About the Blogger

Amanda’s Path to Teaching and Traveling Abroad

Hi! My name is Amanda 👋 Since you might be here looking for helpful travel information and tips, I thought I should introduce myself and share a little about why you can trust me and my blog.

I’m a 24-year-old from New York. I studied Elementary Education at the University of Tampa, and after graduating in 2023, I stayed to teach second grade. I absolutely loved it — and I look forward to returning to teaching whenever my travels are done (…if ever).

My Travel Journey

During college, I studied abroad in Sorrento, Italy, which first sparked my love for travel and gave me the confidence to solo travel. Later, I taught for a month in Belfast, Northern Ireland. That experience was a world away from Italy but only deepened my passion for exploring.

After graduation, I spent a month solo traveling through Portugal, Spain, and the South of France. Once again, the experience ignited my curiosity and passion to see more of the world.

                                                                                       Studying in Italy in 2022

Life Outside of Travel

In my free time, I love to:

• Go for a run (my favorite way to explore a new city!)
• Curl up in a café or park with a good book, journal, or some arts & crafts
• Bake and try new recipes
• Spend time with friends and make new ones along the way

                                                                       Running my first half marathon in Portugal

Why CIEE

I first considered teaching abroad when a friend suggested it. The moment she mentioned it, I knew it was for me. After doing my research, I applied — and here I am! I’ve only been here a week, but I already know this experience will be amazing. I can feel it in my bones.

                                                                           In London, 2023, while student teaching in NI

My Travel Philosophy

For me, traveling is about seeing and getting to know the world. There’s a comfort in realizing how small we are compared to everything — and that everything will be okay.

One decision may drastically change your world, but who’s to say that path can’t also be filled with beauty? Even if things feel dark, somewhere else the sun is rising — and it will rise for you, too.

There’s a saying I love: “If something lights you up from the inside, you are meant to follow that.” That’s exactly how I feel about traveling, experiencing new cultures, and seeing the world with my own eyes.

Let’s Connect!

I hope to be of help to anyone reading this — whether you’re searching for a sweet treat, figuring out what to pack, or planning a solo weekend itinerary in a new country. You can also find other useful tips and travel content on my tiktok @manderinmadrid

So with that: grab a snack, sip some water, and happy reading. And please, please, please — find what lights you up from the inside, and follow it.