Updates/News
Teach Kentucky Teachers Abroad: How Summer Travel is Enriching Classrooms at Home
- August 4, 2025
- Posted by: Kristen Garner
- Category: Misc
Teach Kentucky Teachers Abroad: How Summer Travel is Enriching Classrooms at Home
As Louisville students get ready to return to school this Thursday, our teachers are already back today, prepping classrooms, organizing supplies, and planning lessons. But before the first bell rings, we want to take a moment to catch up with a few Teach Kentucky educators who had some unforgettable adventures over the summer.
For Danielle, Ian, Lily, and Rebecca, the break wasn’t just a time to rest—it was a chance to travel, teach, and bring the world back to their students.
Ian: Engineering Curiosity in Berlin
Ian spent his summer in Berlin, Germany, working as a Program Leader for CIEE, an organization that offers global education programs. His
The experience wasn’t just enriching for the students, Ian returned with a toolkit of new teaching strategies. From managing behavioral dynamics abroad to supporting students through personal challenges, Ian gained valuable insights into relationship-building and classroom leadership that he’s ready to apply this school year. 
Lily & Rebecca: Literature and Legacy in the UK
Lily and Rebecca teamed up to take students on an educational journey through Scotland and England this summer. Over the course of nine fast-paced days, they explored Edinburgh’s ancient castles, visited Shakespeare’s birthplace, and delved into British politics at Parliament and Big Ben.
The trip was more than sightseeing—it was a transformative experience. Their students came back not only with a deeper appreciation for history and literature, but also a broader cultural perspective and a stronger sense of independence. These insights are sure to ripple through their classrooms this fall.
Danielle: Leading Students in Japan—and Beyond
Danielle spent her summer as a Program Leader for CIEE’s Language and Culture Program in Kyoto, Japan, helping high school students—many of whom earned scholarships—navigate their study abroad experience. From exploring the vibrant culture to supporting stu
dent learning, she found countless opportunities to grow as an educator.
During her time in Japan, Danielle visited iconic sites like the Fushimi Inari Temple and even had a memorable encounter with the famously friendly deer of Nara, the country’s ancient capital. She previously worked with CIEE in Morocco in 2022, and she’s passionate about helping students (and teachers!) broaden their worldviews through travel and cultural exchange.
Danielle brought home not only inspiration and teaching tools, but also a willingness to help other educators do the same. Interested in
working abroad with CIEE? Danielle is happy to share her experience and guidance:
At Teach Kentucky, we know that great teachers never stop learning. Whether they’re in a classroom or across the globe, our educators seek out opportunities to grow and then bring that growth home.
We’re so proud of the incredible experiences our teachers had this summer, and we can’t wait to see how their adventures abroad will shape their students’ experiences here in Louisville.
Welcome back, teachers! Let’s make this school year the best one yet. 🌍📚
