, and leave a positive and lasting contribution.</p>
<h3>What hopes do you have for the future for Volunteer Safari Initiative?</h3>
<p>My hope is for Volunteer Safari Initiative to grow into a leading volunteer organization in Kenya, creating more meaningful opportunities for international volunteers while making a greater impact in conservation and community development.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I hope to expand our partnerships, support more communities, and develop sustainable projects that create lasting benefits for both people and the environment.</p>
<h3>Are there any developments with Volunteer Safari Initiative that you would like to share with us?</h3>
<p>None, for now.</p>
<h3>What makes Volunteer Safari Initiative easy to market to potential participants?</h3>
<p>Volunteer Safari Initiative is easy to market because it offers authentic, meaningful experiences that combine volunteering, travel, culture, and conservation. Participants can make a real difference while exploring Kenya and connecting with local communities.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Our diverse projects, personalized support, and focus on genuine impact make VSI appealing to students, gap-year travelers, families, and anyone looking for purposeful travel.</p>
<h3>What do you hope participants take away from your programs?</h3>
<p>I hope participants leave Volunteer Safari Initiative with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Kenya, its people, culture, wildlife, and environment.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Beyond the memories, adventures, and experiences they gain during their stay, I want them to feel they made a genuine, positive contribution to a community or conservation project. I hope their time with us gives them an opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence, discover new perspectives, and develop meaningful relationships with local communities and fellow volunteers from around the world.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I also want participants to understand that responsible volunteering is about listening, learning, respecting local cultures, and working together to create meaningful change. Most importantly, I hope they return home inspired to continue making a positive difference in their own communities and to become ambassadors for responsible travel, conservation, cultural understanding, and global citizenship.</p>
<h3>Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?</h3>
<p>Traveling abroad and experiencing new cultures helps us see the world from different perspectives and understand that there are many different ways of living, thinking, and connecting with others. It teaches us to appreciate diversity, challenge our assumptions, and become more open-minded and respectful of people whose traditions and experiences may be different from our own.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For me, travel is not only about visiting new destinations, but also about building meaningful relationships, learning from local communities, and discovering the values and stories that shape different cultures. It encourages personal growth, builds confidence, and teaches us to adapt to new environments.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I believe international travel can also promote greater understanding between people and break down cultural barriers. When we travel with an open mind and a willingness to learn, we return home with more than memories—we gain new perspectives, friendships, knowledge, and a deeper appreciation of the diverse world we share.</p>
<h3>How do you help support participants?</h3>
<p>We support participants from the moment they begin planning their trip until they complete their volunteer experience. We provide clear information before arrival, assist with travel planning and logistics, offer orientation and guidance on the ground, and remain available throughout their stay. We also ensure they feel welcomed, safe, supported, and connected to their projects and host communities.</p>
<h3>If you could participate on one of Volunteer Safari Initiative's programs, where would you go and what would you do?</h3>
<p>If I could participate in one of our programs, I would choose a wildlife conservation project in Kenya. I would love to spend time in the field supporting conservation activities, learning more about wildlife, and working alongside local communities. It would be rewarding to experience the work from a volunteer’s perspective while contributing directly to protecting Kenya’s natural heritage.</p>
<h3>What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?</h3>
<p>Participants often ask about safety, accommodation, costs, daily activities, transport, and what they will be doing during their volunteer placement. I respond with clear and honest information, explain what to expect, and help them prepare before arrival. I also encourage them to ask questions so they feel confident, informed, and comfortable throughout their experience.</p>
<h3>Why do you think learning a new language is important?</h3>
<p>I believe learning a new language is important because it helps us connect with people and understand their culture on a deeper level. It opens our minds to different perspectives, builds confidence, and makes travel and communication more meaningful. Even learning a few local words can show respect and create genuine connections with the communities we visit.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1789721058/images2/interviews/QItdocDU5hmehsl3oXqSnACgZQNJLEJcW7zGEBq2.jpg" alt="With volunteers at the Mangrove rest0ration project"><div class="caption"><p>With volunteers at the Mangrove restoration project</p></div></div>
<p>Meaningful travel means going beyond sightseeing and creating genuine connections with people, cultures, and places.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To me, travel is about learning from local communities, understanding their way of life, respecting their traditions, and appreciating the environment we share. It is also about being a responsible visitor and ensuring that our presence creates a positive impact rather than simply taking from the places we visit.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Through meaningful travel, we have an opportunity to exchange knowledge, share experiences, build friendships, and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives. I believe the most valuable journeys are those that challenge us to step outside our comfort zones and see the world differently.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For me, the true measure of a journey is not only the memories or photographs we take home, but also the relationships we build, the lessons we learn, and the positive contribution we leave behind. Meaningful travel should inspire personal growth, cultural understanding, responsible tourism, and a desire to continue making a difference long after the journey ends.</p>
<h3>What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?</h3>
<p>My advice is to be open-minded, curious, and willing to step outside your comfort zone. Research your destination, respect the local culture, and prepare yourself for new experiences and challenges.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Don’t be afraid to meet new people or try something different. Most importantly, travel with an open heart and a willingness to learn—you may return home with a completely new perspective on the world.</p>
<h3>What issues do you see in the world of international education that don't line up with your values and expectations for mutually beneficial &amp; educational relationships between providers/programs and the communities in which they are located within?</h3>
<p>One issue I see in international education is that some programs can focus more on the participant’s experience than on the needs of the local community. This can create unequal relationships where communities have limited input or benefit.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I believe programs should be built on genuine partnerships, respect local knowledge, involve communities in decision-making, and create sustainable benefits. International education should be a two-way exchange where participants learn while also making a meaningful and responsible contribution.</p>
<h3>What does ethical global engagement mean to you?</h3>
<p>Ethical global engagement means building relationships based on respect, equality, and mutual benefit.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To me, it means listening to local communities, valuing their knowledge and culture, and ensuring they have a meaningful voice in the programs that affect them.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What hopes do you have for the future of international education?</h3>
<p>I hope international education becomes more inclusive, ethical, and focused on mutual benefit. I would like to see stronger partnerships between educational programs and local communities, with greater respect for local knowledge and culture.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I hope students have opportunities to learn through meaningful experiences while contributing positively to the communities they visit. Ultimately, international education should build understanding, global citizenship, and lasting positive connections.</p>
<h3>What qualities in program &amp; host community relations are important to you? (And Volunteer Safari Initiative)</h3>
<p>For me and Volunteer Safari Initiative, strong relationships with host communities should be built on respect, trust, communication, and mutual benefit. We value listening to local communities, respecting their culture and knowledge, and involving them in decision-making.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We also believe in transparency, accountability, and long-term partnerships that create meaningful benefits for both the community and program participants.<br></p>

Victor Owino

Get to know the people behind Volunteer Safari Initiative! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Victor Owino.

Victor Owino | Volunteer Safari Initiative Staff Interview

Volunteer Safari Initiative

Volunteer Safari Initiative Staff Interview with Victor Owino

Claret Jacinta Oduor

Get to know the people behind Volunteer Safari Initiative! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Claret Jacinta Oduor.

Claret Jacinta Oduor | Volunteer Safari Initiative

Volunteer Safari Initiative Staff Interview with Claret Jacinta Oduor

<h3>What inspired you to work for <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/beyond-travels rel="" target="_self" class="link">Beyond Travels</a>?</h3>
<p>One of my greatest passions began in childhood. As an Ecuadorian with half of my family from the United States, I loved bringing my American family to Ecuador and sharing my culture, people, and country with them.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I quickly realized these visits were much more than vacations. My family learned, connected, changed, and had an incredible time, while the local businesses and communities that welcomed them benefited economically.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I saw the power of creating a true win-win through travel, and that realization has shaped my entire life. I have dedicated my life to creating meaningful travel experiences that transform visitors while generating positive, lasting benefits for local businesses, communities, and the places they call home.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?</h3>
<p>Travel differently. Get out of the hotel. Meet local people.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Seek out rural farmers who are willing to welcome you, share a meal, tell their stories, and show you their way of life. Farmers often carry generations of knowledge about growing food, cooking, forests, plants, and the natural world that you simply cannot find in a guidebook.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1788850777/images2/interviews/CkrWy43SuMKhEHnK9SWXLxAWR6cKmV944e8hP7jN.jpg" alt="In Senegal on a horse and cart"><div class="caption"><p>In Senegal on a horse and cart</p></div></div>
<h3>Describe a typical day at work.</h3>
<p>In the Office</p>
<ul>
<li dir = "auto">One-on-one conversations with potential travelers, travel organizations, staff, and local providers</li>
<li dir = "auto">Writing emails</li>
<li dir = "auto">Posting on social media</li>
</ul>
<p>In the Field</p>
<ul>
<li dir = "auto">Visiting schools and going to conferences</li>
<li dir = "auto">Leading groups in the Amazon Rainforest, Galápagos Islands, Costa Rica, and Senegal</li>
</ul>
<h3>Why do you do what you do?</h3>
<p>On a mission to create positive change through the joy of travel.</p>
<h3>What is your favorite part of your job?</h3>
<p>Designing and implementing travel experiences</p>
<h3>How do you use your education and international background in your current role?</h3>
<p>I love what I do so much that I have built my entire life around travel and intercultural understanding. I live it, study it, work in it, and create transformative travel experiences for others.</p>
<p>From my education in international education to living, studying, and working across cultures, everything I have done has centered on connecting people and helping them understand the world and one another more deeply.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Travel isn’t just my career. It is my life’s passion and purpose.</p>
<h3>Why should someone choose Beyond Travels over competitors?</h3>
<p>What Makes Beyond Travels Different</p>
<ol>
<li dir = "auto">Experienced Leadership and a Bridge Between Cultures<br><br>Andy Gavilanes, founder and CEO, has approximately 30 years of international experience. Half Ecuadorian and half American, he speaks four languages, has lived and worked across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, served in the Peace Corps, and holds a Master’s in International Education. This experience allows us to understand both travelers and host communities and create meaningful, transformational connections between them.</li>
<li dir = "auto">We Go Beyond the Tourist Experience<br><br>We go off the beaten path and immerse visitors in local communities. We plant, harvest, cook, dance, learn, and spend time with people in their homes, farms and communities.<br><br>We avoid the “tip of the iceberg” experience where travelers simply visit attractions, stay in resorts and interact with locals only as service providers. We are travelers, not tourists. Our long-standing local relationships give visitors access to authentic experiences most tourists never discover.</li>
<li dir = "auto">We Practice Presence<br><br>We encourage visitors to slow down and truly experience where they are. Listen to the birds. Smell the forest. Feel the sun. Swim, walk, meditate and simply be present.<br><br>Presence and curiosity transform the travel experience.</li>
<li dir = "auto">We Believe in Experiential Learning<br><br>We don't just show you something. We want you to do it.<br><br>Plant and harvest instead of simply touring a farm. Cook instead of just eating. Dance instead of watching. Make crafts instead of buying them. Participate rather than observe.<br><br>Learning by doing creates deeper understanding and connection.</li>
<li dir = "auto">Every Experience Is Customized<br><br>We don't believe in one-size-fits-all travel. We learn about you, your interests and goals, then tailor the experience accordingly.<br><br>We balance adventure, learning, connection, rest, comfort and opportunities to step outside your comfort zone. Our goal is more than a great vacation. It is personal growth and transformation.</li>
<li dir = "auto">Small, Boutique and Human<br><br>We are intentionally small. This allows us to remain personal, flexible and responsive.<br><br>You are not a reservation number. We treat you like a human being, and like friends and family.<br><br>Our size allows us to adapt programs, respond to individual interests and maintain genuine relationships with both visitors and local communities.</li>
<li dir = "auto">We Support Rural Communities and Forests<br><br>We work primarily with rural farming and forest communities, creating income through tourism while supporting their livelihoods, knowledge, products and connection to the land.<br><br>Visitors don't simply observe these communities. They build relationships with them and learn from them. In return, communities benefit economically and gain new opportunities to share their knowledge and culture.</li>
<li dir = "auto">We Help People Reconnect<br><br>Modern life increasingly separates people from nature, community, movement and meaningful hands-on experiences.<br><br>Our programs offer the opposite: walking through forests, harvesting food, preparing meals, working with your hands, spending time with local people and practicing presence.<br><br>We take people out of the screen and into the forest. Out of isolation and into community. Out of sitting and into movement. Out of distraction and into presence.</li>
<li dir = "auto">We Take Care of Our People<br><br>International travel involves risks, and we take safety seriously. Our years of local experience have built strong relationships with doctors, hospitals, transportation providers, emergency services and other resources.<br><br>We know who to call and what to do when something goes wrong.<br><br>We take care of our people.</li>
<li dir = "auto">Relationships Continue After the Trip<br><br>Our relationship doesn't end when the program does. Visitors often remain connected with us and with the communities they visited.<br><br>We aim to create long-term relationships, not transactions.</li>
</ol>
<p>Our Philosophy&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li dir = "auto">Travel with purpose. Learn by doing. Be present. Go deeper. Build real relationships. Support local communities. Step outside your comfort zone. Grow. Transform. Don't just visit a place. Become part of it.</li>
</ul>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1788851231/images2/interviews/5PJKYaIcTHAQo1PGva9jUU9TAjfb9NGour9usgEh.jpg" alt="In a Costa Rican Forest Farm"><div class="caption"><p>In a Costa Rican Forest Farm</p></div></div>
<h3>What is Beyond Travels' mission and how do you continue to work toward it?</h3>
<p>Our mission is to create transformative experiences for travelers while creating meaningful, positive impact in the cultures and environments they visit.</p>
<p>We are constantly asking ourselves how we can make that impact stronger. Rather than following a fixed model, we continually explore new ideas, adapt our programs, and incorporate concepts that can help us achieve our mission more effectively.</p>
<p>For our travelers, we are increasingly focusing on the concept of presence. We believe that being truly present is one of the most important tools for learning, connecting, and experiencing life deeply.</p>
<p>Many people in Western societies today spend much of their lives indoors, sitting behind computers and looking at phones. At the same time, burnout, isolation, anxiety, and depression are increasingly common.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Our programs offer an opportunity to step away from that environment and reconnect with some fundamental human practices: being outdoors, moving our bodies, preparing food, working with our hands, learning from others, and being part of a community.</p>
<p>We visit rural farmers and forest communities not simply to observe them, but to learn from their knowledge, values, and ways of life. Participants may harvest food, plant, prepare traditional foods and medicines, walk through forests, and spend meaningful time with local people. These experiences can reconnect travelers with practices and values that have become increasingly disconnected from everyday life in much of the Western world.</p>
<p>By intentionally practicing presence during our programs, travelers are able to slow down, pay attention, build deeper relationships, and ultimately take much more away from their experience.</p>
<p>At the same time, we have become increasingly focused on working with rural farmers and forest communities because they are often among the people who need economic opportunities most and are directly connected to the protection of the forests and ecosystems around them.</p>
<p>Our goal is therefore a genuine two-way exchange: travelers are transformed through meaningful experiences and learning, while host communities and environments benefit from the relationships, opportunities, and support that responsible travel can create.</p>
<p>We see our work as an ongoing process of learning, adapting, and finding better ways to make travel a force for personal transformation, intercultural understanding, community benefit, and environmental conservation.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1788851232/images2/interviews/i3yjNlHvuf2mxeau2juHMMAygC3pDv0n4nIMHb1w.jpg" alt="In a farm in Costa Rica"><div class="caption"><p>In a farm in Costa Rica</p></div></div>
<h3>What hopes do you have for the future for Beyond Travels?</h3>
<p>The goal is to increase our positive impact on visitors, communities, and forests while preserving the quality and essence of the experience. We do not want to grow simply for the sake of growth.</p>
<p>If we grow too much, the experience can become standardized and industrialized, losing the personal, intimate, boutique character that makes our programs transformative.</p>
<h3>Are there any developments with Beyond Travels that you would like to share with us?</h3>
<p>We now work in the Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands, Costa Rica, and Senegal in West Africa. Across these destinations, we have narrowed our focus to visiting and working with rural farmers and forest communities, creating experiences that positively impact both their lives and the forests they depend on.</p>
<p>We also focus strongly on presence as a way to improve the quality and lasting impact of the experience. We want visitors to be fully present during their stay, listening, being curious, and genuinely connecting with the people and places they encounter.&nbsp;</p>
<p>We cultivate this through breathing, meditation, silent forest walks, and hands-on activities that encourage participants to slow down, pay attention, and experience their surroundings more deeply.</p>
<h3>What makes Beyond Travels easy to market to potential participants?</h3>
<p>We offer a world-class product in a rapidly growing market. More travelers are seeking purposeful experiences that allow them to learn, transform, and positively impact the places they visit. That is exactly what we provide.</p>
<p>We work with individuals and groups of all ages, customizing each experience around their interests, goals, and needs. Our combination of meaningful impact, deep immersion, and personalized experiences creates a unique boutique product that is difficult to replicate.</p>
<h3>What do you hope participants take away from your programs?</h3>
<p>Through our experiences, travelers:</p>
<ul>
<li dir = "auto">Learn how people live in other parts of the world and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures.</li>
<li dir = "auto">Recognize their own privilege and the importance of caring for people, communities, and the planet.</li>
<li dir = "auto">Learn values, knowledge, and practices from rural farmers and forest communities.</li>
<li dir = "auto">Develop stronger intercultural communication and language skills.</li>
<li dir = "auto">Find greater purpose, meaning, excitement, and motivation in their lives.</li>
<li dir = "auto">Discover how their choices can positively impact themselves, others, and the environment.</li>
<li dir = "auto">Learn about the history, geography, current events, challenges, and successes of the places they visit.</li>
<li dir = "auto">Practice presence and experience the importance of connecting with nature and the forest.</li>
<li dir = "auto">Rediscover the value of being outdoors, moving their bodies, growing and harvesting food, making food and medicine, and spending meaningful time in community.</li>
</ul>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1788850777/images2/interviews/wVIWlyDm4QXKJAwRC9PQ15JCUlCD3UzvuDoEQrYy.jpg" alt="On a swing off a precipice in the Andes Mountains in Ecuador"><div class="caption"><p>On a swing off a precipice in the 
Andes Mountains in Ecuador</p></div></div>
<ul>
<li dir = "auto">Break out of their routines and comfort zones, creating new pathways for personal and communal growth.</li>
<li dir = "auto">Return home inspired to see their communities and their own lives differently and to make positive changes.</li>
</ul>
<p>Travel is more than seeing the world. It is a way to grow, connect, and return home with the desire and ability to make life better for yourself and others.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>It’s important not to settle for “tip of the iceberg” travel, where you only experience the pretty, superficial parts of a culture and place: the architecture, tourist food, resort beaches, piña coladas, and staged cultural performances. When the only interaction you have with locals is with the people serving you, you’re missing so much of what a place has to offer.</p>
<p>Get out. Learn how to cook a local meal. Learn the dance instead of just watching it. Talk with farmers and families. Learn about the challenges and realities of the country, not just its beauty. Go off the beaten path, be curious, and bring your business to communities that are often overlooked.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Some of the most meaningful travel experiences come from the people and places farthest from the tourist trail.</p>

Andy Gavilanes

Get to know the people behind Beyond Travels! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Andy Gavilanes.

Andy Gavilanes | Beyond Travels Staff Interview

Beyond Travels

Beyond Travels Staff Interview with Andy Gavilanes

<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3>
<p>Growing up, I lived in Thailand and practiced tennis, so travel and new cultures always felt natural to me.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When I found the Academy in Antalya, I saw a chance to keep growing — studying, working in marketing, and meeting people from all over the world. It felt like the right next step. I enjoy every moment.</p>
<h3>Why did you choose <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/the-academy-of-tourism-antalya rel="" target="_self" class="link">The Academy of Tourism Antalya</a>?</h3>
<p>I chose the Academy of Tourism and Business because it combines real <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/the-academy-of-tourism-antalya/programs/pr-marketing-in-tourism-and-business-200593 rel="" target="_self" class="link">studying</a> with real work experience. I am not just learning theory because I am actually working in the marketing department, filming videos, writing scripts, and talking to future students.&nbsp;</p>
<p>That hands-on side made the choice easy for me.&nbsp;</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1788309076/images2/interviews/xtJ0lbCvlo0LRc46wh4n21PTpSRS2vGz35pkzwHo.jpg" alt="Internship"><div class="caption"><p>Internship</p></div></div>
<h3>What was your favorite part about Antalya?</h3>
<p>My favorite part is definitely the atmosphere in Antalya — the sea, the sun, and how international everything feels. There is always something happening: events, new students arriving, interesting people around.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Coming from Thailand, I feel right at home here, just with a totally new adventure in my life.</p>
<h3>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h3>
<p>What made it extraordinary is that I am not just a student here — I am part of the team.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I get to create content, meet future students on calls, and see the Academy grow from the inside. It is rare to actually shape the place where you are studying, and that is what makes it special. I like to be part of it.</p>
<h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3>
<p>The staff here feel more like colleagues than supervisors.&nbsp;</p>
<p>My team in the marketing department always guides me, gives feedback on my videos and scripts, and helps me balance studying with work. Whenever I had questions — about classes or tasks — someone was always ready to help. I found my real friends here.</p>
<h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3>
<p>Honestly, I wish I had started filming and documenting my journey from day one.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Looking back, I have so many stories from my first weeks that I have never captured. Now I always tell new students: start recording early — you will want those memories later. It is a new chapter of my life, and it is great.</p>
<h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h3>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1788309077/images2/interviews/fRl8ChduYscbkHeSwh0mH2PF0PNke9hcnLJi35Ic.jpg" alt="Antalya"><div class="caption"><p>Antalya</p></div></div>
<p>My days are a mix of everything — morning classes, then straight to the marketing office for calls with future students, filming reels, or writing scripts. No two days look the same. Sometimes I am on camera, sometimes behind a laptop, always somewhere between studying and working. And I like to organize my day.</p>
<h3>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h3>
<p>In my free time, I love walking along the sea, meeting up with friends, and sometimes just relaxing after a busy day of classes and filming. Since I used to play tennis, I also try to get back on the court whenever I can — it is my favorite way to unwind. Also, I like swimming because it relaxes my mind.</p>
<h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3>
<p>I rent my own apartment near campus, which gives me the freedom to organize my day around classes and work. What I like best is having my own space to relax after filming or long calls with future students — plus it is close enough that I never waste time commuting. The best part is the location for me.</p>
<h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h3>
<p>One thing to know is that this program is not just about sitting in class — you can actually start working and gaining real experience right away, as I did in marketing.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you are ready to combine studying with hands-on practice, you will get so much more out of your time here. Just plan your days in advance</p>
<h3>Would you recommend The Academy of Tourism Antalya to others? Why?</h3>
<p>Yes, definitely! The Academy gave me more than an education — it gave me real work experience, a job I actually enjoy, and a chance to grow professionally while still studying.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The practical training and internship opportunities really set it apart from a typical school program. I got to apply what I learned almost immediately, which made everything click so much faster.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you want a program that combines learning with real opportunities, I would fully recommend it to anyone considering their future career.</p>
<h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h3>
<p>For me, the biggest benefit is how much you grow as a person. Living abroad pushes you out of your comfort zone, teaches you independence, and opens your mind to new cultures and people.&nbsp;</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1788309078/images2/interviews/jZRTvSQOXpPAc47jBtRagQGc0cbGFaYD54I0WLYs.jpg" alt="Park"><div class="caption"><p>Park</p></div></div>
<p>You learn to solve problems on your own, adapt quickly, and communicate with people from completely different backgrounds. It's an experience that shapes you far beyond just studying or working — it changes the way you see the world and yourself.</p>
<h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3>
<p>I'm actually still here in Turkey, and that says a lot about how much this experience impacted me. It changed my plans completely — now I'm even considering staying long-term, maybe one day running my own marketing agency remotely from here.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This place became more than an experience; it became part of my future.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>For me, meaningful travel isn't about checking off places — it's about actually building a life somewhere new. Working, studying, making friends, even imagining my future here in Turkey. I've learned the language, found people who feel like family, and started to understand the culture from the inside, not just as a visitor.&nbsp;</p>
<p>That's what makes it meaningful: when a trip turns into something real, not just a memory, but a foundation for the years ahead.</p>

Anastasiya Vinogradova

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Anastasiya Vinogradova who participated in The Academy of Tourism Antalya program.

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