Academy" Speaker | Educator | Coach
Travel is not simply about destinations for educator and global studies leader Joanne Beauvoir (Bō-vwar); it is a powerful tool for cultural understanding, inclusion and personal growth. Ms. Beauvoir discussed how global travel has shaped her life and work during a recent appearance on Let’s Talk About It with the Turners.
Ms. Beauvoir, chief equity and inclusion officer at Pace Academy in Atlanta, spoke about travel, education and intentional cultural immersion. Drawing from both her personal experiences and professional work, Ms. Beauvoir highlighted how exposure to different cultures can transform perspectives for students and adults alike.
A first-generation Haitian American, Ms. Beauvoir said her earliest travel experiences were rooted in family. Her parents immigrated from Haiti, and she spent much of her childhood traveling back and forth between the United States and Haiti to visit relatives. Those formative years, she said, required constant cultural adjustment and shaped how she views the world today. “It was like having two feet in two separate worlds, the Haitian culture and the American culture,” She said.
As she grew older, travel expanded beyond family connections into solo experiences and structured educational programs. Beauvoir described her first independent international trip after college, when she spent a summer in Europe. Over time, her approach to travel shifted from traditional tourism to deeper cultural engagement, a philosophy she now applies to student global study tours.
During the interview, she reflected on some of the most impactful destinations she has visited, including Madagascar, Botswana and Thailand. She described Madagascar as one of the most challenging trips due to its limited infrastructure and demanding travel conditions, while noting its rich and insulated culture. Thailand, however, stood out as a deeply personal experience that reshaped her thinking. “It was a complete spiritual experience for me,” she said.
Much of the discussion focused on her work leading global study tours for students. She emphasized that these trips are designed as global learning experiences rather than mission-based travel. Students are prepared in advance with cultural education, language basics and clear expectations for behavior. The goal, she explained, is learning and understanding, not imposing solutions on other communities.
She also addressed accessibility, noting that while her school serves families from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds, intentional funding ensures that students have opportunities to participate regardless of financial circumstances. She stressed that travel is a privilege and a responsibility, one that should be approached with humility and respect.
The conversation also touched on solo travel, particularly for women. Beauvoir encouraged listeners to travel at their own pace, prioritize safety and choose destinations that feel comfortable and affirming.
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.