Meet our merry band of WorldKind Travelers!
WorldKind Academy Yearbook
WorldKind Academy Yearbook
Learn how to prepare for your own journey by following the adventures (and mishaps) of our characters. Just like real travelers, they range in age and origin and come with differing levels of travel experience, confidence, and conditions they must manage while navigating the globe and new cultures.
Directions:
Using the interactive yearbook below, select any character's picture to learn more about their interests, goals, and identities.
Select any character's picture below to learn more about their interests, goals, and identities. Find out what they're excited or anxious about with their upcoming adventures abroad.
As you journey along with them in learning how to be WorldKind Travel PROs, we hope you'll identify with many of them and their experiences.
Or, you can read the same information in text format below.
WorldKind Academy Yearbook (Information in Text Format)
Layla Alyal
Hometown: Plainfield, PA
Major: Economic Development
Minor: International Business
Career Plans: United Nations Officer
What excites you most about study abroad?
Hyped to learn about other cultures and be the first in my fam to study abroad! I feel like this experience is gonna level me up for my future career.
Are you nervous about traveling abroad?
LOL, my parents are freaking out about safety way more than I am. I’m just over here wondering how this squad is gonna vibe while traveling together for 4 months! Oh, and I’m Halal, so I’m crossing my fingers the food spots have options for me!
LOL, my parents are freaking out about safety way more than I am. I’m just over here wondering how this squad is gonna vibe while traveling together for 4 months! Oh, and I’m Halal, so I’m crossing my fingers the food spots have options for me!
Where to find Layla in the TTP:
As the main character, Layla appears throughout the modules, but she features prominently in the Safety & Security, Insurance, Passports, & Packing modules.
Sara Boitano
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Minor: Marketing
Are you nervous about traveling abroad?
Major: Dance & Performance Studies
Minor: Marketing
Career Plans: TBD. . . planned to be a dancer but ...
What excites you most about study abroad?
Can’t wait to catch live performances from dope artists and hit up some of the most iconic museums ever! Also, I'm a coffee connoisseur and can't wait to try different countries' coffee beans and brews.
Are you nervous about traveling abroad?
Last semester, I had a big accident, so accessibility is something I gotta think about on the daily now. I can usually get around with crutches but sometimes gotta roll with a wheelchair too, so I'm nervous about that.
Where to find Sara in the TTP:
Look for her especially in the Travel Insurance and Accessibility Abroad modules.
Randy Rueda
Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Major: Hospitality and Tourism
Minor: Business Management
Career Plans: Restaurant Owner
What excites you most about study abroad: All the awesome food! I can't wait to check out the night clubs.
Are you nervous about traveling abroad?
I didn't get to go uni until I was 30, so while I may act cool on the outside, I'm really nervous about having much in common with the rest of group. Also, I do have some hearing loss, so that may be challenging ...
Where to find Randy in the TTP:
Randy often illustrates what NOT to do abroad. Look for him in the Packing, Health, Visas, and Accessibility, and Fitness modules.
Major: Hospitality and Tourism
Minor: Business Management
Career Plans: Restaurant Owner
What excites you most about study abroad: All the awesome food! I can't wait to check out the night clubs.
Are you nervous about traveling abroad?
I didn't get to go uni until I was 30, so while I may act cool on the outside, I'm really nervous about having much in common with the rest of group. Also, I do have some hearing loss, so that may be challenging ...
Where to find Randy in the TTP:
Randy often illustrates what NOT to do abroad. Look for him in the Packing, Health, Visas, and Accessibility, and Fitness modules.
J. Jallah
Hometown: Monrovia, Liberia
Are you nervous about traveling abroad?
Where to find Jallah in the TTP:
Jallah often appears alongside his teammate Leo. Look for him in the Finances, Insurance, and Fitness modules especially.
Major: Civil Engineering
Minor: Business Management
Career Plans: Transportation Engineer
What excites you most about study abroad?
I'm excited to try different mass transportation systems and to learn how to design more sustainably to help my own community. I'd also really love to attend some football (a.k.a. soccer) games too.
Are you nervous about traveling abroad?
Money. I'm on a sports scholarship and send money back home when I can. I already feel guilty about how much this program costs and probably can't go out as much as my friends can. I'm also worried about keeping up my training and eligibility for next year.
Where to find Jallah in the TTP:
Jallah often appears alongside his teammate Leo. Look for him in the Finances, Insurance, and Fitness modules especially.
Leo Leon Lopez
Hometown: Margarita, Venezuela
Major: Petroleum Engineering
Minor: International Business
Career Plans: Gas Engineer
What excites you most about study abroad?
I've been living and studying in the US for the last two years, and I'm excited to explore new countries and cultures again!
Are you nervous about traveling abroad? I'm staying an extra semester to study in Scotland. I worried about being away from my team for an entire year, but Jallah and I are going to train together. Also, I'm dyslexic and worry about reading signs and other information in foreign languages.
Where to find Leo in the TTP:
Leo often appears alongside his teammate Jallah. Look for him in the Finances, Visas, and Accessibility Abroad modules especially.
Major: Petroleum Engineering
Minor: International Business
Career Plans: Gas Engineer
What excites you most about study abroad?
I've been living and studying in the US for the last two years, and I'm excited to explore new countries and cultures again!
Are you nervous about traveling abroad? I'm staying an extra semester to study in Scotland. I worried about being away from my team for an entire year, but Jallah and I are going to train together. Also, I'm dyslexic and worry about reading signs and other information in foreign languages.
Where to find Leo in the TTP:
Leo often appears alongside his teammate Jallah. Look for him in the Finances, Visas, and Accessibility Abroad modules especially.
Stella Song
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Major: Biology
Minor: Healthcare Management
Career Plans: Radiation Oncologist
What excites you most about study abroad?
I've always liked playing video games set in other countries, and this is like another adventure for me. I'm autistic, and my mom can be overprotective. So, I'm excited to prove to her that I can do this.
Are you nervous about traveling abroad?
Yes, I become overwhelmed in crowded and loud spaces, so that's why I always take my noise-cancelling headphones with me.
Where to find Stella in the TTP:
Stella tries to avoid crowds, so you won't see her as much, but you may spot her in Safety & Security, Insurance, and Accessibility Abroad.
Major: Biology
Minor: Healthcare Management
Career Plans: Radiation Oncologist
What excites you most about study abroad?
I've always liked playing video games set in other countries, and this is like another adventure for me. I'm autistic, and my mom can be overprotective. So, I'm excited to prove to her that I can do this.
Are you nervous about traveling abroad?
Yes, I become overwhelmed in crowded and loud spaces, so that's why I always take my noise-cancelling headphones with me.
Where to find Stella in the TTP:
Stella tries to avoid crowds, so you won't see her as much, but you may spot her in Safety & Security, Insurance, and Accessibility Abroad.
Jada Hamilton
Hometown: Portland, OR
Major: Agricultural Economics
Minor: Sustainability & Marketing
Career Plans: Organic Farmer
What excites you most about study abroad?
I’m hyped to dive into how different communities are serving up sustainable food systems that fight poverty, push for social justice, and help save the planet.
Are you nervous about traveling abroad?
Some of the countries we’re hitting aren’t super welcoming for LGBTQI travelers, so Liz and I are kinda nervous about that. Plus, my motion sickness and seasonal allergies are gonna be a whole thing!
Where to find Jada in the TTP:
Look for them in Health, Safety & Security, Insurance, and Accessibility Abroad.
Major: Agricultural Economics
Minor: Sustainability & Marketing
Career Plans: Organic Farmer
What excites you most about study abroad?
I’m hyped to dive into how different communities are serving up sustainable food systems that fight poverty, push for social justice, and help save the planet.
Are you nervous about traveling abroad?
Some of the countries we’re hitting aren’t super welcoming for LGBTQI travelers, so Liz and I are kinda nervous about that. Plus, my motion sickness and seasonal allergies are gonna be a whole thing!
Where to find Jada in the TTP:
Look for them in Health, Safety & Security, Insurance, and Accessibility Abroad.
Liz Greenberg
Hometown: Charleston, SC
Major: English and Gender Studies
Minor: Marketing
Career Plans: Professor
What excites you most about study abroad?
I’m curious to see how different cultures handle gender, sexuality, and identity IRL. Plus, I’m pumped to experience it all with some of my besties!
Are you nervous about traveling abroad?
Jada’s stressing that I’m gonna be late to everything (classic me, which always annoys them), but I’m more pressed about finding Kosher food and keeping up with my writing while I’m abroad."
Where to find Liz in the TTP:
Liz is the star of the Health module where her pseudonymous “Life of Liz” graphic novel introduces each of the module's preparation steps. You'll also find her in Safety & Security, Insurance, and Visas.
Major: English and Gender Studies
Minor: Marketing
Career Plans: Professor
What excites you most about study abroad?
I’m curious to see how different cultures handle gender, sexuality, and identity IRL. Plus, I’m pumped to experience it all with some of my besties!
Are you nervous about traveling abroad?
Jada’s stressing that I’m gonna be late to everything (classic me, which always annoys them), but I’m more pressed about finding Kosher food and keeping up with my writing while I’m abroad."
Where to find Liz in the TTP:
Liz is the star of the Health module where her pseudonymous “Life of Liz” graphic novel introduces each of the module's preparation steps. You'll also find her in Safety & Security, Insurance, and Visas.
Beatrice McKenzie
Hometown: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Undergrad Degrees: Art History & Archaeology
Grad Degrees: MBA, PHD in Digital Marketing
Career: Professor of International Business
What excites you most about study abroad?
As the faculty leader of the International Business Semester Abroad Program, I'm always excited to lead students as they learn and interact with new cultures, countries, and concepts!
Are you nervous about traveling abroad?
I'm both excited and nervous about having my husband Bernard and daughter Shandy joining us this semester. Also, I have chronic, fluctuating pain with my rheumatoid arthritis, so that's challenging.
Where to find Beatrice in the TTP:
As one of the profs, she leads the group throughout, but look for her especially in Visas, Insurance, & Accessibility Abroad.
Undergrad Degrees: Art History & Archaeology
Grad Degrees: MBA, PHD in Digital Marketing
Career: Professor of International Business
What excites you most about study abroad?
As the faculty leader of the International Business Semester Abroad Program, I'm always excited to lead students as they learn and interact with new cultures, countries, and concepts!
Are you nervous about traveling abroad?
I'm both excited and nervous about having my husband Bernard and daughter Shandy joining us this semester. Also, I have chronic, fluctuating pain with my rheumatoid arthritis, so that's challenging.
Where to find Beatrice in the TTP:
As one of the profs, she leads the group throughout, but look for her especially in Visas, Insurance, & Accessibility Abroad.
Bernard Burt
Hometown: Stirling, Scotland
Undergrad Degrees: Chemical Engineering
Grad Degrees: MBA
Career: Former CFO of an Oil & Gas Company
What excites you most about study abroad?
I took early retirement to be free for this amazing opportunity. I'm so excited to be an adjunct professor this semester teaching this great group of students and getting to travel with my family.
Are you nervous about traveling abroad?
I'm nervous about my first time leading students abroad. Also, I'm diabetic and need to keep a strict schedule when it comes to meals, which may be hard some days. Oh, and I'm deathly allergic to shellfish . . .and to new technology!
Where to find Bernard in the TTP:
As one of the group leaders, he'll pop up throughout, but look for him especially in the Travel Tech & Electronics, Visas, and Accessibility Abroad modules.
Undergrad Degrees: Chemical Engineering
Grad Degrees: MBA
Career: Former CFO of an Oil & Gas Company
What excites you most about study abroad?
I took early retirement to be free for this amazing opportunity. I'm so excited to be an adjunct professor this semester teaching this great group of students and getting to travel with my family.
Are you nervous about traveling abroad?
I'm nervous about my first time leading students abroad. Also, I'm diabetic and need to keep a strict schedule when it comes to meals, which may be hard some days. Oh, and I'm deathly allergic to shellfish . . .and to new technology!
Where to find Bernard in the TTP:
As one of the group leaders, he'll pop up throughout, but look for him especially in the Travel Tech & Electronics, Visas, and Accessibility Abroad modules.
Shandy Burt-McKenzie
Hometown: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Major: TBD
Minor: TBD
Career Plans: Social Media Influencer
What excites you most about study abroad?
I can't wait to post about all the cool places we'll be going. Just wait until everyone at my high school sees my TikTok feed. My followers are going to be so jealous.
Are you nervous about traveling abroad? Traveling with my folks . . . I just hope that they don't do anything cringe. I'm also taking a semester off from my high school and am a bit worried about what I'll miss while I'm away.
Where to find Shandy in the TTP:
Look for her primarily in Health, Insurance, Packing, and Travel Tech & Electronics where she tries to teach her tech-luddite dad Prof. Burt.
Major: TBD
Minor: TBD
Career Plans: Social Media Influencer
What excites you most about study abroad?
I can't wait to post about all the cool places we'll be going. Just wait until everyone at my high school sees my TikTok feed. My followers are going to be so jealous.
Are you nervous about traveling abroad? Traveling with my folks . . . I just hope that they don't do anything cringe. I'm also taking a semester off from my high school and am a bit worried about what I'll miss while I'm away.
Where to find Shandy in the TTP:
Look for her primarily in Health, Insurance, Packing, and Travel Tech & Electronics where she tries to teach her tech-luddite dad Prof. Burt.
Dr. Duke
Hometown: Pottstown, PA
Major: Global Studies
Minor: Intercultural Communications
Career: Professor
What excites you most about study abroad?
As a lover of global studies, I enjoy every aspect of study abroad programs, but what excites me most is watching the lightbulbs go off when students make new connections and discoveries.
Are you nervous about traveling abroad?
Not anymore, and I'm here to help you feel the same way! You may not always see me, but I'll be the guiding voice you hear along the way.
Where to find Dr. Duke in the TTP:
You'll hear Dr. Duke more than see him, but occasionally he'll be in front of his classroom using our characters' experiences as examples to teach his own students.
Major: Global Studies
Minor: Intercultural Communications
Career: Professor
What excites you most about study abroad?
As a lover of global studies, I enjoy every aspect of study abroad programs, but what excites me most is watching the lightbulbs go off when students make new connections and discoveries.
Are you nervous about traveling abroad?
Not anymore, and I'm here to help you feel the same way! You may not always see me, but I'll be the guiding voice you hear along the way.
Where to find Dr. Duke in the TTP:
You'll hear Dr. Duke more than see him, but occasionally he'll be in front of his classroom using our characters' experiences as examples to teach his own students.
Cowabunga!
You earned the best reward yet . . . ME!
If your uni or college is a WorldKind partner campus, drop by your Education Abroad office to choose your own Hamish sticker. Can't pick up Hamish in person? Download a virtual sticker HERE.
Take Hamish on your travels abroad by sticking him on your water bottle, computer, or wherever you'll see him. The QR code leads to the "Emergency Resources" page, so if you ever get into a sticky situation abroad and can't remember what to do, scan the QR code. Hamish will be there to help.
To learn more and to see all your Cowabunga COOpons, visit your "My Rewards" page.
Cowabunga!
You earned another COOpon
Are you going on a health-related program abroad or are simply interested in learning more about Global Health? If so, then this additional module reward will be perfect for you . . .
Child Family Health International has agreed to give WorldKind alumni 15% off their “Pillars of Global Health: Building Competencies for Global Health Engagement” course.
To learn more and to see all your Cowabunga COOpons, visit your "My Rewards" page.
Cowabunga!
You earned your first COOpon
Imagine having a Spanish teacher on speed dial 24/7. . .
Meet BaseLang - the world's largest online Spanish school trusted by over 20,000 students. WorldKind alumni receive $30/mo discount on any program FOR LIFE off any Baselang programs that offer 1-on-1 Spanish tutoring, on-demand, 24/7 with 350+ Spanish teachers from 7 countries.
Meet BaseLang - the world's largest online Spanish school trusted by over 20,000 students. WorldKind alumni receive $30/mo discount on any program FOR LIFE off any Baselang programs that offer 1-on-1 Spanish tutoring, on-demand, 24/7 with 350+ Spanish teachers from 7 countries.
With Baselang, you can practice Spanish on demand by booking classes last minute or up to 5 days in advance using a 10-level program optimized to go from beginner to conversational.
Discount Code: worldkind
Discount Code: worldkind
Sign up here: http://baselang.com?ref=worldkind
To learn more and to see all your Cowabunga COOpons, visit your "My Rewards" page.
Cowabunga!
You earned another COOpon
By completing your Travel Finance PRO module, you've either a FREE Multi-Currency Bank Card ($10 value) to use in 215 countries OR your first currency transfer (up to 500 GBP) fee-FREE with Wise.
New Wise users must use this link to sign up to receive the reward: https://wise.com/invite/ecac/7730f81l5
To learn more and to see all your Cowabunga COOpons, visit your "My Rewards" page.
Cowabunga!
You earned another COOpon
It's time to become a true Flight Finder PRO. WorldKind alumni booking their flights through ScholarTrip receive a $20.00 discount on the purchase of one (1) US International Outbound only flights.
Discount Code: worldkind
Use this link when booking to receive your discount:
https://scholartrip.com/travel/programs-worldkind/?CID=SCHWDK
Use this link when booking to receive your discount:
https://scholartrip.com/travel/programs-worldkind/?CID=SCHWDK
Expiration Date: 30JUN2026
To learn more and to see all your Cowabunga COOpons, visit your "My Rewards" page.
Cowabunga!
You earned another COOpon
Half the Price, All the Adventure!
WorldKind Alumni can become a HI USA member for just $10 (half the normal price). As a member, you’ll get 10% off HI USA hostel stays across the U.S. and other discounts at over 2,500 Hosteling International Hostels around the world.
WorldKind Alumni can become a HI USA member for just $10 (half the normal price). As a member, you’ll get 10% off HI USA hostel stays across the U.S. and other discounts at over 2,500 Hosteling International Hostels around the world.
See your Cowabunga COOpon anytime on your "My Modules" page.
Cowabunga!
You earned another COOpon
Keep connected across the globe with eSIMcard.com. WorldKind alumni receive 20% OFF their Data & Voice eSIMs.
To learn more and to see all your Cowabunga COOpons, visit your "My Rewards" page.