Born and raised in Prince George, Ashley Ramsay is ready to go remote.
In November, she will embark on an opportunity of a lifetime as she travels to 12 locations worldwide for an entire year.
"The opportunity just kind of found me," Ramsay says.
"I saw it on the internet and I went for it. I just randomly applied and the next thing I knew, I got it."
Ramsay was thrilled to receive the news she was accepted the program, Remote Year.
The program gathers an interesting group people who travel together, yet work remotely.
Remotes travel to 12 different cities throughout Europe, Asia and South America for one month each.
Throughout the year, remotes are able to explore local communities through cultural tours and activities, speaking events and volunteer opportunities.
For 30-year-old Ramsay, it was an experience she couldn't pass up.
"When I pitched this to my family, I decided I would ask them why I shouldn't do this. No one gave me a good answer. So, off I go," Ramsay said.
While away, Ramsay will continue working as a supervisory analyst with Raymond James, an investment company which provides financial services to individuals, corporations and municipalities.
"I'll be doing the same work but in different locations. This program is so unique in that there are resources always available locally at each location which will refer activities to you that you can't find on Trip Advisor. It's all about immersing yourself culturally."
"I'm so excited to take in the culture and the food. This will be the best of both worlds to work with the locals and still explore. It will be so fulfilling."
The "human" resources will be readily available as a safety net for Ramsay throughout her travels.
And all living spaces will be in walking distance to her work space.
Ramsay isn't new to adventure.
After graduating from UNBC with a degree in Finance and International business, she landed a job in Vancouver.
"Well, I've completed the financial side, I guess now I'm ready to take on the international side," Ramsay laughs.
She is currently working remotely in Squamish B.C.
Having traveled extensively already, Ramsay says that all of the locations she is about to visit in the next year, will be unventured territory.
Starting off in Vietnam, Ramsay will then travel to Thailand, Malaysia, Spain, Morocco, Portugal, South Africa, Argentina, Peru and Columbia.
"I'm really excited about Morocco and Capetown, two locations that are quite different from what I've experienced before," she said.
Ramsay also sees this as an opportunity to fulfill her secret passion.
"My passion is running and ultra running. So, my dream will come true, to run the world."
During her travels, Ramsay will also write a regular column for the Prince George Citizen allowing her to document her experiences.
"There are so many things I love, from running, to food to good wine. That's me and I think the column will reflect that depending on the location. It will be a bit of everything," Ramsay says.
"It's going to be a whirlwind year but I love the challenge of living on the edge. Plus I won't miss winter here at all."
Ramsay is grateful for having a supportive family who weren't at all surprised by her decision to go remote.
"It will be an exploration, to open up to things I haven't done before, to live with others in a different location and a different culture. I think this will be a good growing experience that will be challenging yet rewarding," Ramsay said.
"This isn't the end for me, but the beginning."
For more information about Remote Year, visit, www.remoteyear.com
