ACIS Staff Spotlight: Meet Monica Prince

1. Tell us about yourself! What’s your role at ACIS?

Hi! My name is Monica Prince, and I’m the Regional Director – West at ACIS. I joined ACIS in June 2025, and I’m thrilled to support school leaders and educators in planning unforgettable educational trips. These experiences help cultivate global citizenship, spark creativity, and inspire students to discover new passions and interests.

2. You started in education yourself: Give us a little background on how you made the jump to ACIS!

As a former early childhood and elementary teacher, I’ve always found joy in watching my students learn through hands-on, experiential activities, building new skills, gaining confidence, and navigating challenges. While I eventually left the classroom, my love for teaching never left me. I transitioned into roles in edtech and curriculum publishing and have also held various administrative and leadership positions throughout my career. Joining ACIS is an exciting new chapter for me, as it combines my passion for education with my love of travel and connecting with people from different cultures.

3. Tell us about your travel history. How do you believe travel changes lives?

One of my favorite travel memories was to China while I was still teaching. Our school had developed a partnership with a local university and a university in China, and I had the opportunity to serve as a mentor teacher. Our students were immersed in learning Mandarin, and it was a transformative experience for all of us. During that time, my assistant teacher and I formed a close friendship, and I was honored to be invited to her wedding in her home country after her teaching assignment ended. Attending that celebration was incredibly meaningful; it deepened my appreciation for cultural exchange and strengthened my belief in the universal connections we all share through the human experience. That trip truly solidified my passion for travel and global understanding.

A more recent travel experience I had was in Morocco. The people were incredibly welcoming, and the food and décor were uniquely authentic; it was an experience I’ll never forget! I look forward to returning one day to explore even more of this beautiful and captivating country.

4. What’s a top planning tip you have for teachers?

Building positive relationships with students is what makes teaching and educational travel so much more impactful. When you understand your students’ needs, you can plan experiences that not only meet your learning goals but also support each student in a way that feels individualized and meaningful.

Have fun with them. Encourage their independence and growth. Foster critical thinking, spark creativity, and involve them in the decision-making process as much as possible. Travel creates space to tap into skill sets that often go unused in the routine of daily classroom life. So, when challenges arise like long lines or unexpected delays treat them as opportunities for growth, flexibility, and real-world learning.

5. How do you work with teachers to ensure they have the best trip possible?

Partnering with schools to ensure that each trip and its activities aligns with curriculum goals is a vital part of meaningful educational travel. These experiences allow students to engage with history, language, science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics in real-world settings. By exploring places that offer authentic learning opportunities, students deepen their understanding and bring classroom lessons to life.