Lessons from Around the World Where Culture Meets Learning
What can a stroll through the lavender fields of Provence teach us about business? How does a semester in Sevilla inspire new ways of thinking about teamwork?
And what does a sabbatical in the Netherlands reveal about sustainability and innovation? Having lived in Spain, the Netherlands, and France, and traveled to 51 countries and counting!), I’ve learned that education is more than just theory—it’s about connecting people, ideas, and cultures to solve real-world challenges. At Professor Passport, I bring these lessons to life in the classroom, creating engaging, playful, and globally inspired learning experiences that prepare students for an interconnected world.
Spain:
Sevilla, Spain: Teaching Culture and Business in Andalucía
​
France:
Dijon and Provence, France: Guiding Students Through Business
and Culture
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Netherlands:
Sustainability, Tulips,
and Real-World Marketing
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Sevilla is a city that has captured my heart, not just for its vibrant traditions but for the incredible connections I built during my time there. I lived in Sevilla for a semester, teaching American students who were spending their own semester abroad. My role wasn’t just to teach international business—it was to help them navigate and understand Spanish culture, from siestas to tapas and everything in between. What I Learned: Teaching American students in a foreign country meant balancing cultural education with academic material. It gave me the chance to focus on how culture shapes business practices and relationships, while also helping students adapt to a new environment. Memorable Moments: One of the most impactful connections I made was during a networking event at the end of my time in Sevilla, where I met a fellow business professor. This connection led to a multi-semester collaboration in which our students worked together in cross-cultural groups on a business simulation project. Watching students from diverse backgrounds learn to communicate, strategize, and solve problems together was both inspiring and affirming. Insights for the Classroom: Sevilla shaped the way I teach cross-cultural management and international business today. Experiencing culture firsthand is key to understanding its impact on business and relationships. The collaboration with global universities showed me how simulations and hands-on projects can prepare students for the complexities of working in diverse teams.
One summer, I had the privilege of serving as a guide and chaperone for American students studying in Dijon, France. This experience was as much a cultural immersion for me as it was for them, and it was an incredible opportunity to watch students grow as they encountered French culture and business practices firsthand. What I Learned: Guiding students in Dijon—and on excursions to Provence—taught me the importance of flexibility, preparation, and cultural sensitivity. Whether we were exploring the cobblestone streets of Dijon or marveling at the lavender fields of Provence, I learned how to help students connect what they were learning in the classroom to what they were seeing in the world around them. Memorable Moments: A highlight of the trip was visiting a vineyard in Provence, where students learned about the art and science behind French winemaking. Watching them connect centuries-old traditions to modern business practices was incredibly rewarding. Another favorite moment was exploring Provence’s lively markets, where students experienced the unique relationship between vendors and customers. Insights for the Classroom: This experience reinforced my belief in the power of experiential learning. Whether traveling abroad or using playful simulations in the classroom, giving students the chance to apply their knowledge to real-world situations makes the material come alive.
During my sabbatical in the Netherlands, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a country that seamlessly blends innovation, sustainability, and tradition. Living there for a semester was a rewarding experience that not only deepened my understanding of sustainable business practices but also led to a unique collaboration that enriched my teaching and my students’ learning. What I Learned: The Netherlands is a sustainability pioneer, from its bike-friendly infrastructure to its commitment to renewable energy. But beyond observing these principles in action, I explored how sustainability intersects with global business through personal connections with entrepreneurs. Memorable Moments: At the Keukenhof tulip fields, I met an American entrepreneur who owned a sustainable textile business. That serendipitous meeting led to a consulting project for my Principles of Marketing students, in which they worked on real-world challenges such as branding and promotion. Watching my students embrace this opportunity was one of the highlights of my sabbatical. Insights for the Classroom: This experience reinforced my belief in blending education with hands-on, real-world challenges. When students are given the chance to solve practical problems, they not only retain the material better but also develop confidence in their ability to make an impact.
Fostering
Global
Collaboration
In addition to my time abroad, I’ve had the privilege of working
on cross-cultural collaboration projects with students and
educators from around the world. Through programs like the Stevens Initiative, my students have tackled global challenges alongside peers from the MENA region, developing solutions to real-world issues inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These experiences have taught me that education isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about empathy, critical thinking, and the ability to work across cultures.
Bring a Global
Perspective to
your Classroom
Whether I’m teaching in a classroom, leading a workshop, or consulting with a business, I believe that global education is the key to developing creative, compassionate, and innovative leaders. Want to bring a global perspective to your classroom or business?
Let’s work together to make it happen.