Hello from the 2016 Team!

Cleo Stratton, 3rd year Tourism Management Student

Natalia Pisarek, 1st year Outdoor Recreation Management Student

Sarah Constable, 4th year Tourism Management Student

Justina Lee, 4th year Tourism Management Student

"We got it! Me, you, Cleo, and Natalia!" 

That was the message I received from Sarah before I even had the chance to check my emails that day. What followed after was an overwhelming feeling of happiness mixed with disbelief. The entire application and interview process was so intensive, and the other applicants performed so admirably, that I wouldn't have been the least bit surprised if I didn't make it. So naturally when the news arrived, I was absolutely speechless. 

I’ve known about CBT Vietnam for a couple years now, but the thought of applying never crossed my mind simply because the timing never seemed to be right. It wasn’t until late last year that I really began to think about the project. When Chris striked up a conversation about the project, I was immediately intrigued. The stories he had to tell, combined with the passion he had for the cause, made me feel incredibly compelled to go. By the time the topic of finding new volunteers to fill their vacant positions came up in conversation, I was already prepared to apply.

The whole process, from being accepted to having our first training/information meeting with Chris, has been nothing but smooth thus far. Getting to know the other three ladies was an event in and of itself! In an attempt to have our first “formal” introductions, we ended up grabbing lunch at an authentic pho restaurant, and spent a good hour or so just getting to know each other. Really though, it was just four women with a similar goal to go to Vietnam and make a small but meaningful impact in community tourism. We chatted, we ate, we laughed, we discussed some business, and then we laughed some more. 

I am honoured to be a part of this incredible project and look forward to the opportunity to step up and do my absolute best. Only three months until we depart for Vietnam, but I already know that this experience will be nothing short of amazing.

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Welcome to the team!

It is hard to imagine that it has already been four months since I had one of the most epic and rewarding undertakings of my life! Getting to spend a month in Hanoi with the CBT Vietnam project was an amazing adventure that I will never forget. It has been one of the greatest learning opportunities I have had as a part of the Tourism Management Degree Program.

Applicants working hard during the group interview - Photo by Kyle LeGrow

I recently had the opportunity to assist with the application process for selecting the 2016 project volunteers. Sitting through the group interview and watching things unfold from the other side of the room was an interesting experience. Although the interview is challenging and includes components designed to keep the applicants on their toes, it really does showcase different strengths that are important to have when you are working with the CBT Vietnam project. All of the applicants did so well with every challenge they encountered, and I was really impressed with everyone that participated!

On behalf of the whole team, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new members: Natalia, Sarah, Cleo, and Justina! Congratulations on making it through the selection process, and welcome to one of the most challenging and fantastic experiences of your time at Capilano University. Trust me, every second of hard work you put into this project will be worth it! There is a talented and diverse team of people ready to support you with whatever initiative you take on. Good luck!

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