One Year in Norway: Teaching, Traveling, and Finding Perspective with Don Jenkins

Dec 9, 2025

Don Jenkins, a seasoned high-school social studies teacher and Fulbright Roving Scholar, reflects on his transformative year in Norway. He shares fascinating contrasts between Norwegian and American education, emphasizing outdoor learning and community engagement. Don discusses how living abroad reshaped his view of home and the importance of building cross-cultural connections. With practical tips for travelers and insights into personal growth, he illustrates how teaching can open doors to new experiences and foster lifelong bonds.

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ANECDOTE

Yearlong Roving Teacher Reach

Don visited about 35 schools and spoke to roughly 5,500 students during his Fulbright year.
He taught more students this year than over much of his 30-year career.

ADVICE

Lead By Listening In Workshops

Design workshops by asking teachers what they need and co-create solutions during sessions.
Assume you don't know everything and learn from participants' expertise.

ADVICE

Negotiate Travel With Your Partner

Negotiate travel decisions with your partner and plan compromises before you commit.
Reserve time at home and say no to trips when they harm important relationships.

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What happens when you step out of your life for a year to live, work, and connect in a completely different culture?

Don Jenkins is a 27-year high-school teacher from Washington state who spent a full academic year in Norway through the Fulbright Roving Scholar Program. Based in Oslo but constantly on the move, he traveled the country visiting schools and giving workshops on American history and government, reaching thousands of students along the way.

This episode explores Don’s journey as a cultural ambassador, educator, and traveler. We talk about the surprising differences between Norwegian and American school systems, how living abroad shifts your view of home, and what it takes to build connection across cultures - whether you’re in a classroom, a sauna, or a sawed-off tuk tuk.

Whether or not you’re a teacher, Don’s experience is full of lessons on curiosity, communication, and how to embrace the unfamiliar. From practical travel tips to deeper reflections on history, education, and societal values, this episode is a reminder of how much growth comes from stepping outside your bubble.

What’s one lesson you’ve picked up while traveling that changed how you see your home? I'd love to hear about your experience, and I hope you’ll share by sending me an audio message.

Tune In To Learn:

Why Don took a sabbatical to teach abroad in Norway for a year
How his “roving teacher” job works and the logistics of living in Oslo while visiting 30+ schools
Surprising insights about Norwegian classrooms, school culture, and community values
How to implement cultural lessons at home, even if you’re not a teacher
What it means to be a “mini ambassador” and have real conversations about your home country
Budget-friendly tips for traveling in Norway, including food hacks and local apps
The role of curiosity in building connections while traveling
Why honest history matters, and what happens when we don’t teach the full story
How being away from family for so long can be hard and insight on managing travel fears
And so much more

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