Hello everyone!

My Name is Jean-Claude Gerlus and I am one of the two Global Glimpse Leaders who will be traveling to Guaranda this summer on June 29^th.  I live in Springfield, Massachusetts and teach French and Spanish in the Springfield School District. I have never been to Ecuador before, but I have been lucky enough to study in many countries, including Spain and Colombia. This is my second delegation with Global Glimpse. I was one of the 2 GG Leaders who traveled to Matagalpa, Nicaragua with our first Western Mass Global Glimpse students in 2017.

Some quick facts about me:

1. I am Haitian-American
2. I love music (all kinds: Classical, Instrumental, Country, Folk, Salsa, Cumbia, Merengue, Bachata, Vallenato, etc.)
3. I am married and have 3 children
4. I went to State University of Haiti, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad Pedagogica Nacional in Bogota, Colombia, and State University of New York at Binghamton.
5. I like traveling, biking, walking and enjoying the outdoors. I love to experience the way others live their lives and cultures.

I am excited about this trip! I became a GG Leader because I believe Global Glimpse is offering our students opportunities for an international experience by immersing them in a new culture while living and working alongside locals in developing countries. I come to realize how living in different countries and sharing other people’s cultures have helped me see life through the eyes of others. I am, therefore, in a unique position to share in this journey which is intended to provide our students a new perspective on their lives and expand their views of the world.

I am looking forward to meeting all of you, Glimpsers and, most of all, the overseas staff who are impatiently waiting to share with us all the activities you have prepared in order to give us a Glimpse of Ecuador. We are on our way with an open mind, ready to share and learn. I have no doubt that this will be an experience that will challenge our Glimpsers to see the world in a different way.

I can’t wait to meet you all!

Jean-Claude Gerlus, GGL