Staff Interview with Alfonso Perret Membrez

Get to know Acento Internacional's staff!

What inspired you to work for Acento Internacional?

I created my own language school while I was a student at the university, pursuing my Licence degree in foreign languages in Cali, Colombia.

Learning a new language as a kid was wonderful. I had the best English teacher I could ever have. When I was a young adult, I studied English for three months abroad. That experience changed my life radically and positively. Since then, foreign languages have always made my professional life easier and made me more confident in my social and academic life.

Describe a typical day at work.

I wake up at 6:00 AM, answer some messages, and read the news. I have breakfast at 7:00 AM and go to work at 8:00 AM. I start by seeing everyone’s digital diary and spend the rest of the day doing my best to grow my company commercially and in quality and make us known to as many clients as possible.

Why do you do what you do?

I really love what I'm doing. I believe that managing a foreign language school is a plus for society for all those who can learn a new language with us.

What is your favorite part of your job?

Checking and seeing that everything is going well.

How do you use your education and international background in your Director role?

Thanks to my high level of education and experience here and abroad, I understand my business thoroughly, the challenges, and the opportunities that will make us successful.

What challenges do you often face, and how do you overcome them?

New cultures and new persons are challenging. It's an interesting learning process.

What are some current projects you are working on?

Currently, we are working hard on the project to increase the number of Spanish student learners.

What makes Acento Internacional special?

The school is small, has a family atmosphere, but is very professional. It is well-located, and learning takes place in an optimal place to study: bright and calm. Classes are held in small numbers, which allows personal interaction with the teacher.

Why should someone choose Acento Internacional?

We have nearly ten years of experience teaching Spanish to foreigners, and we understand their needs and culture.

What hopes do you have for the future of your organization?

Growing, growing, and keep growing, but always with the best quality of educational services we can offer.

What makes Acento Internacional easy to market to potential participants?

We have all the capacity and experience to offer what we say. We have a good presence on the web, and it's very easy to find us.

What is Acento Internacional mission, and how do you continue to work toward it?

Acento Internacional promotes quality language and intercultural solutions, developing linguistics, academics, and work skills and competencies. Thus, it contributes to local, regional, national, and international socio-economic development.

What do you hope participants take away from your programs?

We strongly hope that participants in our programs will enjoy the courses they take with us to the maximum and take advantage of what they have paid for.

How do you help and support participants?

We help the students with pleasure. We understand their needs and assist when they ask for help.

If you could participate on one of your organization's programs, where would you go and what would you do?

I would love to do the “mystery client” strategy. Then, I could learn what we should improve or change.

What questions do participants often ask you, and how do you typically respond?

They often ask where they can stay, like a hotel near our building. We usually indicate the ones who are very near.

Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?

It is also an excellent way to meet people and learn new things.

Why do you think learning a new language is important?

When you learn a new language, you learn a new culture. You also learn a new way how people think is the best part of it.

What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?

Check all the offers well. Try to know exactly what you want and what you really need. Check your budget, and remember that those experiences you make when you travel will always be in your mind. Make sure that most of them are exceptional and unique.

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

Meaningful travel, for me, involves much more than simply visiting new places. It's about immersing oneself in the culture, history, and traditions of each destination. It’s an opportunity to learn and grow, both personally and professionally.

When we travel, especially in the context of language learning, every conversation, every interaction becomes an invaluable lesson. Meaningful travel also means connecting with people, understanding their perspectives, and enriching our own knowledge. In learning a language, we not only acquire linguistic skills, but also gain access to a way of life and a worldview that transforms us.

At our institute, we promote this idea by encouraging our students to travel, explore, and live the language in its context. This not only enriches their learning experience, but also helps them become more empathetic and globally conscious citizens.

What does ethical global engagement mean to you?

For us, ethical global engagement means being actively participating in the interconnected world with a strong sense of responsibility and respect for diverse cultures and perspectives. It involves recognizing the impact of our actions on others, whether it's through travel, business, or community involvement.

What hopes do you have for the future of international education?

As the director of a language institute in Colombia, I have high hopes for the future of international education. We are at a crucial moment in which global interconnection becomes increasingly relevant.

What qualities in program & host community relations are important to you? (And your organization?)

As the director of a language institute in Colombia, I consider the relationships between the program and the host community to be fundamental. Some important qualities include:

mutual respect. It is essential to establish a foundation of respect towards the culture and traditions of the community, promoting open and honest dialogue.

Another is active collaboration. Fostering projects and activities that benefit both students and the community, creating a positive and lasting impact.

Next is cultural exchange. Facilitating an environment where experiences and knowledge can be shared enriches students and community members.

Sustainability ensures that initiatives are sustainable and respect the environment and local resources, aligning with the needs of the community.

Lastly, local support. Engaging local leaders and organizations to build strong relationships and builds trust, which benefits everyone involved.

These qualities are key to creating a rich and meaningful learning environment, where everyone can grow and learn together.