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Hi from our family, we are ...
An international family from the start.
Long before this worldschooling year began, our lives were shaped by international experiences. Matt grew up in Southeast Asia, attending international schools in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, learning early how culture, language, and perspective shape the way we see the world. Kelly studied International Business and spent six months studying abroad while at university with a clear goal: to live and work internationally and build a life that crossed borders.
That vision became reality when we moved to Dubai, where we’ve spent the past 14 years building our careers, friendships, and family. Both Eva and Jordan were born there, growing up surrounded by global perspectives from day one. Travel, curiosity, and international experiences aren’t new chapters for us, they’ve always been part of our story.
Meet Kelly
Mom. Wife. Travel guru.
I’m driven by growth, connection, and caring for the people and world around me. I’ve spent 20 years working in finance and corporate transformation, but my most important role is being a mom to Eva and Jordan and creating the space for them to learn, stretch, and become confident, thoughtful humans. With a passport always ready, I love exploring new places as a family, hiking beautiful trails, spending time outdoors, and experiencing local cultures through food and daily life. I believe every journey is an opportunity to learn something new, challenge ourselves, and grow together. This year of travel is about building memories that shape who we are long after the trip ends.
Favorite family travel experience: Exploring and climbing through the ancient ruins of Petra in Jordan.
Favorite place to visit: Any hike or National Park with fresh air and amazing views.
Meet Matt
Dad. Husband. Relentless learner.
I’m deeply curious about how the world works, its cultures, histories, ideas, and the forces that shape them. I love exploring new places through food, art, music, and lived experience, whether that means adventure activities like climbing a mountain, whitewater rafting, or camping under the stars; or spending hours in a museum, an ancient city, or walking food tour. Travel, for me, is about challenging assumptions, embracing new things, and learning directly from the world rather than about it. With nearly 20 years of professional experience across finance, audit, compliance, and sustainability, I’m approaching this year with intention and structure, but also with a strong belief that growth happens fastest when curiosity meets courage, connection and caring.
Favorite family travel experience: A long-weekend ski trip we once took to Armenia ... it was just such great family bonding time while having fun in the outdoors.
Favorite place to visit: Southeast Asia ... the food, culture, art, music and people are amazing, and I love the energy there.
Meet Eva
I’m a sixth-grader who loves creating, building, and bringing ideas to life. I’m happiest when I’m designing, making art, crafting inventions, or working with my hands to build something new. I love my friends, meeting new people, and making connections wherever we go. Whether I’m hiking, camping, skiing, dancing to good music, or trying a brand-new activity, I’m always learning, exploring, and bringing a lot of joy and energy into every adventure.
Favorite family travel experience: When we traveled across Italy for two weeks and I ate spaghetti for breakfast, lunch and dinner. "Bolognese all the days!"
Favorite place to visit: Wherever I can have fun with my family and friends.
Meet Jordan
I'm a fourth-grader with lots of energy, a big imagination, and a love for life. I enjoy making people laugh, playing pranks, and keeping things fun wherever I go. I love playing football (soccer!), being outside, and staying active, but I’m also a maker who likes building things with my hands, creating new ideas, and telling and reading stories. I care about my friends and family, and I bring a big smile with me wherever our adventures take us.
Favorite family travel experience: Lazy days in the Maldives, snorkeling, hanging out on the beach, eating good food, having fun conversations, relaxing and enjoying life.
Favorite place to visit: Jungle environments in any country, exploring wild animal habitats and having fun hiking and camping.
Thanks for taking the time to get to know us!
Read more about our adventures and reflections, in the blog posts below...
