Overview
Saudade Global Pathways: Educator Journeys
At the heart of great teaching is curiosity—the desire to understand the world more deeply and to bring that understanding back to our students. Saudade Global Pathways: Educator Journeys is a professional development series designed to inspire that curiosity by inviting educators to step beyond traditional learning environments and into the living classrooms of the world.
Rooted in the spirit of saudade—a word that evokes reflection, connection, and a deep appreciation for meaningful experiences—these journeys are designed to be both intellectually enriching and personally transformative. Each program invites faculty and staff to explore a destination through a carefully crafted theme, engaging with the culture, history, language, and people who shape it.
What distinguishes Saudade Global Pathways: Educator Journeys is that it is designed and led by an educator for educators. Glen Turf, Principal of Saudade Global Pathways, brings more than three decades of experience as both a classroom teacher and an organizer of international educational travel for students and adults. Having worked directly with students and faculty throughout his career, Glen understands the goals, challenges, and aspirations that shape the work of educators. Each journey is approached as a learning experience—one that is intentionally designed to foster reflection, dialogue, and professional growth. Our programs are completely customizable to fit individual school calendars, number of participants, and desired objectives. There is no standard program – each journey begins with a conversation focused on your goals.
Designed to take place during school vacations and summer breaks, Educator Journeys offers faculty and staff a rare opportunity to learn, reflect, and grow together beyond the walls of their schools. Participants return not only with new knowledge, but with renewed inspiration, global perspective, and a deeper sense of connection to the wider world.
Through Saudade Global Pathways: Educator Journeys, the world becomes both our teacher and our classroom.
Program Destinations and Themes
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Focus: Language Development and the Confluence of Cultures Buenos Aires reflects a unique blend of European, indigenous, and Latin American influences. Educators explore language acquisition, immigration history, literature, and cultural expression through music, dance, and urban life.
Honduras
Focus: Service and Community Engagement This experience focuses on meaningful service learning. Participants collaborate with a local community and organization dedicated to providing education, housing, and a family environment for those without, always exploring how education, service, and cross-cultural understanding can work together to create lasting impact.
Iguazú, Argentina & Brazil
Focus: Nature, Sustainability, and Global Stewardship At the breathtaking Iguazú Falls, educators explore one of the world’s most extraordinary natural environments while examining themes of biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable stewardship of our planet. This experience highlights the powerful connection between nature, culture, and our shared responsibility to protect the environment.
Mexico City, Mexico
Focus: History, Indigenous Cultures, Art, Food, and Language Development Mexico City presents a powerful intersection of ancient civilizations and modern society. Participants explore indigenous heritage, colonial history, vibrant artistic traditions, and the rich culinary culture of Mexico while also engaging in opportunities to strengthen Spanish language skills through cultural immersion and daily interaction.
Miami, FL, United States
Focus: The Latin Experience Miami provides a gateway into Latin American culture without leaving the United States. Participants explore immigration, diaspora communities, bilingualism, and cultural fusion through neighborhoods, cuisine, music, and conversations with local educators and cultural leaders. The experience highlights how language and identity shape learning communities.
Montréal, Canada
Focus: A Culture Within a Culture Montreal’s bilingual identity offers insight into how language, politics, and history shape a distinct cultural environment within a larger nation.
Panamá
Focus: Environment, Language Development, and Indigenous Culture In Panama, participants examine biodiversity, ecological stewardship, and indigenous knowledge systems. The program highlights environmental sustainability and the cultural importance of language and tradition.
Puerto Rico
Focus: Politics, Culture, Nature, Language, and Cuisine Puerto Rico offers a multidimensional experience exploring colonial history, cultural identity, natural landscapes, and vibrant culinary traditions. Participants examine how history, language, and politics shape contemporary life.
Washington, DC, United States
Focus: Self-Reflection and Understanding One Another Using the Smithsonian museums as a learning laboratory, participants engage in reflective dialogue about identity, culture, and shared history. Through curated museum experiences, educators explore how narratives shape national understanding and personal perspective.
Egypt
Focus: History and Civilization Egypt provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the foundations of civilization. Participants study ancient history, archaeology, and cultural continuity while reflecting on how early societies shaped human development.
Kenya
Focus: Wildlife, Conservation, Culture, and Global Stewardship Kenya offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore one of the world’s most iconic natural landscapes while learning about wildlife conservation and ecological sustainability. Participants engage with local communities and conservation efforts while reflecting on the connections between culture, environment, and global responsibility.
Athens, Greece
The Birthplace of Democracy Athens invites participants to explore the philosophical and historical foundations of democracy. Through historical sites and dialogue, educators reflect on civic responsibility and democratic ideals.
Barcelona, Spain
Focus: Cultural identity Barcelona presents a fascinating study of Catalan identity within Spain. Educators examine regional language, politics, art, and architecture to understand how cultural autonomy shapes identity and social systems.
Berlin, Germany
Focus: History, Memory, and Civic Reflection Berlin offers a powerful exploration of how societies confront their past while shaping their future, from the legacy of World War II and the Holocaust to the fall of the Berlin Wall and reunification. Through historic sites and memorials, educators reflect on democracy, human rights, and the responsibility of remembering history.
Dublin, Ireland
Focus: History and Cultural Identity Dublin offers a compelling exploration of Irish history, literature, and cultural resilience. Participants examine how national identity and storytelling shape society.
Geneva and Milan
Focus: The Alps and Global Outreach Located near the Alps and international institutions, Geneva and Milan offer a lens into diplomacy, global cooperation, and the role of international organizations in addressing world challenges.
Helsinki, Finland
Focus: Education and innovation Helsinki offers a close look at one of the world’s most admired education systems. Participants examine Finnish approaches to student well-being, teacher autonomy, curriculum design, and equity in education.
London, England
Focus: Theatre and History London’s vibrant theatre scene and rich historical legacy create a dynamic environment for exploring storytelling, performance, and historical narrative.
Madrid, Spain
Focus: History, Culture, Language, and the Confluence of Cultures Madrid offers a deep exploration of Spain’s layered past—from Moorish influence to modern European identity. Participants examine the intersection of religion, language, art, and empire while strengthening their understanding of Spanish culture and language.
Paris, France
Focus: Art History Paris serves as one of the world’s great artistic centers. Through museums, architecture, and cultural institutions, participants explore artistic movements that shaped Western thought and creativity.
Prague and Vienna
Focus: Old World heritage, royalty, and music These historic cities provide insight into the cultural legacy of European empires. Participants explore classical music, royal history, and architectural traditions that shaped the cultural landscape of Central Europe.
Rome, Italy
Focus: History, Past v. Present, Cuisine Rome’s historical legacy and culinary traditions provide a rich exploration of how culture, food, and daily life intertwine across centuries, all while balancing a country of the past and an eye to the future.