Meet Emily Cadet! She is a world traveler, private language teacher and she works in the tech industry. She grew up in Haiti and moved to Florida when she turned 12 due to political instability in the country. Throughout her life she has also lived in Italy as an exchange student while studying abroad and in Malaysia through a Fulbright Grant.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspires you to travel?

Traveling has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My mom worked for American Airlines, and thanks to her job benefits, her and my dad were able to explore the world together. My dad also spoke five languages and studied in Mexico, and he would teach me Mexican songs in Spanish. So, from a young age, by traveling with us and/or sharing their stories and photo albums, they instilled in my brother and me a deep appreciation for travel, languages, and a curiosity about different cultures. I’m forever grateful to my parents.

How has travel impacted your life and how has it changed you?
Travel has completely transformed me. It’s like each journey adds a new layer to who I am. I’ve met incredible people from all backgrounds, tasted foods I never imagined existed, and seen breathtaking landscapes that have left me speechless. But beyond that, travel has taught me valuable life lessons. It’s made me more adaptable, patient, and appreciative of diversity. It’s shown me that the world is vast and diverse, but at the same time, it’s remarkably interconnected. Travel has made me more empathetic, more open-minded, and more aware of the beauty and complexity of our planet and its people.

Where was your most recent travel experience and what did it teach you?
I am actually in Brazil as I am answering these questions! I am so amazed by the culture, music, and flavors! What struck me the most was how Brazilians live life to the fullest, despite any challenges that come their way. Their passion for music, their zest for culture, and their love for savoring every moment are simply infectious.
As a Haitian woman, I’ve always known about the strong bond between Haiti and Brazil, especially when it comes to football. But being in Brazil gave me a whole new perspective. I learned so much about Brazil’s humanitarian efforts in Haiti and the support they’ve provided over the years. It’s heartwarming to see how Brazilians extend their helping hand to those in need. So, my time in Brazil isn’t just about exploring new places; it’s about connecting with people, understanding different cultures, and being reminded of the beauty of human kindness. It’s an experience I’ll carry with me forever.

What has been your most favorite travel experience and why?
Oh, picking a favorite travel experience is tough, but if I had to choose, it would definitely be my time in Southeast Asia. I was blessed enough to receive a Fulbright grant to teach English in Malaysia, and it was the adventure of a lifetime. Living in Malaysia, known as a cultural mosaic, gave me the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the rich cultures of not just one, but three amazing countries (Malaysia, India, and China). Thanks to the many holidays and celebrations, I had plenty of vacation time as well to explore the surrounding countries, and I definitely took advantage! From indulging in mouth watering street food in Bangkok to marveling at the stunning temples in Bali and Myanmar, every moment was filled with excitement.
But what truly made my experience unforgettable was the connections I formed with the people I met along the way. Whether it was bonding with my students in Malaysia or sharing stories with locals in Vietnam, I was constantly surrounded by warmth and hospitality.
Teaching in Malaysia was more than just a job, I learned so much about myself and the world around me, and I’ll forever cherish the memories I made during that incredible chapter of my life. Southeast Asia will always hold a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to go back!

Do you have any tips or advice for people who want to travel more?
Of course! I think one of the biggest reasons people do not travel as often as they’d like to is due to financial reasons. I’d be happy to share some tips for those who want to travel more, especially if money is a concern. Let me tell you, traveling doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet. It’s all about your mindset and what you prioritize.
For me, it’s always been about diving into the heart of a country and soaking up its culture, rather than splurging on fancy hotels. When I was even younger and traveling solo, I mostly stayed in hostels. Not only were they super affordable, but they were also a great way to meet other solo travelers and make lifelong friends. Plus, most hostels are very nice and clean – you’d be surprised! My favorites were in Guatemala! (If you like to party, go to party youth hostels, but they’re not the best if you’re looking for cleanliness and peace and quiet)
Another trick I’ve picked up is working abroad through internships, grants, or websites like Workaway and Worldpackers. These gigs often come with room and board, making it a budget-friendly way to see the world.
Sure, staying at an all-inclusive resort is lovely, but we can’t always afford that lifestyle. Trust me, you don’t need a fancy hotel to have an amazing time. The memories you make while traveling are worth way more than any luxury hotel room.
So, my advice? Don’t let money hold you back from exploring the world. Get creative, be open-minded, and dive into every experience with all you’ve got. The best stories are the ones that don’t cost much!

What are the must-have items in your packing list?
My anker portable charger
Water shoes for when exploring waterfalls and rivers or coral reefs (I don’t like my feet touching things I can’t see underwater – personal fear of mine)
I have a small grab and go essential bags with toiletries, makeup, first aid kit, some jewelry and hair ties. I never remove anything from that bag. Whenever I travel, I just toss it in my carry-on or backpack and I know I’m set.
A sweater or jacket. Even when going somewhere warm, cold weather or AC can surprise you, so be prepared.
Cheap earbuds – earbuds are so easy to lose, I’ve found random airpods on the floor in many places when traveling. I recommend leaving your expensive beats or airpods at home and traveling with quality cheap earbuds
Waterproof phone bag/pouch on a lanyard. This is great especially if traveling alone for when you want to go to the beach. I put some cash, my cards, and my phone in it, and leave nothing valuable in my bag on the beach. When it’s time for a swim, I put on the lanyard and it goes in with me.

Why do you think is it important for black women to travel?
I believe it’s incredibly important for black women to travel for several reasons. Firstly, there’s a significant disparity in travel opportunities and experiences between black individuals and their white counterparts. We deserve to explore the world, broaden our horizons, and create our own adventures, just like anyone else.
For me, traveling isn’t just about seeing new places – it’s also about sharing my story. I love spreading the history of my country, talking about my culture, my hair, my skin – all of it! And at the same time, I’m soaking up everything I can learn about other people and their cultures too.
As black women, we bring so much to the table wherever we go. Our unique perspectives and experiences help break down stereotypes and build connections with people from all walks of life. The conversations I’ve had while traveling have been some of the most eye-opening and inspiring moments of my life.
So, to all my fellow black women out there: let’s get out there and explore! The world is waiting for us, and we have so much to share.

How did learning a new language impact your life?
Being fluent in Creole, French, Italian, and English, and conversational in Spanish has opened so many doors for me. I’ve been able to forge friendships with people from all over the world, and I’ve kept in touch with most of them to this day. The reason I’m in Brazil is because my Brazilian friend I met when I was 15 in Italy is getting married!
One of my favorite quotes by Nelson Mandela perfectly captures the essence of language for me: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.”

Can you tell us about your international education experiences?
For me it all started at school in Haiti, where I built my strong foundation. Then, going into the American education system was like entering a whole new universe – I did not feel as challenged as I did in Haiti, but not in a negative way. American High schools and universities also provided me with lot’s of opportunities that I would not have access to in Haiti, like study abroads and the exchange program.
My year as an exchange student with the Rotary Youth Exchange in Italy was the biggest challenge. The Italian high school experience was intense, reminding me of the structured learning environment I grew up with in Haiti, but with its own unique flair. What amazed me most was how High Schools are subject based– students could choose which school to attend. They could pick a High School with a focus on science, or art, gastronomy, etc.. (I went to the Art High School)
I’m currently working in the tech world, but before that, I spent five years as a middle & high school teacher, hopping between three countries – the US, Italy, and Malaysia, and I am still teaching on the side by offering private lessons on my website, languagecadet.com. My international education experience really shaped the teacher I am now. They showed me that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching and learning. Now, I mix and match all the methods I picked up along the way to create my own teaching style.

Where can people follow your travel journeys?
I don’t really consider myself much of an influencer, but I post all of my travels on my personal instagram account @emily_annee and on tiktok @languagecadet. For more culture and language related content, I post on my @languagecadet instagram.