Interview with Guven Elvan. Co-Founder

Tell us your story. How did Success International get started?

I became part of Cultural Exchange World in 2005 as a program participant. After my first program experience, I started to work in an agency in Turkey as a part-time consultant. Also, I participated in cultural exchange programs in 2006 and 2007. At that time, I visited many language schools and academic institutions in the UK to improve myself in study abroad programs. In 2009, we felt that we were ready to operate our own company.

What makes Success International different from your competitors?

I do not want to highlight one thing in particular. But all Success members are ex-program participants (such as J1 programs, language study, academic degrees abroad, camp leaders, etc.). We are trying to give correct and truthful information to our potential customers first-hand.

What is your favourite success story from your organisation?

In our fourth year, we opened our fourth office in Turkey.

What can we expect to see from Success International in the future?

We would like to develop our technology base in the near future. Our customers will be able to reach our services easily and fast. On the other hand, we would also like to expand our program networks to reach more happy customers.

Which trends do you see in educational and active youth travel?

Customers’ age range is going down. Also, we see a lot of customers returning for second or third foreign language education.

How do you work to ensure the health and safety of young travellers involved with Success International?

We give travellers a perfect orientation session for each particular program on their safety. And also, we purchase the right insurance package for them.

What was your motivation to join WYSE Travel Confederation?

WYSE Travel Confederation is the best place to see sector trends and develop your own organisation.

Have you attended a WYSE Travel Confederation event? If so, what was your experience with the event?

Yes. WYSTC 2017 in Montreal. It reached higher than my expectations. I built up very good partnerships and met very good people in sector.

What is an industry challenge your organisation is facing at this time?

Political issues and exchange rates.