Exploring Life & Business with Cindy Barber-Vance of Go World

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Barber-Vance

Hi Cindy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started years ago when my youngest daughter was sitting at the dining room table and said we should host an exchange student. My youngest daughter was thinking the house was going to be too empty because her older sister was off to college. I, being busy running her escrow company and raising a family, responded with “We don’t have time for that.” Then a letter came across my desk asking people to host exchange students. Next thing I knew we were hosting a boy from Serbia and a girl from Germany. Well let’s just say after that hosting opportunity was over and she realized how much she and her family had been forever changed. I was hooked. During the past 13+ years I have been blessed to connect with so many students, student’s families, coordinators, host families and partners from many areas of our world. I also have been lucky enough to travel the world and add to the adventure. Go World is passionate about helping students from all over the world experience new cultures and make connections with people from different backgrounds. This passion is what led to forming Go World to share the wonders of cultural exchange.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I was working for another company that I loved and thought I would retire from this company working in cultural exchange. Then the pandemic hit and everything was turned upside down. I eventually was laid off along with all of their field staff. Shortly after that I was offered two different jobs with different companies as well as my original job back but I knew that now was the time to open my own company. I have been self employed almost my whole life but that was in real estate and this was a different ball game. Honestly the biggest challenge so far since the creation of Go World has been being able to keep up with the business my partners are sending Go World and getting the company up and running quick enough. It is very important to me that we offer a top quality program for all involved.

As you know, we’re big fans of Go World. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Building Community
Go World believes we can build strong community through cultural exchange. Partner with us and take part in empowering our home and abroad communities to embrace and collaborate across differences. We are proud of the community we’ve built and committed to developing lasting connections.
Academic Goals
Go World is committed to helping you achieve your academic success. We provide personalized programs tailored to meet education and financial goals. We strive to make international education accessible and we are committed to being an integral part of your academic journey.
International Travel
Go World creates international activities that provide personal growth and education opportunities. Our comprehensive programs are designed to develop cultural exposure through hands-on experiences, including language development, sports travel and many other adventures.

What sets Go World apart from other organizations is our ability to customize the program for the individual or group with their goals at the forefront of the program. We truly care about everyone involved in the programs from the partner in other countries, participants, host families, schools, educators, coordinators and community participants. It takes a team to make cultural exchange work.

The original brand, concepts, logos, mission was really a family affair as my daughter and her partner were very helpful in their creations. I am very proud that both of my daughters are supportive of cultural exchange and have lived the benefit.

I think the most important thing for the readers to know is that cultural exchange is life changing for everyone involved, either as an American being involved in other cultures as they visit the US or as an American traveling and experiencing other cultures it will forever make a difference in your life and life long bonds are created. Go World is making a difference through cultural and educational experiences.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are so many ways to get involved and make a difference.
Host families, can be of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, etc. the most important part is to welcome the participant as part of your family.
Coordinators – anyone with a desire to work with host families and participants and offer support. Great side gig.
Volunteer Partners – Participants are always looking for ways to give back to their host communities by volunteering. Anyone with a need reach out.
Business Partners – Participants are looking for experiences in American business which could involve a tour of your company, sharing your story or even an internship.
Community Partners – Participants also like to experience our everyday life with grocery store tours, bank tours etc.
Educational Partners – Participants like to experience all levels of our American education with school visits, tours or shadowing students. All experiences are welcome.
Americans – Who would like to travel abroad and have their own cultural experiences either with a group or solo, teenagers through adults. Many opportunities are available. Put your self outside of your comfort zone and see what happens.
International Partners – Contact us and let Go World build you just the right program for your customers.
All of the above opportunities are available not only in Southern California but across the United States, let us know how you would like to get involved and make a difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.goworldedu.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goworldedu?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goworldedu