“Where are you from?” is one of the most common questions when you met someone new. Where someone is from can tell you a lot about them... whether they can drive in the snow, whether they use ‘you guys’ or ‘y’all’, whether they grew up in a concrete jungle or sprawled suburban wasteland or water-front wonderland, whether they’re familiar with the area or not, and so on. 

“I haven’t been everywhere…but it’s on my list” (Susan Sontag). As a traveler, in some way shape or form, this thought may have popped into your brain – it’s certainly bounced around in mine. As a former social studies teacher, a conversation based around where I (and my students) have been and want to go in the world could arise at any time. Studying Ancient China, they may ask if I’ve stood on the Great Wall. When researching monotheistic religions, they may ask if I’ve seen Jerusalem’s sacred sites.

Imagine traveling for over a year on your honeymoon - exploring family history, traveling off the tourist trail, and making a difference by volunteering long term. How would that affect your new marriage? In Sutay and Josh Berman's case, everything.

Should we visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum with kids?

Yes!

It’s an inspiring experience that’s tough to replicate without an expensive plane ticket to Europe.  

Studying abroad provides you a unique opportunity to live in another country for a period of time. Unlike short vacations, you have the opportunity to live like a local and have the time to not only sight see, but spend time shopping. While I was abroad, I was able to spend time shopping at stores unique to London and stores you can also find in the United States. I’ve put together a list with information about some of the stores I visited, including ones I recommend checking out! 

Katie Eder is a tenth grade student—and an award-winning educator. Her passion for creative writing and her belief that kids can change the world led her to found Kids Tales, a non-profit workshop for elementary school students in low income areas, where original short stories are compiled into anthologies and self-published on Amazon.com. 

The music of Ireland: it is a source of connection, a way of celebration, a path for reaching across borders and boundaries. It can be a way of sharing and creating stories, of connecting families and welcoming strangers, remembering absent loved ones, and gaining perspective on present troubles.

It's 1679. Place yourself in the mindset of a Portuguese ship's captain with a full cargo of port. Now, place yourself on one of the most beautiful islands of the world. No, not in the Caribbean - you're in Newfoundland, Canada, and in avoiding pirates (those rascally knaves), you've veered to St. John's and had to winter over. 

Welcome to the year of the monkey! February 8th marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year, celebrated by people throughout the world, especially in China. The 15-day festivities are a time to come together with family, express gratitude, and look forward to another year. In some ways, it’s like the American version of Christmas, New Year’s, and Thanksgiving Day all rolled into one, long celebration.