Global Teachers – Netherlands 2025
Day 1: Friday, June 18th
A Global Journey Begins
Anticipation filled the air as 42 teachers representing 26 counties across North Carolina touched down in Amsterdam on the morning of June 18. Accompanied by one teacher leader and three program leaders from Go Global NC, their journey had begun the previous afternoon with departures from the Raleigh and Charlotte airports. After a brief layover in Philadelphia, the group had boarded a seven-hour overnight flight across the Atlantic to the Netherlands.
Despite the fatigue from the long journey, the group’s enthusiasm was unmistakable. Excitement built as they stepped into a new cultural experience, beginning with a warm welcome and orientation from local guides Axel and Ilya. Their first adventure in Amsterdam was a cruise through the city’s iconic canals, offering a beautiful and historic introduction to Dutch life.
After the cruise, the group checked into their hotel. While some chose to rest and recover, others eagerly set out to explore the vibrant streets, museums, and cafes of Amsterdam.
For six of the participating educators: Jillian Campbell from Lenoir County, Chanel Jones and Ashley West from Alamance County, Gabrielle Kring from Sampson County, Camila Vinson from Durham County, and Brittany White from Edgecombe County, this was their very first international experience, making the day even more meaningful.
The group’s arrival in Amsterdam marked not just the start of a in-country immersion portion of the program, but the beginning of a transformative global learning journey.
Ms. Jazz Hemingway
Columbus County
“After months of anticipation, planning, and packing, I finally set foot in the Netherlands!!!! I still can’t believe it! I’m in Amsterdam! That sentence alone feels surreal. The journey here was long and a bit of a blur; airports, time zones, and a battle with jet lag that I think I lost (for now!). But the moment I stepped outside and felt the crisp Dutch air, it all became real. Walking through the streets of Amsterdam today felt like stepping into a postcard. The canals, the bikes, the charming buildings, and the rhythm of daily life all around me; it’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Despite the exhaustion and aching feet from walking what felt like miles, I found myself smiling at everything. There’s something magical about being fully in the moment, letting yourself take it all in, no filter, no expectation, just gratitude.
I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be here as part of the Go Global NC program. To be chosen to represent and connect across cultures is something I do not take lightly. This journey isn’t just about travel, it’s about learning, growing, and building meaningful relationships. I’m looking forward to diving into the Dutch education system, learning from new perspectives, and hopefully sharing a few of my own. I’m also excited to try local foods, meet new people, and collect stories that I’ll carry with me for a lifetime. Here’s to new adventures, big steps, open minds, and unforgettable memories. Amsterdam, I’m ready for everything you have to offer.”
Mr. Kyle Matthews
Yadkin County
“After an overnight flight and collecting our luggage, we’ve officially arrived safely in Amsterdam! I want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the Jeanette W. Hyde Global Teacher Fellowship for Yadkin County for making this incredible professional learning opportunity possible. Even in just the first few hours, this experience is already delivering on so much of what I hoped for. New friendships, both personal and professional, are beginning to form. Long layovers and shared travel time sparked natural conversations, and many participants shared that this is their first time visiting Europe. The sense of excitement and curiosity in the group is truly contagious. Our cohort represents a wide range of backgrounds and roles within public education, which makes our shared learning that much richer. Everyone brings different goals and perspectives to this journey, and I’m especially eager to dive into the agriculture-focused aspects of the trip, which align closely with my own interests and passions.
Despite the overnight flight and lack of sleep, our group wasted no time jumping into the experience. Surrounded by the vibrant sights, sounds, and even smells of Amsterdam, it’s been easy to forget the exhaustion. It was exciting to see, firsthand, many of the features we learned about during our pre-departure sessions, such as how much of the Netherlands, including the airport, sits below sea level. Windmills, canals, and thoughtful city planning came to life right before our eyes. After settling into the hotel, we kicked things off with an orientation followed by a scenic canal cruise through the heart of Amsterdam. Cruising in a beautiful red and yellow wooden boat, Axel, shared fascinating facts about the city, everything from the city’s wooden foundations and canal systems to unique architectural details and cultural tidbits. Fellow teachers asked insightful questions, and it was clear that everyone was eager to absorb as much as possible.
After the cruise, we had some time for independent study. It was inspiring to see educators from across North Carolina collaborating and planning activities together, many of whom had just met. We explored downtown Amsterdam via public transportation, engaging in conversations with local residents who were curious to learn about our journey. Two different locals were especially enthusiastic when they found out we were teachers from North Carolina here to learn from the Dutch education system. To wrap up our evening, we visited a local Dutch grocery store to compare products and reflect on cultural similarities and differences. It was a simple but meaningful way to continue learning, even after a full day.”
