Most of Al Campo’s staff are locals, allowing us to pin point a community’s needs. There is no denying that our program relies on their insight significantly. All of out programs- from teen travel, and alternative spring break fun to adult trips- rely on a large range of people coming together to make each of our adventures possible. Back in the Denver office, we are always in motion to make trips run smoothly. What’s going on in Denver that makes student travel to Central America possible? Jessica, a new addition to the Al Campo team, gives us a snap shot of her role in this interview:
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Hello! I am Jessica, a recent graduate from the University of Colorado Boulder in International Affairs and Spanish & Portuguese Language & Culture. I love to travel, having studied abroad in both England and Brazil, as well as having travelled to Argentina and throughout Europe, it is definitely an addiction!
Jess in Rio de Janeiro
What’s your role for Al Campo?
My role for Al Campo is informing high schools about the opportunities ACI provides and trying to spark that desire to travel and to help the world. I also am researching ways to help keep extra trip costs low for our participants and to update current, past and perspective students on news in both Honduras and Nicaragua.
How does the work in Denver make our trips possible?
Denver is the home base for Al Campo, where all the behind the scenes work is accomplished. Service trips are not just a plane flight to another community, it involves organization as well as getting the word out so people know opportunities like this exist. We do what we can here so students across the country are provided with the information and chance to participate. Beyond providing the information we also are here to make sure the trips go smoothly so our participants can take full advantage of their experience.
How did you find Al Campo?
I found out about Al Campo through an internship listing through my primary major at CU, International Affairs. And just coming home from Brazil in December I knew I had to continue to stay involved in study abroad like opportunities and Latin America!
What do you normally do for Al Campo?
I normally research high schools in different states and send out brochures to their Spanish Departments, as well as doing research for Al Campo such as travel insurance. I also read daily news about our destinations to write blog posts and keep everyone updated!
What are your goals, within ACI and in life?
My goals within ACI is to open up an opportunity to travel and work with a community to students, throughout my own experiences I have learned the importance of such opportunities. For me, what makes travel great is engaging yourself in the community and to really know where you are. We are becoming global citizens every time we experience new opportunities and better informed citizens and to me this is the most important thing in today’s world. I hope to stay involved in the international world for the rest of my life, either travelling, living, teaching or studying so I myself can continue my education of the international community.
Interesting fact (about yourself):
Other than studying politics and languages, I have a huge weakness for the arts. I have worked for a few theatre companies making costumes, such as complete 18th century gowns and men’s suits!