Charlotte is a part of a wonderful team of like-minded individuals who all place international education at the top of their priorities. Charlotte has travelled all over the world, but still has so many countries on her list to visit!
What is your favorite travel memory?
This is hard, so many! I would have to say my travels through Egypt were a major highlight. The people were so friendly, the sites amazing and just seeing the sheer difference of living to how I've grown up. We were staying in Giza, right in front of the pyramids (I would wake up and look out my window and they were all right there!), and on one of the days, we decided to go further afield to see the Red Pyramid, The Bent Pyramid and the oldest pyramid.
Each were amazing, but it was the Red Pyramid, the final one for the day, that I vividly remember feeling distinctly different about. As you enter, you have to descend about 60 meters into the depths of the pyramid. From there you walk/crawl through a series of chambers until you reach the centre, where the sarcophagus was held (not there anymore). The feeling we all had was one of we weren't alone, something significant had happened here, something ancient and foreboding. The smell of ammonia was also intoxicating, we think it was from the many bats who resided in the chambers.
A memory I will never forget.
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I've learned a lot from my colleagues and managers. I came in as a relatively new person to the world of international education, and they have nurtured my curiosity and answered my many questions, without hesitation. My job is always busy and varied and I love it that way! The best part is that I get to travel a little, which allows me to explore new places and meet new people!
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
Hearing about how students were so grateful for being able to go is very satisfying. No one has ever come back complaining about their experience, therefore just knowing how much an individual will grow throughout their overseas experience and studies is the best. I love hearing about the relationships they have created and the experiences they have had.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
Tricky, there are so many good programs!
I would have to say, if I could go on an exchange in Scotland, that would be the dream! Or somewhere on the beach in the US. Anywhere really, I would love to study and or live overseas, I'm not picky! All destinations have unique experiences, and, as long as the destination had great food, then I'll be happy!
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
The International Office at The University of Waikato has a wonderful supportive team environment and we are all constantly helping each other out with whatever is happening at the time. This makes for a much more collaborative environment, we're all in this together.
University of Waikato has a wonderful community feel and a beautiful campus, that's why I chose to complete both my Bachelor and Master degrees here.
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
I believe trust is super important and just as equally important is the ability to have fun! Our team work hard and play hard, and I love that about us. It's not often we are all here at once, but we still work hard to regularly catch up outside of work. Through this, you build trust with each other, which allows for a team who shares and communicates better. Communication and transparency is key!
