Global Connections
Cross-Cultural and Cross-Border Networkers
International networking is not what Ian and Julie "do", rather it describes who they "are". We are connected with a vibrant community of global professionals, leaders, and cultural ambassadors. Over many decades we have carefully fostered cross-border collaborations that expand the international reach and open new opportunities for our friends, clients, and colleagues. Through our global network of friends how may we help you build meaningful relationships across industries and countries?
Photo: At the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.
60+ Years of Travel
Ian's first international travel experience was in December 1963.
I travelled with my family on a two week Atlantic voyage from Southampton, England to Kingston Jamaica on the Grimaldi-SIOSA liner Ascania. I found this old postcard of the Ascania.
The Ascania was built as the SGTM liner Florida in 1926, but after a major refit by Grimaldi-SIOSA in 1955 for the next 11 years she plied a regular service between Southampton, Portugal, the Caribbean and Venezuela.
After one night in “tourist” class (steerage??) dad upgraded us to a first class suite and the captain’s table. Ever since then we’ve tried to travel first class whenever possible... not all the time!
Global Network of Friends, Clients, and Colleagues
Ian and Julie are passionate about building bridges across cultures and borders.
With over 40 years of experience in international travel and networking, we have loved connecting professionals, leaders, and cultural ambassadors worldwide. We have led teams, managed projects, and built lasting friendships from the UK to the USA and Canada. From the economic powerhouses of China and Japan to tiny Pacific islands Kiribati and Nauru. From Germany, France and Poland, to Guatemala, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Our extensive global network of friends can help you forge meaningful relationships that transcend industries and boundaries. How may we serve you or your organization?
Photo: Ian with a group of dear friends (university teachers, government and party officials) in Hangzhou, China.
Leading Missions and Delegations for 40 Years
Since the late 1980s Ian and Julie have organized and led groups all over the world.
Pictured here I am leading a small delegation from the State of Georgia, including a college president, a department dean, and two nursing lecturers. We took a walk in the Wicklow Mountains National Park, just south of Dublin, on the way to present at an International Nursing Conference at Southeastern Technological University in Ireland.
We have led delegations and teams of 3 or 4 travelers to a whole bus load. These groups have ranged from church and non-profit mission teams and Rotary service project teams to groups of engineers, healthcare professionals, and educators, to government workforce development missions.
Travel and Learn
We love to travel and to learn. Over the course of our career we have made many friends with a similar passion.
In 2020 when we started our company I & J International, we launched the "Travel & Learn" blog for those like us who love travel, art, music, food, peoples and cultures. This grew into designing and leading uniquely curated continuing education abroad with our trusted partners Institute of Study Abroad Ireland and CEPA Study Abroad-Europe.
Our Travel & Learn programs have included "Cook Like a French Chef" and "A Taste of Ireland".
Let us know how we may help you and your team, church or social group, Travel & Learn.
Some of the countries we have led teams and projects
