The Journey of an Educator: How Traveling Redefines Teaching and Perspective

As an educator who has spent over a decade far from my home country, I’ve discovered that traveling is much more than a leisure activity—it’s a way to reset, recharge, and see the world through new lenses. For me, traveling is about becoming a traveler, not a tourist, and embracing the opportunities it provides for learning and growth. 

For teachers, traveling isn’t just inspiring—it’s transformative. Here are some reasons why I believe every educator should explore the world and what I’ve learned along the way: 

1. Museums: Walking Through History’s Showcase

Museums are like time capsules, offering a glimpse into a country’s past, present, and even future. I love immersing myself in these curated spaces, dedicating entire days to museum tours. It might seem “boring” to some, but for me, it’s fascinating. 

Take my trip to Troia (Troy), for example. I traveled six hours from Izmir to Çanakkale just to walk through the ancient ruins—connecting with the tales I once taught. I’ve spent hours exploring the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, reading about how this magnificent structure was built while others posed for quick photos. In Yerevan, visiting the museum to see Copernicus’ original manuscript was nothing short of magical. These experiences fuel my passion as an educator, bringing historical narratives to life in my classroom and inspiring students to connect with the world beyond their textbooks. 

2. Public Transportation: Language, Instincts, and Discovery

Navigating public transportation in a foreign country is one of the most thrilling and practical aspects of traveling. It’s where preparation and spontaneity meet. Before heading to a new destination, I memorize basic expressions in the local language and study maps to navigate confidently. 

Istanbul’s metro card, for instance, made getting around on both trams and buses effortless—though I often preferred walking to take in the city’s sights. In Dubai, I found the train a more budget-friendly option compared to taxis. One of my favorite experiences was riding Yerevan’s post-Soviet trains, where I practiced Russian while asking locals for directions. 

Traveling teaches adaptability and boosts instinctive decision-making—skills that are invaluable not only for life but also for teaching. I encourage my students to embrace the same curiosity and problem-solving mindset in their studies. 

3. Eating Locally: Savoring Cultural Experiences

For me, exploring a destination also means indulging in its flavors. I rarely go to fast-food chains while traveling; instead, I embrace local cuisine. 

In Yerevan, I spent time in neighborhood markets, sampling dishes I later tried to recreate at home. Here in Libya, where I’m currently based, I continue to enjoy the national dishes in Tripoli’s many restaurants. Food offers a sensory connection to the place you’re in—it tells a story of tradition, culture, and community. As an educator, I share these stories with my students, encouraging them to see food as a gateway to understanding the world’s diversity. 

Conclusion: Traveling Shapes Us as Educators

Traveling has become an integral part of my life—not just as a personal passion, but as a tool to enrich my teaching and connect with my students. Each experience, from walking through historical landmarks to navigating the bustling streets of a new city, teaches lessons that translate directly into the classroom. 

For educators, traveling isn’t just about taking a break—it’s about creating opportunities for growth, inspiration, and connection. It reminds us that learning is a lifelong journey, one that extends far beyond the boundaries of our classrooms. 

So, where will your next journey take you? Let’s continue exploring, one step at a time. 

Nature Unplugged: 4 Creative Ways to Connect Your Classroom with the Outdoors

 Why? Because it provides the essential element. From the air we breathe to the food we eat, nature is our greatest provider. As educators, we have a unique opportunity to show our students how interconnected we are with the natural world and inspire them to act for a sustainable future. Here are some engaging ways to bring nature into your classroom and spark meaningful connections:

1. Capture the World: Nature Photography

Encourage your students to step outside and capture the beauty of their surroundings with their cameras or smartphones.

• Activity Idea: Set a theme—like "the art of nature" or "hidden treasures"—and have them snap photos that tell a story.

• Outcome: Students learn to observe details, appreciate natural beauty, and share their perspectives through visual storytelling.

2. Words from the Wild: Japanese Poetry

Introduce your classroom to the art of Haiku and Tanka—Japanese poetry that celebrates nature in its purest form.

• Activity Idea: After a brief lesson on these poetic forms, invite students to write a short poem capturing a moment they witnessed in nature.

• Outcome: This creative exercise encourages mindfulness and a deeper emotional connection with the environment, all while honing concise writing skills.

3. Feel the Earth: Grounding Exercise

Sometimes, the best way to connect with nature is to get a little closer—literally.

• Activity Idea: Have students remove their shoes and take a quiet minute outside, feeling the earth beneath their feet.

• Outcome: This simple yet profound exercise can promote mindfulness, reduce stress, and remind students of the tangible connection between themselves and the natural world.

4. Conversations with Green: Talking to Plants

It might sound whimsical, but encouraging your students to speak to the plants can foster a genuine sense of gratitude and respect for living organisms.

• Activity Idea: Ask students to pick a plant in a school garden or a nearby park, then express their thanks and share a hopeful message with it.

• Outcome: This activity nurtures empathy and opens up discussions on the care and importance of all living things, linking emotional well-being with environmental stewardship.

Bringing It All Together

By incorporating these nature-inspired activities, you create a classroom environment that is dynamic, reflective, and ever-connected to the world around us. Not only do these methods encourage creativity and critical thinking, but they also empower the next generation to value sustainability and their role in protecting our natural heritage.

How do you think your students will respond to these activities? Have you already tried any creative ways to bring nature into your classroom? Share your experiences and ideas below

Why Teaching is Like "Squid Game"

Ever pause and wonder if teaching might be cut from the same cloth as something as intense as "Squid Game"? At first glance, the connection might seem wild, but look a little closer and you'll find striking parallels that celebrate both the grit and heart required in the classroom.

High Stakes: Step into any classroom, and you'll realize that every lesson carries weight. Much like the life-changing risks in "Squid Game," a teacher holds the future in their hands with every word and every idea shared. It's not just about passing on knowledge—it's about inspiring dreams, sparking curiosity, and even changing the course of a student's life.

Challenges and Obstacles: Every day presents new tests. As educators, we navigate a maze of varying learning styles, classroom dynamics, and even resource constraints. This journey isn’t straightforward—just like the unpredictable games in "Squid Game," each challenge forces us to adapt, learn, and ultimately grow stronger in our resolve.

Competition and Collaboration: In the high-pressure environment of "Squid Game," alliances often form to tackle overwhelming odds. Similarly, in our classrooms, we nurture a balanced environment where healthy competition meets the strength of collaboration. We encourage students to strive for personal excellence while learning the power of teamwork—a dance between individuality and community that enriches every learner.

Unpredictability: No two days are the same in the realm of education. Like the twists and turns of a suspenseful game, teaching is marked by moments of delightful surprise—a question that opens up new insights, an unexpected breakthrough, or a teachable moment that transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary. This very unpredictability lends a vibrant, dynamic quality to our everyday mission.

Emotional Investment: Perhaps the most profound similarity lies within our hearts. Just as contestants in "Squid Game" risk everything with every decision, teachers invest deeply in the growth and well-being of our students. The bonds we form are not measured by grades or test scores but by the lasting impact we have on young lives—an influence that echoes far beyond the classroom.

In the end, teaching is a bold adventure—a game of passion, resilience, and connection. Every lesson is a round where challenges are met with creativity and every day is an opportunity to shape a future that’s as unpredictable as it is promising. What do you think: Are you ready to play this game with heart?