Travel Is The Best Educator
“Education is the gateway to a world of infinite opportunity. Together, we can build competency to foster collaboration and exercise culturally responsive pedagogy that perpetuates intergenerational success.”
— Hanan Allen, MPA
Featured on TEDTalk
Being invited to speak on the TED stage was one of the most emotional and empowering moments of my life. In this talk, I open up about why I believe so deeply in the transformative power of education — not just as a tool, but as a gateway to infinite opportunity.
My Vision
My Vision
Join me on a journey toward global freedom
Where travel becomes more than a destination. Through exploring diverse cultures, I’ve discovered a deep passion for international education and the transformative power of immersive experiences.
These adventures have redefined my sense of possibility, pushing the boundaries of what I once thought was achievable. This is exploration that transcends the ordinary.
I invite—and challenge—you to experience the world’s wonders in ways you never imagined. The sky isn’t the limit. It’s just the beginning.
Featured on “And So The Story Goes”: How Studying & Serving Abroad Transformed My Purpose
I had the honor of being featured on the podcast And So The Story Goes, where I shared how studying abroad in Germany and Paraguay—and serving in the Peace Corps in Fiji—completely reshaped how I view education, purpose, and global connection.
In this episode, I talk about my homestay experiences, teaching abroad, and how these opportunities after undergrad and during grad school opened my eyes to the power of cultural immersion and community engagement.
I also had the chance to return for their Story Slam Series, where I performed a personal poem I wrote in honor of my time on the island of Fiji—an unforgettable chapter of my Peace Corps journey.
These stories are close to my heart, and I hope they encourage someone out there to say yes to the unfamiliar, because that’s where transformation begins.
Book a Conversation
Are you looking for a guest speaker to inspire, educate, and uplift through the power of international experiences? I’m passionate about sharing the value of global education and am available to speak with students, educators, and community leaders—whether in high schools (grades 9–12), colleges and universities, or community organizations.
I'm available for:
Guest speaking engagements (in-person or virtual)
Panel discussions
Podcasts and interviews
Let’s connect and explore how I can support your event or program.
Book a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your goals, proposal, and logistics.
About Me
About Me
I’m Hanan — a proud naturalista, travelista, and culinary enthusiast born and raised in the Flower City: Rochester, NY. My roots trace back to Casablanca, Morocco, and that heritage has deeply shaped my passion for international education and cultural exchange.
I’m a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Fiji 2016–2018), and an alumna of both Penn State University and Rutgers University–Camden. Through study abroad, community engagement, and global service, I’ve witnessed firsthand how powerful travel can be in expanding not just our worldviews, but our hearts.
I created this digital platform to inspire, encourage, and uplift others to explore boldly and connect meaningfully.
The world is your oyster — let’s discover it together.