Nikki is a 23-year-old Applied Languages graduate and qualified TEFL teacher with a passion for travel.
Staff Spotlight: Nikki Foley
Title:
Customer Care AssistantPhotos
What is your favorite travel memory?
During my time teaching in Barcelona, we brought our students on a class trip to a beach on Costa Brava for a day and we went on a hike together.
It was a really great experience to see how excited the students were for the trip (despite the terrible weather that day) --- as it was so basic compared to the extravagant "school tours" we have in Ireland. Though Spain is far from a poor country it was eye-opening to see how a such a simple trip really lifted everybody's spirit (teachers and students alike).
It highlighted the importance of friendship and not taking things for granted. We spent the day laughing and making the most of what we had. I really value those memories.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
This job is a totally new experience for me and I've really cherished every minute. The appreciation received and given to this company for everyone's contribution has had a really positive effect on me. I love coming to work every day, which is a big change.
Furthermore, helping people on their TEFL journeys and guiding them on their travel experiences is really rewarding. Talking to people and hearing their stories has only made me want to travel more as their experiences are so amazing thanks to this company.
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
The best story I've heard from one of our students would have to be from one of our greatest students, who is now going back to her internship destination to work alongside our partner in welcoming and guiding future students.
She immersed herself completely into her surrounding culture and really connected well with everyone around her. Simultaneously she did not lose sight of her own culture and made that a part of her host families environment. Stories of her students sleep-talking in English made me super proud.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
I would definitely take part in the Cambodia program. I think it would be fascinating to teach in a country so different from my own. With this program, you can completely immerse yourself in the culture with language and culinary lessons.
In my opinion, it is impossible to fully embrace a culture without adopting every aspect of it to your life, as best you can. This program, like others, provides great opportunities for this.
I've always had a desire to travel Asia, especially Cambodia so I may be a bit biased for this reason.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
In my opinion, our dedication to keeping in contact with all of our students before and after their programs is what makes this company unique.
We strive to provide the best customer service and I think we do it very well. We believe in being in constant contact with our students as it really makes them feel valued.
We recently moved office location and although I have not been a part of this company long I was very proud of the team for passing this milestone in expanding this brilliant company.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I believe that expert customer care is pivotal in being a successful company. Without customers, you have no company. For this reason, seeing to customer needs as best as possible is the epitome of a successful business.