Although there are too many wonderful memories to count, my favorite travel memory would have to be the first time I ordered gelato in Italian in Florence, Italy. On my first trip with World Class Programs, I was confident in my Italian, but once it became time to test it out with a local, I was nervous! After I gained the courage to order, he treated me like a local, and it gave me the confidence to step outside of my comfort zone and continue to join the incredible culture surrounding me! I take that experience with me, and encourage my students so that they can feel confident enough to do the same!
Staff Spotlight: Jaclyn Tano
Title:
Program DirectorPhotos
My name is Jaclyn Tano and I have been traveling my entire life! I have been with World Class Programs since the first program, and originally joined the World Class team fueled by my passion to educate students from around the world through the Experiential Learning Method! The only passion that can compete with my love of travel, would have to be my love of teaching! I am a licensed teacher, and currently hold a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Concordia University, St. Paul. When I'm not traveling the world, I enjoy reading, and spending time with my family. I can't wait to meet you on one of our upcoming programs!
What is your favorite travel memory?
How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?
I have always been interested in kinesthetic and visual learning during my time teaching in a traditional classroom. However, since I started working for World Class Programs, it took my interest in hands-on learning to the next level! Instead of creating pseudo-scenarios, though the use of textbooks and videos to show my students new skills and concepts, I am able to bring them into the cities where those skills can be practiced first-hand!
What is the best story you've heard from a return student?
My favorite story I've heard from a return student was all centered around how their entire world-view had been shifted in a positive way after experiencing the program. They said that they not only started to view the world in a broader way, but they also began to understand themselves more. This story stands out to me the most because of how powerful their words were when they expressed this to me.
If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?
This is a difficult question for me because all of the programs have something unique to offer that sets them apart from each other in the best ways! That is why I will instead talk about my favorite unique parts of the programs I have attended already! The raw history woven in every place we visit in Italy is breathtaking. The rich art history that brings France to life is unforgettable. Lastly, the innovation and food that Japan has to offer makes it an uncommon and exclusive gem.
What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?
Every year I am proud of my team! These past years pushing through with the new COVID-19 measures that needed to take place really showed that we were all in it together, and still were able to make incredible programs just as memorable for students, while still maintaining the safety of everyone. I couldn't be more proud of my team, but these past couple of years have really showed our tenacity to stick together and keep the students' in the forefront of our priorities!
What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?
The biggest factor in being a successful company all comes down to the community and environment that is created. If staff are not happy, then the students will not be happy. The staff at World Class Programs all love what they do, and come from different backgrounds, so they all bring something unique and valued to the company. That is what makes me proud to come to work everyday, because I don't consider it "work" in the slightest.