Lively chatter of students spending the morning whale watching fill the air as their boat launches into the Atlantic Ocean toward Samaná Bay. Emily Ryan listens as her students ask their guide, a renowned marine biologist, some final questions as they end their unit on marine biology.

For Ryan, who graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in interdisciplinary studies and an emphasis in elementary education, watching her students immersed in the beauty of nature while learning science from an expert in the field is a reminder of what she set out to do when she first enrolled at USC.

Ryan began her teaching career at Buffalo Elementary School in Union County, while her husband, Jason, worked in real estate. The couple and their two children later moved to Myrtle Beach, where the real estate market was robust. They worked hard and led a comfortable life, but there was a relentless lack of fulfillment, and they knew they needed a change.

In 2022, they bought a catamaran and the family set sail for the Dominican Republic.

“We weren’t sure what to expect,” says Ryan, “but the people were immediately warm and kind to us and the environment was picturesque with fruits and vegetables spilling off the trees.”

After only three months in the Dominican Republic, the Ryans returned to the United States, sold their house and material belongings, and moved to the Dominican Republic full-time. The family landed in the agriculture-based community of Samaná, where many residents have deep family ties to SC and NC.

The family quickly grew to love their new home. They felt an immediate sense of community and appreciated the high value placed on spending quality time with family and friends, having real experiences, and discovering the Dominican Republic in its purest form. Life moved at a slower pace with more intention, and while hard work was important, so was enjoying life.

But while Samaná offered the peaceful lifestyle the Ryans craved, it lacked a school that fit their needs. According to the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Education, literacy rates in the Dominican Republic have improved, but educational access remains difficult for many families, and outcomes are below regional standards.

Utilizing her background in education, Ryan was able to homeschool her children, but as she reflected on her own experiences in education, she saw an opportunity. Her time at USC had grounded her belief that education should be accessible everywhere because it is the one thing that has the power to truly change lives.

“Samaná is paradise, and it needed a good school,” says Ryan.

Her family had just begun building their dream house, but the school became their priority. They once again pivoted, simplified and realigned with their true purpose. Instead of building their new home, they built the Samaná International Academy.

Opened in January 2024, the 3,000 square foot Samaná International Academy sits on five acres and has 180-degree views of the Samaná Bay and the mountains of Los Haitises National Park. The open-air building prioritizes nature and features fruit trees and vegetable gardens. The curriculum at the academy blends Dominican culture while preparing students with the highest quality education.

“We want to show children they are worthy of an excellent education and a beautiful environment to learn in,” says Ryan. “The community is supportive and very excited to have an academy with this level of education offered.”

Teachers at the academy are American, Canadian, and Dominican. Students are from all over the world with 38 countries represented. Most students are bilingual, and many are trilingual. One-third of students receive a scholarship to attend. Ryan is energized by the global interest in the academy.

“We’ve had families and teachers move to the Dominican Republic just for the academy,” she says. “We get calls all the time from parents who want to enroll their children and teachers who want to teach here. We’ve welcomed students whose parents are doing world-schooling to step outside their traditional education model to travel and immerse their children in different cultures.”

Ryan credits USC’s global student body with giving her an appreciation of the richness that cultural diversity brings to a learning environment, making it seem not only possible, but necessary. She finds joy in watching students from all over the world unite through unique learning experiences.

“Throughout the day, you’ll see kids mentoring younger friends, sharing projects from our school-wide themes, and getting creative with nature-inspired STEM and art. At recess, they’re climbing rope swings, balancing on slacklines, lounging in tree nets, sliding down hills on coconut palm leaves, or helping care for the animals.”

Guest speakers and field trips round out the curriculum. During a unit on veterinary technology, a local equestrian expert visited. Students rode horses along the beach and learned how to care for them. A unit on ancient history was reinforced with a trip to El Valle Beach. Students enjoyed a Taino-themed barbecue and swam in the river, making history feel real instead of just something in a textbook.

“These experiences are how we make learning stick,” Ryan explains. “At USC I learned how to engage students through project-based learning. I was fortunate to learn from incredible instructors such as Heidi Mills, David Whitin, and Amy Donnelly, who taught me about the power of student-led, inquiry-based, thematic units. The practices that shaped my studies prepare students to thrive in an international setting. I am forever grateful to these instructors for the lasting impact they had on me as a teacher and school leader.”

The work isn’t just changing the lives of local children and families, it’s shaping generations to come. It all began with a simple idea, recognizing a need and stepping in to fill it. The journey has been a whirlwind of challenges, surprises and growth and the Ryan family is excited to see where it takes them next.

Ryan credits USC with not only teaching her to educate but how to see potential where others see problems. Her college experience deepened her belief in the transformative power of education and its ability to solve global challenges beyond the classroom. She was brave enough to change her life and her family’s life because USC gave her the confidence to create a life focused on what truly matters. For students and alumni, Ryan shares some hard-won advice.

“Chase the things that set your soul on fire,” she says. “Step outside the ordinary and don’t be afraid to take risks in pursuit of something meaningful. Life isn’t meant to be lived on autopilot; it’s meant to be filled with passion, purpose and connection. If things feel too chaotic, trust yourself to pivot. We only go around one time, so make it count.”

This alumni feature was shared by College of Education alumna, Leanne Cobb (2006, Master of Teaching in Secondary Education). Through writing, she blends her passion for storytelling and education.