Name: Alexandra/Alex
Pronouns: She/her
Nationality: USA
Current Location: Scotland
Occupation: Expedition Guide, Zodiac Driver, and Lecturer
Meet Alexandra
Hi! My name is Alexandra, and I am a huge adventure-travel enthusiast. I was born in Orange County, California and raised in Beijing and Singapore. After completing my undergraduate degree at Kenyon College (‘17) and a graduate program at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center (‘18), I embarked on a career in the expedition travel industry.
Since 2018, I’ve been working as an expedition guide and lecturer aboard a fleet of small ships!
Through this career, I’ve been lucky enough to explore all seven continents and visit some of the world’s most remote, far-flung places
In all of the work that I do, I aim to inspire a love of the planet’s diverse cultures and environments!
Education Questions
Did you attend college? If so, where, and how did you choose that school/those schools?
I completed my undergraduate degree at Kenyon College in Gambier, OH (USA). When I was selecting a university it was important that the school had a rigorous academic profile, a tight-knit student body, a low student-to-faculty ratio, a beautiful campus and a wide variety of study-abroad programs. Kenyon was all those things and more!
During four years at Kenyon I was able to pursue a triple-major, a minor, study abroad in China, conduct anthropological research in the Philippines, teach Mandarin, play DIII volleyball and participate in Greek Life.
Go Ladies & Lords (Kenyon’s mascots)!
Did you participate in study abroad while at school? For how long, and with what program?
I spent the spring of my junior year attending the Middlebury School in China: Hangzhou Program. During the first week, all students sign a language pledge vowing to only speak, read, write and listen to Mandarin for the duration of the program. It was a tough challenge that ultimately improved my language skills. I also went abroad for graduate school and attended the Johns Hopkins University – Nanjing University Center of Chinese and American Studies in Nanjing, China.
If you studied abroad, would you recommend the experience?
I will always recommend taking a semester or two to study abroad! There’s a lot of value in immersing oneself in another country.
If you’re looking to study a language, check out immersive programs that offer a language pledge
These programs are brilliant for anyone looking for a way to solidify (or start) a language.
Professional questions
How long have you been in your current position?
I have been working aboard small expedition ships as a Guide, Lecturer (Anthropology, International Studies and Polar History) and Zodiac Driver for the last two years. I’ve learned so much, met so many phenomenal people, and discovered new passions! I’m looking forward to more years in the industry.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love that no two days are the same.
Life on expedition is inherently changeable – the weather, ocean conditions, and wildlife all play a factor in what we do each day
Depending on the region, I may be looking at polar bears from my zodiac (small boat) in the Arctic, watching a cultural dance performance in the Russian Far East, diving underwater with sea turtles in Aldabra, Seychelles, or giving a lecture about the Antarctic Treaty while crossing the notorious Drake Passage. (Editor’s note: If you’re like me and weren’t sure what the Drake Passage was, exactly, here ya go.)
I learn something new everyday that I am onboard. I also love that I have the opportunity to educate and inspire people about the cultural, historical and environmental importance of all the places that we visit!
Lifestyle questions
Why do you enjoy traveling?
Travel can stimulate and promote personal growth by forcing you to get comfortable with being uncomfortable! I love pushing my comfort zones and challenging myself! I also appreciate all the new skills and meaningful relationships I’ve developed by doing so. On a lighter note, the world is full of amazing, beautiful places – it’s a delight to be able to see and experience them.
Which has been your favorite country/city to live in?
Singapore. Singapore. Singapore. It may be the smallest country in South East Asia – but it offers a lot! I lived there for eight years (ages 10-18) and loved it. Culturally diverse, beautiful, safe, delicious food… I could go on and on.
One last question
What advice would you give to a young person who knows they want to travel but aren’t sure where that fits in with the rest of their lives?
Go travel! You may discover new interests that you were not aware of, make connections with new people, learn new languages, and find opportunities previously unimagined.
You might even find a new life-path that you’re even more excited about!
Editor’s note: This article has been lightly edited for concision and clarity.
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If you connected with Alex’s story, she invites you to connect with her on Instagram: @alexandra.hansen.travels
Thank you for reading! Fearless Friday Features are posted every Friday evening France time. If you have any follow-up questions or comments about the feature, drop them below! Until next time – a bientôt !
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