As Edu-Odyssey’s Lead Program Director, Jennifer Norris has spent over a decade developing educational programs throughout Southeastern Asia, Eastern Asia, and the Mediterranean regions. She graduated with an International MBA from National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan, an MA in Asian Studies from Bogazigi University, and a BA in English Language and Literature from UINDY in Athens, Greece. Jennifer is a Braziian Jiu Jitsu black belt, former professional mixed martial artist, firearms and self-defense instructor who has fought, taught and trained around the world.. Knowing first-hand the benefits of studying abroad and experiencing other cultures, she designs, oversees and facilitates Edu-Odyssey’s independent programs.

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“What transforms this world is — knowledge.” - Yukio Mishima

Dr. Yalcin has completed his Ph.D. at Boğaziçi University, Dept. of History. He carried his doctoral research at Ryukoku University Research Center for Buddhist Cultures in Asia (BARC) and post-doc research at Tōkai University. An author and entrepreneur, he is the founder of “Musashi Dojo”, the editor-in-chief of “Global Perspectives on Japan”, and  the author of the following books: Miyamoto Musashi and the Book of Five Rings (2021), The Samurai (2019), The Book of Five Rings (2017), The Age of the Samurai – Milestones of Japanese History (2013), Count Otani
Kozui and Turkey (2010), The Heart of the Crane–Janissary Brotherhood and the Order of Bektashism (2010), and a historical novel The Seven Towers – Why was Sultan Osman Killed? (2013).

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"If you must die, you must have used all your weapons. It is pointless to die with your swords girded on your belly" - Miyamoto Musashi

"The Way of the Warrior is the Way of Uniqueness" - Hakkai

Gin Yu is an Asian culture specialist who brings a wealth of experience in healthcare services and international student management. With a deep passion for Asian culture, Gin offers invaluable insights into its customs and traditions, helping individuals and organizations navigate cross-cultural interactions. Beyond their professional accomplishments, Gin finds solace in surfing, capturing breathtaking moments through photography, finding harmony in yoga, and exploring Asian flavors through their culinary adventures. With a warm and approachable demeanor, Gin Yu fosters inclusivity and understanding, creating a world where cultural differences are celebrated.

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"Everything happens for a reason"

Jean-Paul was born in South Africa and has since lived in Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand and, currently, Canada. Once an international student himself, Jean-Paul has gone on to work in education at the secondary and tertiary level across South East Asia for over 10 years. He is also the founder of Moutonco, a consulting agency focussed on social justice. Jean-Paul is passionate about creating opportunities for young people to explore countries and cultures aside from their own. Through the first hand experience and humility that comes from compassion and understanding across geographic and social divides, he contends that tomorrow’s leaders will be better equipped to solve the interconnected challenges facing the globe.

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“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends” – Maya Angelou

Lauren Cockrell has taught internationally in Taiwan, Singapore and Greece and led excursions through Turkey, Japan and Thailand. She is fundamental in helping Edu-Odyssey to develop and run it’s programs with sensitivity towards local cultures. She has also been responsible for the on-site comfort and convenient assimilation of students into their new study abroad environment. In the top of her class, she earned her BA with honors in Criminal Justice from New Mexico State University.

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“Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life- and travel- leaves marks on you.” -Anthony Bourdain

Tony has a strong background in sports science and tourism, and speaks English, Greek and Serbian. With a BS is sports Science, he has worked in education, where he has been able to share his knowledge and enthusiasm for sports and tourism with others. He believes that traveling and education are both essential for personal growth and development. He has seen firsthand the transformative power of both, and encourages others to pursue both as well. He believes that traveling broadens one's perspective and expands one's understanding of the world, while education equips one with the knowledge and skills to make the most of those experiences.

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"Travel and education are the two wings of the same bird of discovery."