Chris Abfalter is the co-founder of EDventure International, a group that operate volunteer and education programs in Cambodia, Costa Rica and Thailand.
The amount of staff is always changing, depending on what projects are operating, but currently Chris has about seven people working with him, logging on from Australia, Canada, the US and also on location in South East Asia.
Why did you start EDventure International?
I wanted to really do something meaningful with my life, and say that I’ve put my hard work to good use.
EDventure represents everything we’ve all worked hard to achieve, and empowers individuals willing to open their minds to a new opportunity.
Operating International volunteer programs isn’t the expected career path for someone who studied accounting, banking and finance. How did you go from that to where you are now?
When I finished studying I made a pact to get out and see the world, and find out how I could put my skills to good use. I’ve spent time working in the marketing departments for other groups with a focus on philanthropy.
This was the “game changer” that gave me the ability to network and collaborate with the other partners that formed EDventure International.
You run an organisation that operates in multiple countries with quite a small team, do you get much time to yourself away from EDventure International?
It’s always challenging to get the perfect balance, especially with an organisation that has International foci. Receiving calls and emails at all times of the day and night is certainly not uncommon – so we’ve gotten better at sharing the load between the management team.
It’s still the early days for us, and we’re looking forward to getting enough support, to eventually collaborate and spread the work evenly.
Do you have a role model? Who inspires you and your work?
We already work alongside many philanthropic groups in remote communities that have made a huge difference in their respective worlds. There are a few ‘local’ names that would make the list for me, but I do really admire Aung San Suu Kyi and her unfaltering duty to the Burmese people.
You’ve obviously taken a big risk, not only moving overseas but also starting your own company. What would you say to other Aussies considering doing the same thing?
It is certainly a step outside of any comfort zone that someone is used to, but my advice is to work out what you honestly have to gain, and take an educated leap of faith. If you think you have what it takes, give it a go. The effort that goes into a project that is completely your own is unbelievably rewarding in itself.
Can you describe what a normal day is for you?
As a senior person in the team, it’s my role to step back and keep the bigger picture in mind; also, building our systems and processes, so that we may continue to scale our operation, with a future goal to provide this opportunity to everyone. These days it includes managing the marketing team, updating itineraries for groups and solidifying host organisation partnerships and collaborative efforts to make sure the projects are impactful for all.
Sounds pretty busy?
There will always be lot of work to do, more problems than expected to overcome, a minimum of five belly laughs as a requirement and an unexpected change in plans to account for. I think the key to this operation is being flexible, and adaptable to change.
For more information, head to EDVentureINTL.com or like EDventure on Facebook.
