Laurie Meneses

When I Joined ETA & What I Love About Working Here

Professional Background

I followed in my parents’ footsteps when I became an elementary dual language educator. Both of my parents were teachers, so I grew up seeing firsthand the impact educators can have on students’ lives. It was incredibly meaningful to carry on that legacy with my own students.

My passion for international education grew even stronger when I had the opportunity to work as a Student Life Coordinator, traveling with students across Europe, Central America, Asia, and Australia. Supporting them as they navigated new cultures, tried new things, and gained new perspectives was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. During that time, I also discovered how much I loved the operational side of travel, especially problem-solving in different countries and having a role in creating experiences that students would remember forever.

Those experiences inspired me to transition into international operations, where I get to combine my background in education with my love for travel and tourism. Now I get to play a part in helping educators and students experience international travel. There is nothing better than being part of a team that creates life-changing memories that extend far beyond the classroom. It truly feels like a full-circle moment.

Fun Facts About Laurie

Interesting Facts
A fun fact about me is that I reached my 7th continent in Antarctica and celebrated there by camping overnight in a snowstorm with nothing but a sleeping bag.

Favorite Place Traveled:
Indonesia is my favorite place to travel. The nature, the food (especially banana pancakes), and the kindness of the people make it feel like a second home every time I go back.

Favorite subject to study in school:
Writing was always my favorite subject, and it ultimately inspired me to earn a degree in journalism.

Most Recent Passport Stamp:
Italy.

Most unexpected moment while traveling:
My most unexpected moment while traveling was facing my fear of plunging into the Southern Ocean in Antarctica. The deep ocean has always terrified me, but it was one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments I couldn’t let pass me by.

Window seat or aisle seat?
Aisle seat, always. The thought of climbing over sleeping people mid-flight terrifies me.

Dream destination (not yet visited):
My dream destination is Nepal!

Go-to travel snack:
I need to have a combination of salty and sweet. Peanut m&ms and barbecue chips with a diet coke.

One thing I hope students gain from traveling:
I hope students realize that the moments in travel that challenge them the most are often the ones that change them for the better.