Anita Offerman
Manager of Tour Managers - Operations, VA Office
I love animals, camping under the stars, and the oddly comforting buzz of airports and swanky hotel rooms.
When I Joined ETA & What I Love About Working Here
Professional Background
I truly believe great student tours start with great leadership, and that’s what I get to focus on every day. I work closely with our Tour Managers, coaching, training, and supporting them through everything from detailed scheduling and logistics to last-minute curveballs (because travel always keeps us on our toes).
I believe in high standards, plenty of encouragement, and creating a space where TMs feel confident, prepared, and happy to be part of ETA and the experiences they deliver. Behind every unforgettable adventure is a tour manager making it all happen — and I’m proud to be the one supporting and championing them along the way.
Educational travel means a lot to me because I’ve seen firsthand, as a Tour Manager on the road, how it opens minds and creates moments students carry with them long after the trip ends.
Fun Facts About Anita
Interesting Facts
I know airport codes better than I know area codes.
Favorite Place Traveled:
Wherever I am, tends to become my favorite. And if it doesn’t? That just gives me a great excuse to go find the next one.
Favorite subject to study in school:
Geography. I guess I was destined to work in travel — I just didn’t know it yet.
Most Recent Passport Stamp:
India.
Most unexpected moment while traveling:
I was exploring a beach town in Belgium one afternoon and decided to stop by a beautiful cathedral I’d spotted. As I walked up, there was a crowd gathered outside, lots of excitement, people lined up, cameras out. Naturally, I assumed something interesting was happening, so I wandered closer.
Suddenly, someone grabbed my arm and said, “Hurry, they’re about to start!” Before I could explain that I had absolutely no idea what was going on, I was ushered inside and guided straight to the front of the church… where I was seated in the groom’s family section.
At that point, it felt far more awkward to get up and leave than to just commit. So I did what any reasonable person would do, I pretended I belonged there.
And this wasn’t just any wedding. The groom? Jean-Claude Van Damme. Yes, that Jean-Claude Van Damme, the Belgian action star from the ‘90s. (Jeez, I’m dating myself now)
I sat through the ceremony, trying to look supportive but not too supportive. When they began forming a line to congratulate the couple, I decided that was my cue. I quietly slipped out before anyone asked how I was related.
To this day, I’m fairly confident I did not make it into the official family photos…
Window seat or aisle seat?
Window on long flights, aisle for the shorter ones.
Dream destination (not yet visited):
Egypt.
Go-to travel snack:
A grande hot latte!
One thing I hope students gain from traveling:
A broader perspective, an open mind, and a lasting desire to see and understand the world.
