Dani has a Masters degree in Bilingual and Multicultural Education and she has taught English in various cities around Spain for the last five years. Her first year studying in Granada, Spain is what sparked her interest in the International Education field. Dani believes in the transformative power that international education can have on young minds and that cultural immersion teaches us things that no textbook could ever. In her spare time, Dani enjoys spending time with friends, being on the beach, and exploring as much of the world as she can.
Learn more in our interview with Danielle.
What have your own international travels entailed?
I have had the privilege of traveling to 18 different countries! All of which are so amazing in their own ways. Because I spent five years living in Spain, the majority of the countries that I have traveled to have been in Europe (You cannot beat a $20 flight from Madrid to Rome for the weekend)!
However, I am so excited to begin traveling to other continents and that is one of my goals for the year.
My top 5 favorite countries that I have visited are:
- Greece
- Morocco
- Romania
- Hungary
- Portugal
How did you first go about getting a global perspective?
My journey towards gaining a global perspective began with a strong desire to learn Spanish. I’ve always wanted to be bilingual, even as a child. So when I discovered that my university in California had immersive language courses in Spain, I jumped at the opportunity. Once I was fully immersed in my new environment, my Spanish language skills skyrocketed through daily interactions and cultural experiences.
Surprisingly, it was not just my proficiency in Spanish that flourished, but also my overall perspective on the world. Experiencing life in a different cultural context opened my eyes to new ways of thinking and living, enriching my understanding of global interconnectedness and instilling a profound appreciation for diverse perspectives.
Why do you view travel as an essential part of every education?
I see travel as an essential part of every education because it offers real-world experiences that cannot be replicated in traditional classrooms. Travel encourages curiosity, adaptability, and open-mindedness, which are essential to becoming global thinkers. It also promotes empathy by allowing individuals to connect with people from different backgrounds and learn from the amazing people they meet along the way.
How has your international experience evolved to make you an even more valuable addition to the Rustic Pathways team?
Traveling has taught me how to work hard, and how to take initiative with what was in front of me. Traveling taught me resilience. Traveling taught me how to make meaningful relationships with individuals from beautifully diverse backgrounds. Traveling taught me to be confident in myself. It taught me how to be creative.
Most importantly, traveling shaped me into the individual that I am today. Every cobblestone street and every enthusiastic student taught me the beauty of cultural exchange and the impact it can have. This journey ignited a passion within me for global education, realizing its power to break down barriers, open minds, and build bridges between individuals and cultures.
Now it is my turn to share my experience and expertise with others who are starting to embark on these amazing journeys of their own. My experience with cultural immersion has shaped me in ways that align seamlessly with what Rustic Pathways stands for. I’m extremely excited about the opportunity to bring these experiences to Rustic Pathways, contribute to our shared mission, and create global thinkers!
Read more about the Rustic Pathways team. Learn about Rustic Pathways summer travel programs.