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It was interesting to see how Spaniards spend less money, use cash often, don’t involve themselves into consumerism, socialize a lot, walk a lot, rest a lot, and preserve nature. It definitely changed my perspective on life and made me into a healthier individual 

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In 2017, I took my second trip to Africa. This time, taking a team of MBA students who were working on a consulting project for a company to enter the Rwandan solar energy market. Rwanda was pretty remarkable - the transformation that was made from the 90s to today is something that a lot of nations can learn from. Did you know that the last Saturday of every month in Rwanda, everything commercial shuts down, and all people participate in community projects? It's called Umuganda and it means "coming together in common purpose" in Kinyarwanda, the official language of Rwanda. The results that come from Umuganda include not only having a very clean, picturesque “land of a thousand hills,” but also contributing to a way to work together as a community.

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This is a snapshot of one of the entrances to the shrine of Imam Ridha, one of the 12 successors of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. Shia Muslims come from across the world to visit his shrine to pay their respects to him and pray to Allah (God).

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Arepas, anyone? Trying local foods is one of the great joys of traveling abroad. I was lucky enough to meet Canda at her arepa cart in Plaza de Bolivar earlier this month - and what a treat! Arepas are flat, round, unleavened patties of special corn meal filled with cheese and grilled. Amazing. I can't wait to find them again back home in DC!

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I often get to travel as part of my position here at the Smith School. In 2018, the Global Business School Network annual conference was held in Nairobi, Kenya. We were hosted at Strathmore Business School for 3 days of workshops, panels, and conversations about global collaboration to solve local challenges through education. It was exhilirating to be among colleagues from around the world for such a meaningful topic. After the conference, several of us took a few extra days in Kenya to visit Maasai Mara. Seeing the herds on the savannah was awe-inspiring. The lions lolling about, the elephants gathering around the water hole, the giraffes grazing among the treetops - truly majestic. And the people - like the the Maasai warriers pictured here - were open and warm and willing to share their culture and customs with us. Getting off the beaten path leads to peak into life outside of the capital city is something I will never forget.

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The first time I went to India, I got to meet dozens of family members I had only seen on FaceTime. I went during Christmas, and was SHOCKED to see that we could just buy fireworks on the side of the road. One of my favorite things to do when I go to India now is to of course EAT, but also throw fireworks on Christmas Day. I did almost throw a firework at my sister, but luckily it didn’t hit her. During Christmas the church also does many festivals, and the colors and music are amazing. 

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I was very excited to make my first trip to Africa, specifically to Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon in West Africa. The bustling streets of Yaounde were captivating, the colors, the people, the smells, all of it. It was also interesting to learn about the makeup of the city, bilingual, French and English, multi ethnic, etc. I also was able to visit Bafoussam, a cultural town in the western part of the country. Africa is so rich with its people and cultures. I knew this wouldn’t be my first time visiting the continent.

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I didn't start traveling international until I was an adult, but have now been to 10 countries. There is nothing more exciting than experiencing new places and immersing yourself in the country's history and cutlure. In 2023, our family had the opportunity to take an extetended trip to New Zealand for the FIFA Women's World Cup. As part of the trip, we explored both the north and south islands. One of the highlights of the trip was visiting Lake Tekapo and its accompanying town, a internationally designated dark sky reserve. The town sits at the base of Mt. John, at the top of which you can find a working observatory. Because the town is devoid of light pollution, the stargazing at the top of the mountain is sensational. New Zealand is an incredible country--from the culture, to the landscape, to the people, to the wildlife--it was an trip of a lifetime and gave me an even deeper appreciation for the learnings and experiences that can only come with international travel.

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Having the opportunity to live, work, and raise a family abroad has been the experience of a lifetime. The network you build as a expat is such a game changer personally and professionally. Overcoming the fear of working and living abroad away from family was challenging but I cannot encourage the opportunity enough. The places you will visit, the cultures you will experience, and the friends that you make are amazing!

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This is a picture taken between the shrines of Imam Hussain, one of the 12 successors to the Prophet Muhammad who was brutally martyred for trying to protect the religion of Islam, and Abbas, Imam Hussain’s brother who sacrificed himself in the same battle to protect his brother along with the women and children oppressed by the Umayyad army led by their caliph, Yazid. The red lights are to signify the blood that was shed as this photo was taken on the anniversary month of the massacre, Muharram (the first month of the Islamic calendar). Millions of people come to Karbala every year to commemorate this event by visiting the shrines and mourning the losses. The Iraqi people treat the guests very well in a multitude of ways, like passing out free food and drinks, providing a number of services (like shoe cleaning, massaging, etc.), and even providing hospitality all for the sake of Imam Hussain and the sacrifice he made to protect the future of Islam over 1400 years ago.

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The first time I "went" to Japan was during a layover, which ended with my family and me sleeping on the airport floor due to a tsunami. I "returned" to Japan in 2019, and this time, I didn’t sleep on the airport floor. Instead, I traveled to Osaka, Kobe, Tokyo—you name it. My favorite place was Nara Park, a city known for its deer that roam freely and nod their heads to tourists in exchange for crackers. As much fun (and as many scary encounters) as I had with the deer, what stood out to me most about the city was its culture. Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on respect, and this is evident even in the animals. Nara Park is home to some of the largest shrines and temples I saw during my trip, and I noticed that the deer avoid carelessly stepping near the temples, almost as if they, too, understand the significance of these historic sites.

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Coming to the United States from India as a student has been a journey of discovery. I found myself adapting to a new academic environment and a different way of life. Each day brought something new—trying different foods, learning about unfamiliar traditions, and meeting people from all over. It felt like exploring the world one step at a time.

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Moving from Mumbai, India—a vibrant city known for its diversity and fast-paced life—to the United States was both exhilarating and challenging. Mumbai’s unique blend of languages and traditions prepared me with a deep appreciation for diversity, yet stepping into a new culture brought a different perspective and a fresh set of learning experiences. This journey of adaptation continues to be a blend of self-discovery and global learning. 

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Leaving behind the lively streets of an ancient city in Pakistan, Lahore, a city where the aroma of spicy street food follows you everywhere, for the United States has been nothing short of an adventure. Imagine trading in a world of samosas and biryani for salads and sandwiches! And don’t even get me started on the hunt for halal food; it’s like a daily treasure hunt, except the treasure is elusive and sometimes involves accidentally ordering a dish that just…isn’t right (imagine ordering an Irish coffee lol). As someone who loves exploring, photography, and eating just about anything that qualifies as halal, adapting here has been a whirlwind. Every day brings new flavors, snapshots, and a little bit of “is this finally halal?”, “wait, what’s in that?” humor to spice up the journey.

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DALL·E 2024-11-08 09.25.27 - A vibrant street scene in Lahore, Pakistan, capturing the lively atmosphere with bustling markets, colorful food stalls, and traditional architecture

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My brother and I on a donkey in Mesta Village in Chios, Greece. 

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I first went abroad when I was seven years old. I went to Chios, Greece, the fifth largest Greek island in the eastern Aegean sea and where my father was born and raised. Specifically, in a medieval village called Mesta. This experience and my heritage has made a huge impact on my journey, personally and professionally. Not only has it made me proud of my culture, but it has made me curious and appreciative of other cultures too.  

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Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country,” is a stunning state on India’s southwestern coast, celebrated for its lush greenery, peaceful backwaters, and vibrant cultural heritage.It’s where my parents immigrated to the US from, and where most of my family still lives. The region is renowned for its deep-rooted history, classical art forms, and the warm hospitality of its people.

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Last March, I had the opportunity to visit Taiwan for the second time. All four of my grandparents grew up in different parts of Taiwan, so it was amazing to have the chance to tour the country and see my extended family. My parents and I grew up in the United States, so I was most excited for the chance to learn more about my culture and explore traditions such as the night markets and street shops.

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I have traveled to many countries- sometimes on work and sometimes on vacation. It is always a thrill to meet new people, hear different languages, see different cityscapes, and even to just walk into a grocery store and see people go about their daily business. However, a couple of years back I decided to go back to Varanasi (or Benares, as it was known when I was a child). It is not far from my ancestral village, and so a place of deep connection. There are few sights in the world as beautiful as the view of the ghats from the Ganges River in the evening. The view above is a photograph I took just as the sun was setting and the people were waiting for the prayers by the river to begin. This is just one ghat. There are dozens - each more striking than the last. And when I thought of the cultural and religious significance of the place I was in awe. Perhaps one takes for granted, and does not expect to find beauty in, places close to home. Which is why Varanasi was so stunning and going there had such a huge impact. 

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I've lived in six different countries, not counting the USA, and Serbia (Srbija) was by far the most interesting. In the early 2000s, I spent a year in a small town called Novi Becej, situated on the banks of the Tisa river in the autonomous region of Vojvodina. Living there stretched me in ways I can only now appreciate, and I learned so much about resilience, community responsibility, and how history shapes a land and its people. It's true that I experienced blackouts, limited internet and transportation connectivity, and shortages of basic goods and services - but I also saw gestures of extreme generosity, was welcomed at village celebrations that merged the local Serbian and Hungarian cultures, and took part in conversations that created understanding about a region that was mired in conflict. (I ate a lot of burek sa sirom, too!) This year had a lasting impact on how I approach adversity and seek to understand local contexts wherever I go.    

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This past summer, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Singapore for two months, where I interned during the week and explored nearby countries on weekends. I visited Bali, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand, each offering a rich blend of culture, cuisine, and experiences. A highlight was visiting an elephant sanctuary in Phuket and experiencing Thailand's vibrant night markets and turquoise waters. Being in Singapore also allowed me to fully immerse myself in a new culture, deepening my appreciation for Southeast Asia's diversity. One of my favorite parts about Singapore was the conveyor belt sushi restaurant that was right below my office! Overall, this experience was invaluable and I am forever grateful to have had this opportunity!

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San Cristobal Hill in Santiago, Chile - after a sky gondola ride up the mountain. 

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Two years ago we took our kids to visit my husband's family in Chile. It was the first time the kids had traveled internationally. It was so nice to get to see them play on the same playground my husband had when he was so little, to get to fully experience this part of their own culture in real life, and to watch them learn about all the landmarks we were able to visit. Being able to have their first international experience include family that lives there was such a fantastic way for them to really get to experience the culture, the food, the activities, but also see all the similarities in how family interacts and loves each other. 

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I love traveling to Thailand for everything it has to offer.  I have experienced something new each and every time I visit. The serenity and splendor at Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram, where ancient Thai architecture and golden beauty come together in perfect harmony is truly magical.

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In December 2022, I was invited to Japan for a forum on how circus can make social impact and got to see Slow Circus perform, a group working with adults with disabilities. Together, we ran from Tokyo city to rural Takamatsu, exploring Japanese social impact through the arts and the few circus organizations that exist in the country. It was such a treat, metaphorically and nutritionally... I had ramen 3 days in a row, followed by a bento box on the fast train, and a magical yuzu udon. I still dream of eating there. 

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Ahmedabad - India's first UNESCO World Heritage City - leaving the familiar warmth of this city and stepping into the vast unknown of the United States has been more than just a move, it’s been a leap of faith and a pursuit of dreams. Growing up in the vibrant streets of Ahmedabad, surrounded by family, tradition, and the sounds and colors of a close knit community, I had long dreamt of exploring a world beyond what I knew. Coming to the U.S. was that dream coming to life, but it came with moments of both excitement and vulnerability. The journey hasn’t been easy. I have missed family celebrations, the smell of home cooked meals, and the reassuring comfort of lifelong friends. But with each challenge, I discovered something deeper within myself. I learned to turn uncertainty into resilience, to transform homesickness into gratitude for my roots, and to build confidence in embracing my unique perspective as someone bridging two worlds.

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I didn't have a chance to travel internationally as a kid, so I was thrilled to be able to take my 3 girls on a family vacation to Belize over the winter holiday break several years ago. We stayed near the Macal River and had this magnificent view from our lodge. The trip focused on experiences to appreciate Belize’s ecology, including canoeing into a cave, horseback riding, and a nighttime jungle hike. Seeing the tarantulas, howler monkeys, and other unique wildlife was amazing. 

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A picture taken at Lake Kawaguchiko (it was freezing cold, I could barely feel my hands!)

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Earlier this year in February, I decided to take a spontaneous month long solo trip to Japan. My goal on this trip was to experience the country as a "local", try a lot of food, improve my Japanese, and make friends! Within the first few days I attended Meetup events and met both natives and people from around the world. As a soccer lover, I was determined to keep playing while traveling. So, I found an international pick-up soccer group in Tokyo and played with them every weekend, once again meeting people from various countries and different walks of life. This trip was extremely rewarding because it pushed me outside of my comfort zone in many ways. Whether I was struggling to order food in Japanese, getting lost in the train stations, grocery shopping, or figuring out how to recycle trash (it's very complicated), every experience taught me more about Japanese culture and navigating ambiguity. Overall, I am grateful for everything I experienced, and mostly importantly for the people I met who shaped my perspective on life, travel, and work!

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When the Hyderabad sun dips into the lake, peace rises

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From Hyderabad’s heat to Maryland’s green! With a suitcase in hand and dreams in my eyes,
I set off to explore, under big foreign skies.

Each culture, a chapter, a story anew,
Where forks aren’t just silverware but roads to pursue.
I’ve traded chai breaks for coffee in haste,
And I’ve learned peanut butter is America’s paste.

From consulting in boardrooms to campus cafes,
Each moment, a new world that added more rays
To the vision I carry, the path that I tread,
Now a world’s worth of wisdom in every word said.

I’ve conquered the metrics, the data, the math,
But the heart of my journey? The world’s hidden path.
Where each country’s a teacher, each border, a friend,
An endless adventure with no need to end.

So here’s my call to each wandering soul—
Dare to explore, let the world make you whole!
For I’ve seen that true growth comes not from a place,
But from living each journey with humor and grace.

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The very first time I traveled internationally was for a semester abroad in Paris. As an Art History major, it was incredible to have class in the Louvre. I was able to also travel to Prague, London, and all over Italy during my semester. As an American, it was humbling to attempt to learn another language while realizing many others abroad know at least 2-3! Everything came full circle when I was able to bring my daughter back to Paris with me 20 years later - she even picked up some French along the way. 

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I'll never forget arriving at the airport in Taipei after traveling for 24 hours. It was the first time I ever traveled alone, first time traveling internationally and I had made it. I was fortunate to receive a scholarship from the Taiwanese government to study  Chinese for a summer and fall semester at the National Taiwan University. Six months before I never thought about studying abroad and suddenly I was halfway around the world! The first week was a blur of being afraid of getting lost, not sure how to use public transit, figuring out how the grocery store worked and general anxiety. As I started to adjust and get more comfortable though I also got more adventurous. I never left the island for the six months I was abroad but rather spent any free weeks or breaks exploring different places in Taiwan. Accurately nicknamed Formosa (beautiful) I quickly fell in love with the place I was living. Although my Chinese left much to be desired, trying to speak the language was always welcomed. I quickly fell in love with the open and friendly culture, people and of course the food. I found figuring out public transit, sitting down to translate informational signs at historical sites and just generally exploring to be some of the best moments of my undergraduate studies. My experience studying abroad was just the first of my international experiences. It’s cliche but it literally changed my life. Learning so much by being abroad for six months really changed my view on the world, my view on people,  my studies and myself. The friends I made in Taiwan I still keep in touch with and have even gone on international trips with some of them! 

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When I landed, the first thing that struck me was how quiet everything felt compared to Mumbai. The streets seemed too orderly, the air too crisp, and the space endless. It was a stark contrast to the constant honking, crowded trains, and the familiar hum of life back home. I missed the aroma of vada pav, the chatter of street vendors, and the comforting chaos of it all. But there was also something exhilarating about the newness of it all. I remember my first snow—fumbling to walk on icy sidewalks. Public transport here was a puzzle I slowly pieced together, and I chuckled every time someone offered me "chai tea." Now, I carry two worlds within me