Dr.P’s background
My life has been breathing and living an international lifestyle, thus it is part of my DNA.
I was born in an international family, I traveled abroad since I was a child, all of my studies are in the international field and I studied and done research in many locations around the world. I am not an international person by default that one day decided to travel and had fun with it. International lifestyle has been a part of my life since I can remember and it is part of who I am.
I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in a family of foreigners, so to speak. My family and extended family migrated to Argentina from Italy, Spain, France, Syria, and other places. As the first born, and of course a lovely little girl;-), I grew up surrounded by so many different languages, religions, looks, cuisines, fashion, music that I became a “purebred culture mutt” a real identity mutt! And I adored being surrounded by differences…I have traveled around the world for over 40 years, making 90% of that time traveling solo. All of that makes me a postmodern child:-)
Since I remember, foreign lands were part of my life. Besides having an international family, my father’s job made him travel a lot around the world many times taking me along!
Again venturing out the window….and still doing it now! PPIC!XXXXXX
The world to me was never a scary place, it was a place to discover, to learn about and to respect. Well….yes I am middle aged but the zest and awe for other cultures was something not only I inherited but also grew on me as an aura…my cultural aura s ;-))) I was able to see the world through through my father’s eyes.
Why Dr.P?
I have a PhD in Administrative and Policy Studies in International Education from the University of Pittsburgh. My students called me Dr.P (my last name is Pagano). I focused on my doctoral degree studies on “How people learn about the Host Culture” and “Service Learning and Experiential Learning Methodologies. Theoretical Framework.s” I did all of my higher Education in the USA but I studied in Argentina, Brazil, Peru, UK, Mexico and Jamaica. I also have degrees in Travel and Tourism, Hotel Restaurant Management, International Studies, Culture and Languages… I spent almost 12 years at the University and LOOOVED IT! I have worked in the international field all of my life, and still do now, mostly in higher Education. All of these experiences and knowledge assist me in learning and teaching about the world! and a few languages are a plus 🙂
My site is not an impromptu adventure for me or a change in careers. International knowledge, international education and research have been the major core of my whole life and of over 35 years of formal and informal Education. My site aims to reach a state of wisdom that the world has to offer!
Where I traveled with a purpose for my Education…
Study Abroad
UK, USA, Mexico, Brazil, Peru and Jamaica
Volunteered Abroad
Dominican Republic, Peru, Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Honduras, USA between others.
My Hobbie Yoga
USA, Argentina, Honduras, Brazil, India , Sri Lanka
I had the privilege to meet folks while studying and traveling around the world. I mingled and I learned from these people invaluable insights. I visited and mingled in over 60 countries and still hope to visit and learn about many others. I am sharing here mostly off ridge locations because those were the ones that challenged me more.
THis site is not about pinning countries on a map while taking selfies (nothing against it but the goal here is the complete opposite), this site is about learning and looking outward to learn. If we focus on others in silence and awe, we are blown
I am a collaborator in different NGO’s and here I share their stories their work and how you might want to help!
(Follow me on Instagram #Dr.PoffGrid)
Why do I have a blog? First of all because we don’t live anymore in homogeneous societies which make living with foreigners and in multicultural societies more and more common. It is then important to learn about others with open eyes and to learn to live in harmony with folks other than our own. Traveling and learning about the world is a great way to start a dialog with others.
Other reasons for my starting a blog:
- Because my goal is to share my view of the world as an open space for learning
- Because I love helping others to have a better life through volunteering and service
- Because I believe that unless you transcend your reality, you do not fully accept others
- Because I am passionate about sharing what I learned traveling and learning for over 40 years! I started venturing the world at a time where mobile phones did not exist and I had to think and to figure things out along the way. Critical thinking skills were key to my survival.
- I have a lots and lots to share!
My Life Purpose
is to help empower others through Global education, no doubt it is it! You will find in my blog some folks doing random acts of kindness while traveling and also some long term volunteering and service…all help counts and it starts with one step at a time….
What you will find on my site:
- Destinations: Countries, what makes them special, places to stay, Local people on the journey
- Global Education: Study Abroad/Conferences Abroad about learning
- Volunteer: Volunteering, Service Learning, Voluncheers (helping to celebrate an accomplishment or landmark)
- Yoga/Spirituality (my hobbie)
- Travel Solo/Travel over 40/over 50 over 100 years old! Tips, facts and tricks!
- Gear: gear needs depending on the site and my own reviews!!!
Interviews are an essential feature of this blog, the outlook of locals is what makes a place special and a bridge to our understanding. I am an ongoing collaborator and volunteer at different NGO’s, many located in amazing offridge sites that will make your heart melt and your head spin for knowledge.
Traveling the world is an everlasting feast, you just have to choose which meal to take leaving always some room for more!
I hope you can join me in learning about folks and people around the world!