At Agoda, our purpose is to bridge the world through travel. We believe that every passion, no matter how niche, can spark meaningful change. In 2024, we launched a competition inviting our employees to share their dream journeys: adventures that would inspire, challenge, and transform, each aligned with their personal sense of purpose.
From hundreds of inspiring entries, three winners were selected, each given the chance to fulfill the trip of a lifetime. Today, we’re excited to spotlight our third winner, Angie Phalajivin, Senior Project Manager at Agoda. Angie’s love for dogs took her on a dream adventure to Switzerland. Read her story below.
A lifelong dream
Switzerland has always been a dream destination for me. The landscapes are breathtaking, like scenes from a movie. The country strikes a remarkable balance between art, nature, and innovation, creating a sense of harmony that is both inspiring and unique.
But what drew me most was the chance to visit world-class guide dog schools. Switzerland is one of the few countries with a dedicated governing body for guide dogs, reflecting a strong commitment to accessibility and compassion. I wanted to experience this firsthand, to bring back new ideas, and to advocate for similar programs in Thailand.
When our CEO, Omri, announced the winners, I was honestly surprised and deeply grateful to be among them. Winning the Purpose Prize fast-tracked my journey to Switzerland, allowing me to visit these incredible guide dog schools and experience the Alps, places I had only dreamed of seeing.
Highlights and heartfelt connections
My main purpose visiting Switzerland was to spend time at two leading guide dog schools for the blind: the Foundation Swiss School for Guide Dogs for the Blind in Allschwil and Blindenhunde Liestal VBM.
Touring these modern facilities, I observed the step-by-step training of guide dogs, learned about the rigorous process of matching dogs with families, and witnessed firsthand the dedication of trainers, instructors, and families preparing to welcome a guide dog into their lives.
Visiting these schools and seeing how service dogs transform lives was both eye-opening and inspiring. I learned so much from the trainers, the families, and the culture of accessibility woven into daily life.
Even small details, like infographics showing people holding dogs on escalators, or the availability of dog waste bags at nearly every trash can, highlight how dogs are viewed as family in Switzerland. Public places and transportation welcome dogs by default, which is the opposite of what I’m used to in Thailand. It was amazing to see dogs everywhere. On gondolas, trains, airplanes, trails, and lakes, you name it!
Favorite memories
I fulfilled a dream by traveling on the Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage train route renowned for its breathtaking scenery. My travels also took me through some of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities and landscapes: Basel, Interlaken, Zermatt, Lucerne, and Zurich.
My visit coincided with the Women’s EURO Cup, which brought a festive and energetic atmosphere throughout the country! In each city, there were fan zones with giant screens broadcasting the live matches. Locals and tourists alike gathered to watch football together, often accompanied by their dogs.
I grew up very close to football, as my dad was the Thai National Team coach, and experiencing an event like this in another part of the world reminded me how small and connected the world can be. It was inspiring to see how sports, much like the guide dog programs, can bring people together and foster a spirit of inclusivity and community.
A special part of my journey was visiting the Barry Museum, dedicated to the legendary Saint Bernard, Barry, whose story of heroism and compassion is woven into Swiss culture. The museum celebrates Barry’s legacy and the important role dogs have played in Swiss history, especially in rescue missions in the Alps.
Lessons to carry forward
The key lesson I’m bringing home from this experience is the transformative power of inclusivity, curiosity, and compassion. Switzerland showed me how a society can thrive when it values accessibility for everyone, balancing progress with the preservation of nature. I was inspired by how technology is used thoughtfully to create infrastructure that allows the country’s beauty and resources to be available to all, without compromising the environment.
I was also deeply moved by the genuine interest and engagement of the Swiss public, whether at guide dog schools or during the festive sporting events, which demonstrated how community spirit and collective curiosity can foster understanding and support for those in need. The dedication of trainers, the resilience of service dogs, and the loyalty of my own dog have deepened my appreciation for the impact of teamwork and empathy.
Importantly, my conversations with trainers at the guide dog schools opened my eyes to the possibilities for change, even in places with limited resources. Learning about India’s success in establishing guide dog schools, despite having less accessibility infrastructure, was especially inspiring. Success stories about stray dogs in Hong Kong becoming guide dogs showed me that with determination, advocacy, and creative solutions, meaningful progress is possible anywhere.
What’s next for me? I’m looking forward to advocating for greater accessibility and service dog programs in Thailand, inspired by the best practices I found in Switzerland. I’m hoping to encourage greater community engagement, lifelong learning, and kindness, believing that positive change is always within reach when we work together and support one another.
Find your purpose at Agoda
Inspired by Angie’s journey? At Agoda, we celebrate every passion and empower our people to make a difference, at work and in the world. If you share our love for travel, learning, and making an impact, explore opportunities with us today!
