With our expansive network of Teacher to Teacher representatives throughout Canada, there is sure to be someone in your area! Don't know where to begin? Read up on our Regional Representatives, you can request to speak to one of them directly on the Contact a Teacher page, or we can put you in touch with anyone on the map!
Kim Ibara | Kim Wiggin | Patty Barber | Raquel Aguilar
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Kim Ibara
Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kim has loved traveling for as long she can remember. When her parents bought her a set of miniature foreign dictionaries, she discovered her love of languages and began studying French in high school. After studying French, Spanish, business, and education in college Kim tried her hand at selling computers, but decided she didn't quite fit that mold and elected to embrace a more bohemian lifestyle.
After backpacking through Europe with a friend, Kim moved to Santa Cruz, California where she taught English to migrant workers. Realizing that teaching was her true calling, Kim moved back to Michigan, received her Masters in Education, and began working as a high school French and Spanish teacher.
Starting the travel program for her students is one of Kim’s proudest accomplishments. She has traveled to Europe every other year since 2000 (working with Explorica since 2001) with as many as 70 students at a time. Each time Kim returns from a trip she can't wait to start planning her next tour, even before she’s stepped off the plane!
Kim says:
"As a language teacher, nothing can match the satisfaction and immense pleasure I feel as I watch the language come alive for my students. Through Explorica tours, these students have experienced language and culture in a way that could never have happened in the classroom. Leadership opportunities, increased language proficiency, global citizenship experiences... Explorica has given my students so much more than just a visit to Europe!"
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Kim Wiggin
Kim has been traveling with students for over 8 years, and has led Explorica tours throughout Europe and China, with a particular affinity for Italy. Kim is the Director of Academic Support at Suffield Academy in Suffield, Connecticut, an independent boarding school of about 400 students. In addition, Kim and her family own and operate the New England Music Camp in the Belgrade Lakes region of central Maine, where Kim spends every summer. She has three adult sons, the youngest of whom shares her passion for traveling.
Kim was raised on Long Island, and traveled to 46 of the 50 states during her childhood (she still needs to get to Alaska, Oregon, Montana and Idaho!). Although New England has been her home for over 30 years, she plans to retire one day to Italy and operate a bed and breakfast.
Kim Says:
“Traveling with my students is the highlight of every year for me. It is awesome to share new cultures, foods, music and experiences with them. The ‘lessons’ they learn while on tour cannot be replicated in any classroom, and they always return with a new appreciation for the diversity of this amazing world in which we live.”
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Patty Barber
Patty’s first trip to Europe was spent traveling around for an entire summer with a fellow teacher. She realized then how great it would have been to go to Europe while she was in high school and feels she would have “paid better attention” in her history and art classes. So, twenty years and three children later, after taking a class entitled ‘How to Organize a trip to Europe,” her love of traveling to Europe became her favorite pastime. Her Italian heritage, and a Latin class that introduced her to Greek mythology, only added to her passion.
Teaching high school business education subjects for 38 years, Patty has had the pleasure of taking 14 trips to Europe with her students. Over the years they have visited over 11 European countries, Morocco, Turkey, Costa Rica and many islands in the Caribbean.
Although she has never had full support from her school district for her Europe trips, she is very proud of the fact that she has given her students the opportunity to learn about other cultures with their friends while being guided and chaperoned.
Patty Says:
“Travel changes one’s knowledge, perspectives, and stereotypes of other people and places; I want to introduce students to that mindset with the great value of an Explorica trip of a lifetime. I continually run into former students who ‘blame’ me for their love of travel.”
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Raquel Aguilar
Raquel's adventures in traveling began in the late 80’s when she stayed in Spain for two summers. She has been lucky to return to Europe several times since then, including 5 tours with Explorica since 2006. Raquel has traveled to numerous countries including Italy, France and Portugal, but Spain has always held a special place in her heart. Upcoming plans include a visit to Costa Rica where Raquel looks forward to learning more about the culture and language of this unique and exciting destination.
As a middle school Spanish teacher in Houston, Texas, and with certifications in elementary education, secondary Government, and all levels of ESL, Raquel has no trouble keeping herself busy. When she’s not helping students expand their horizons by taking them on overseas adventures, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
Raquel says:
"Through education and Explorica, I am able to share my love for history, cultures, and languages. Traveling not only builds a student’s level of knowledge, but it also shapes their affective and compassionate attributes."
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