From Global Aviation to Global Education by Luiz Arêas
- The RV Book Fair 2025
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
My Lifelong Journey to Founding “Journey Through Culture”
As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, I hold a deep and enduring belief in the transformative power of cultural discovery and international education. This is not a marketing phrase, it is the foundation of my identity, shaped by decades of professional global experience. This commitment ultimately inspired me to create Journey Through Culture (JTC France), an agency dedicated to providing meaningful, safe, and life‑changing educational and cultural experiences for students, young adults, and families.
My Story: A Career Shaped by Global Experience
My multicultural background, enriched by Portuguese, Brazilian, and Polish heritage, has shaped my worldview and fueled a lifelong dedication to cultural immersion. Over the course of my career, I have lived and worked extensively across Brazil, the United States, and France, developing a profound appreciation for the value of global engagement. My linguistic abilities have played a major role in building cross‑cultural understanding throughout my work.
My professional journey began at Varig Airlines in Brazil and later expanded into key leadership roles across the aviation and travel technology sectors. I collaborated with major industry players including American Airlines, Sabre Technologies, and Travelport in the United States, before joining Amadeus at its global headquarters in France. For sixteen years, I led initiatives in training, communication, knowledge management, and organizational transformation. Additionally, I provided corporate training extensively across the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, strengthening my ability to adapt strategies to diverse cultural and professional environments.
Parallel to my corporate work, I maintained a strong connection to education, teaching English at respected institutions in Brazil and completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Liverpool. Bringing together decades of experience in aviation, technology, training, and education naturally led to the creation of JTC France.
Why I Created Journey Through Culture
Journey Through Culture was founded with a mission to support meaningful personal development through international experiences. Rather than offering programs focused solely on logistics, JTC France emphasizes personal growth, cultural understanding, and academic enrichment. The agency’s approach is deeply human‑centered, grounded in four decades of global experience.
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
ICES USA – Preferred and strategic partner for the USA and Canada
My main partner for North America is ICES USA (International Cultural Exchange Services), a respected nonprofit with more than 30 years of experience in student exchange.
I have known John J. Crist, President & CEO of ICES USA, since 2012, and our relationship is built on confidence, collaboration, and shared values. Each summer, I volunteer at the ICES orientation camps in New York City, supporting logistics, training, and student coordination. These experiences have allowed me to witness firsthand the exceptional care and dedication that define ICES USA.
Together, JTC France and ICES USA offer:
- High school exchange programs in the USA (J-1 & F-1)
- High school exchange programs in Canada
- Summer camps and short immersion programs
- Language-learning experiences
- Internship programs in the USA for newly graduated university students
- 24/7 support and carefully vetted host families
SEDA COLLEGE – Strategic Partner for Programs in Ireland
SEDA provides English-language programs for students of all ages, from teenagers to adults seeking academic improvement or career development. Ireland’s welcoming environment, friendly culture, and high educational standards make it a wonderful destination for immersion experiences close to home.
Together, JTC France and Seda College Ireland offer:
- General English Courses (all levels, for all ages, all year round)
- Exam Preparation & Certification
- Specialized and Online Courses
- Student Support Services
Commitment to Community
Education is meaningful at every stage of life. Beyond JTC France, I am actively involved in community engagement, teaching English and U.S. culture to senior residents at Le Club Senior Cannes. This work reinforces my belief that cultural exchange begins at home and that learning is a lifelong endeavor.
What Families Can Expect from JTC France
Families who choose JTC France can expect a professional, transparent experience guided by decades of international expertise. Our programs are carefully selected for their educational value, safety, and cultural impact, and we provide comprehensive support from the first consultation through the student’s return home.
Looking Ahead
JTC France is built for continuous growth. Planned expansions include programs in the United Kingdom, Australia, and extended options in Canada, as well as university pathway programs, teacher‑led educational tours, and professional development experiences for adults. My background in aviation and technology ensures that all programs are supported by strong operational systems and best‑in‑class logistics.
A Final Word
“Travel and education changed my life. They reshaped my worldview and defined my professional path. Helping young people receive this same opportunity is not just my work—it is my greatest passion. Through Journey Through Culture, I hope to inspire new generations of confident, curious, and compassionate global citizens. “
For any more information on the programs, visit our website at https://journeythroughculture.com or drop a message at contact@journeythroughculture.com.
JTC France is a proud sponsor of The RV Book Fair 2025.
Article published in The Relatable Voice Magazine - December 2025 as part of The RV Book Fair 2025. Downolad the full magazine at https://www.relatable-media.com/the-relatable-voice-magazine
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