About CAS Trips

Simon provides the pedagogical vision for CAS Trips. He founded CAS Trips in 2012 after several years of experience as an international school educator. He taught English Literature and Language at international schools in Indonesia, Switzerland, Brazil and Czech Republic, where the IB Diploma Program awoke a desire in him to inspire students to fulfil their maximum potential through educational travel.

Born in: York, United Kingdom
Currently lives in: Lisbon, Portugal
Favorite country: Czech Republic

Most memorable travel experience: Hitch-hiking around Uruguay with nothing but a camera around my neck, a bag on my back and €80 in my pocket.

Kristýna grew up in Abu Dhabi and spent her whole life in an international school environment. Being passionate about education, sustainability and currently perfecting her book binding skills, she manages the logistics at CAS Trips.

Born in: Prague, Czech Republic
Lives in: Prague, Czech Republic
Favourite country: Malaysia

Most memorable travel experience: Walking 800m deep into the crater of a Javanese volcano, sulphuric fumes and blue flames erupting from the depths of the earth.

Neil was raised in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Northern California by his Czech mother and American father before moving to Los Angeles to study and work in technical theater. He now splits his time between the two countries and uses his varied background to create spectacular CAS experiences for students.

Born in: Sacramento, California
Lives in: Prague, Czech Republic
Favourite country: Italy

Most memorable travel experience: Scuba diving and playing with the dogs of the sea (sea lions) in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez.

Born and raised in Czech Republic, at 20 years old, Kamila decided to spend some time abroad and delved into Latin culture while studying Spanish Philology in Santiago de Compostela. After returning, her desire to stay in an international environment led her to the tourism industry where she developed her skills that allow her to create CAS experiences for all the young changemakers.

Born in: Prague, Czech Republic
Currently lives in: Prague, Czech Republic
Favorite country: Spain

Most memorable travel experience: Watching the sun rise above Titicaca lake while leaving one of its isolated islands on a boat after being stranded overnight.

Raised a classic Midwesterner, Sarah left the United States at 22 to live out her “European Dream”. She has since used her Journalism degree through teaching, tourism, and CAS Trips. Energized and eager to learn from each other, Sarah loves bringing lots of reflection into CAS Trips!

Born in: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Currently lives in: Prague, Czech Republic
Favorite country: Vietnam

Most memorable travel experience: Hiking up Mount Merapi through the night to witness the active volcanic summit sunrise and catch some of the most breathtaking views!

Dominika grew up in New Jersey, where she earned her degree in education. After teaching English to students from countries around the world, she felt called to move to Prague and embark on a new journey. Her passions for education and travel led her to CAS Trips to help create sustainable, global learning experiences for students.

Born in: Union County, New Jersey
Currently lives in: Prague, Czech Republic
Favorite country: Iceland

Most memorable travel experience: Hiking on Vatnajökull glacier and sipping ice water from small streams flowing on its surface.

Born and raised in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lamija came to Prague for a semester study abroad. She loved it so much that one semester was followed by another during her Master's Degree, when she finally decided to make Prague her home. With a degree in international relations, Lamija is very happy to be working in an international environment and using her skills to help students around the world get an unforgettable CAS experience.

Born in: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Currently lives in: Prague, Czech Republic
Favorite country: Italy

Most memorable travel experience: Having a small picnic at sunset time overlooking Durdle Door, after an unforgettable coastal hike.

Eléanore has lived in various parts of France, and different opportunities also brought her to Germany, Hungary, Scotland, Czech Republic, and Romania. Added to her experiences working on Human Rights advocacy and on European Union and Eramus+ awareness, she is convinced in the power of travelling to inspire people to act for positive changes in society.

Born in: Bressuire, France
Currently lives in: Prague, Czech Republic
Favorite country: Czech Republic, though Romania is not far behind

Most memorable travel experience: Renting a car to go through the Transfăgărășan road in Romania, where each turn brings you views that just keep on getting more beautiful, then going for a hike at the Balea Lake at the top of the road and seeing the fog rise, and once back down everything is so white you can barely see where you walk. Then taking back the car, going through the tunnel, and on the other side finding no fog, just a crystal clear blue sky.

Born and raised in the mountains of Northern California, Michael developed a passion for healthy living and sustainability. Coupled with his studies in Anthropology and a Masters in Education, he set out as a Math/Science teacher to help cultivate the next generation of changemakers. He now brings his expertise in education and a love for different cultures to ensure students experience CAS Trips while learning and growing along the way!

Born in: Nevada City, California
Lives in: Madrid, Spain
Favorite country: Costa Rica

Most memorable travel experience: Hiking up to Moraine Lake in Banff National Park Canada at 4 in the morning to set up my hammock and watch the sun rise over the mountains and the turquoise colored lake!

Born in Petrópolis, a mountainous region in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and raised in the city of Rio itself, Guilherme’s career journey began in law, where he practiced as a tax lawyer. However, his passion for meaningful connections and purposeful work led him to pivot towards communication and marketing. After completing an MBA in Digital Marketing in Rio, Guilherme moved to Lisbon to study Design for Creative Industries, and he has now lived there for 6 years.

In his new career, Guilherme has worked with two startups, acting as a brand personality guardian and developing a reputation for building impactful connections and transformative experiences. He has also gained experience as a cultural researcher and account manager in advertising.

Born in: Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Lives in: Lisbon, Portugal
Favorite country: Brazil

Most memorable experience: Growing up in Rio, surrounded by sun and beaches, I never imagined I’d fall in love with snow and skiing. At 19, I ventured alone to Lake Tahoe, California, where I taught myself to ski and worked at a ski resort for six unforgettable months.

Growing up in Minnesota, Jasmine developed a love for storytelling through photography, writing, and design. Her journey brought her to Mexico, Spain, Estonia, NYC, and eventually back to Prague, where she discovered a passion for helping organizations tell meaningful stories that inspire connection and curiosity. At CAS Trips, Jasmine enjoys creating meaningful visual experiences, from graphic design and photography to copywriting and video, that help inspire students to explore new cultures and see the world from a different perspective.

Born in: Minnesota, USA
Currently lives in: Prague, Czech Republic
Favorite country: Austria

Most memorable travel experience:
Traveling through Croatia with seven best friends from my exchange program in Austria, where a chance encounter with a local fisherman turned an ordinary afternoon into an unforgettable adventure. Swimming in the Adriatic Sea, watching the sunset from his boat, and sharing a meal at his friend’s family restaurant remains one of those rare moments that perfectly captures the joy of travel and the beauty of human connection.

Simon left his native country, the United Kingdom, when he was 25. As a qualified journalist, he travelled through five continents, writing about travel and culture for major worldwide publications. He is currently perfecting his salsa steps in Medellin while directing CAS Trips Colombia.

Born in: Barnsley, England
Currently lives in: Medellin, Colombia
Favorite country: Ecuador (only because I am trying to not be too Colombia heavy)

Most memorable travel experience: Being slapped with stinging needles in the Ecuadorian Andes in order to cleanse my soul.

Born in: Zurich, Switzerland
Currently lives in: Berlin & Munich, Germany
Favorite country: South Africa – because the food tastes fresher, the music sounds better, the landscapes are majestic, and the sunlight hits differently.

Most memorable travel experience: Impossible to narrow it down to one – but attending the Medellín Spring Global Student Exchange Program and learning about Comuna 13 with a local guide and a creative workshop alongside a group of young international students is high on the list.

Kathryn is a Theatre and Film graduate and an established actress in Prague. Her professional background in drama education supports students develop their skills in a fun and meaningful way.

Born in: Newcastle, Australia
Currently lives in: Prague, Czech Republic
Favorite country: Czech Republic

Most memorable travel experience: Unzipping the door to our tent to the sight of the glorious snow-capped Alps before an early morning swim in the clear waters of Lake Geneva.

Born in North Carolina, and raised across the southeastern U.S., Danielle pursued a degree in Business driven by her passion for global exploration. Her love for adventure was sparked early on by summers spent traveling to Slovakia with her grandmother, which connected her to her heritage and broadened her cultural perspectives.
Her first solo trip to Thailand deepened her appreciation for diverse cultures and showcased the transformative power of travel. Inspired by these experiences, she ultimately decided to move abroad. Danielle brings her expertise in the travel industry to CAS Trips, where she is dedicated to helping students explore new cultures and develop a deeper understanding of the world.

Born in: Durham, North Carolina, USA
Currently lives in: Prague, Czech Republic
Favourite country: Italy

Most memorable travel experience: Spending New Year’s in the Dolomites, and hiking to a stunning viewpoint overlooking both the mountains and the city below. The fireworks lighting up the night sky created a breathtaking contrast between the rugged peaks and the lively celebrations, leading to an unforgettable moment of reflection and awe.

Sabina grew up in Vysočina's capital Jihlava. After finishing high school, she traveled to Dublin to become an au pair for a lovely Flemish family. The urge for education brought her back to the Czech Republic, where she started to study International Area Studies in Prague while working at various art festivals, focusing mainly on film, dance, and theater. It is the perfect blend of arts, physical engagement and altruism that drew her to work on CAS Trips programs.

Born in: Havlíčkův Brod, Czech Republic
Lives in: Prague, Czech Republic
Favorite country: Countries are way too big for me to be able to claim a favorite. I'd rather highlight my favorite cities: NYC, Prague, and Naples.

Most memorable travel experience: The Ultimate American Road Trip: traveling from the East Coast to the West Coast and back in only 10 days, mostly sleeping in the car and (not) showering at the gas stations.

After graduating from Bond University in Australia, Hugh developed a strong passion for travel and exploration. With a solid foundation in project management, he decided to apply his skills to the travel industry, aiming to create meaningful and impactful experiences. Hugh is dedicated to using his expertise to drive positive change and contribute to the growth and innovation of the industry.

Born in: Australia
Lives in: Lisbon, Portugal
Favorite country: Brazil

Most memorable travel experience: Once the frenzy of spending Carnival in Rio de Janeiro had subsided, escaping the city's hustle to sail through the islands of Paraty, Brazil. Diving among vibrant reefs, discovering untouched tropical landscapes, and feeding bananas to curious monkeys on deserted jungle islands.

After growing up in Breda and studying in Tilburg, the Netherlands, Lenneke wanted to broaden her horizon. She therefore went to Prague for her Erasmus+ semester. During this time, Prague stole her heart and she decided to come back for a full time study in Human Rights & Sustainability Law. This made her realize she wanted to make Prague her home. Now, at CAS trips, she is happy to bring her education into practice and contribute to creating amazing and memorable trips for students all over the world.

Born in: Breda, The Netherlands
Currently lives in: Prague, Czech Republic
Favorite country: Australia

Most memorable travel experience: My whole solo backpacking trip through Australia and New Zealand was my dream come true; starting in the Red Centre, traveling all the way down to Adelaide & Melbourne and up the East Coast, finishing off with an amazing road trip through New Zealand. One of the many memorable moments here was skydiving over the coast of Mission Beach, Australia, and landing on the beach.

Becca grew up in a small town in Florida, and spent her childhood dreaming of adventure and seeing all that the world had to offer. Despite traveling as much as she could from her home in the southern US, at 28 she committed to her adventurous spirit in earnest and moved to Prague to start over. Since then her wanderlust has only grown with each new friend made and experience gained, and she loves that she now has the opportunity to translate her love of travel into helping design excellent experiences for the new generation of globally-minded world travelers!

Born in: Chesterfield, Missouri
Lives in: Prague, Czech Republic
Favorite country: Probably Spain, though it is so difficult to choose just one!

Most memorable experience:
It's a tie between sitting on a hill in Japan with friends watching the sun rise over the city of Marugame, or going kayaking in fjords of Norway. Both experiences left me in awe of the natural beauty all around me, and changed the way I saw the world and my human impact on it.

Ania grew up in Poland, where she studied International Business and Russian Philology, learned how to sail, and mastered the art of making exceptional pierogi. In her early twenties, she began exploring the world—starting with London, then traveling through Myanmar to the Pacific coast, where she adopted a stray dog who remains a part of her family to this day. Along the way, she tried many jobs—teaching English, working on a farm and in bars, and managing hotels.

She has now settled in Prague, where she is excited to apply her knowledge and experience to CAS trip planning.

Born in: Świętochłowice, Poland
Currently lives in: Prague, Czech Republic
Favorite country: Mexico

Most memorable travel experience: Working as part of the crew on the French Survivor show as a Challenge Tester and body double while living on a Cambodian island for a year.

Tereza grew up in a small town in the Czech-Moravian Highlands, from where her journey took a brief detour to experience high school in Dublin. This journey sparked her interest in travelling as she pursued a degree in cultural studies and journalism. Having worked in content marketing for several years, she gravitated primarily to healthcare, education, and projects overlapping history and culture. When she returned to Prague after a few years in Lisbon, CAS Trips allowed her to follow a more genuine path of contributing to these areas from the roots. She is excited to help and witness students discover themselves through intercultural learning experiences.

Born in: Pelhřimov, Czech Republic
Lives in: Prague, Czech Republic
Favorite country: Portugal

Most memorable experience:
Hiking in Azores, Portugal, with all four seasons on display within a span of hours. Reaching the summit, we rewarded ourselves with a picnic accompanied by a marvellous rainbow.

Born and raised in Prague, Klára had the incredible opportunity to study for four years in the U.S. thanks to her passion for softball. This experience not only shaped her academically and athletically but also fueled Klára's love for travel and cultural exchange. Now, she is excited to be part of CAS Trips, where she can combine her enthusiasm for exploring the world with a commitment to sustainable travel. Klára looks forward to contributing to meaningful experiences that inspire students while promoting responsible and conscious ways of discovering new places.

Born in: Prague, Czech Republic
Currently lives in: Prague, Czech Republic
Favourite country: Spain

Most memorable travel experience: At first moving to the United States was one of the scariest things I've ever done, but soon I learned so many new things, got to play softball at stadiums I was only dreaming of playing at before, and met people that are now like my second family which made my time there the most memorable experience.

Barbora grew up in Prague but has considered herself a global citizen since 2013, when she first set out on her international journey. She spent a year studying the IB program in Seattle, USA, completed high school in Prague, and briefly studied in Berlin before returning home to earn a joint degree in Human Resources and Adult Education. Her studies and volunteer work across Europe and the Middle East deepened her interest in intercultural competencies. She found a second home in Cyprus, where she supported the integration of migrants. She is currently based in Prague.

Born in: Plzeň, Czech Republic
Lives in: Prague
Favorite country: Hard to choose just one, but probably Italy

Most memorable experience: Traveling in a small camper van with her aunt and her Australian Shepherd through Denmark, exploring local campsites and taking in the stunning countryside.

Aleftina was born in Moldova and moved with her family to Italy at 13, settling in a region of beautiful lakes and the Dolomites. During her studies, she took part in the Erasmus program, spending time in Portugal, and later moved to Copenhagen for her Master’s degree before finally settling in Prague. While studying in Denmark, she developed a strong passion for social entrepreneurship, sustainability and social impact. She joined CASTrips with great enthusiasm, motivated by the company’s social mission and the positive impact its programs aim to create for students and the society.

Born in: Moldova
Currently lives in: Prague, Czech Republic
Favourite country: I have favourite islands, the Azores

Most memorable travel experience: One of my most memorable experiences was in the Azores Islands. I visited them with a group of friends during my Erasmus in Portugal, and what made the trip special, beyond the great company and the natural pools, was the intense green of the grass and trees across the island. Since then, whenever something is especially green, we like to describe it as “Azores green.”

Shobhit grew up in New Delhi, India, where his early life revolved around theatre, films, and storytelling. After moving to Prague to study filmmaking, he found himself drawn not only to cinema but also to the world of international education and travel. Working across outdoor education programs and student trips allowed him to combine creativity, cultural exchange, and meaningful experiences for young people. At CAS Trips, he enjoys helping create journeys where students can explore the world while discovering a little more about themselves along the way.

Born in: New Delhi, India
Currently lives in: Prague, Czech Republic
Favorite country: Hard to choose just one, but the Czech Republic has a special place in my heart.

Most memorable travel experience:
Spending a quiet afternoon on a warm sun-baked rock in the middle of the Tungabhadra River near Hampi in southern India. The rock sits along the shallow crossing between the mainland and Gaddi Island, surrounded by giant ancient boulders and temple ruins. Lying there with music playing softly and the river flowing around me, it felt like stepping into a place where time moves a little slower.

Born and raised in the busy city center of Lisbon. Curious and adaptable, love the intersection of people, systems, and experiences. With a foundation in Landscape Architecture and then Hospitality Management - a career journey through hospitality - from fine dining to luxury hotel management - I’ve always been driven by a passion for human connection and creating meaningful experiences. My love for structure, software, and team dynamics led me to management and a post-grad degree in the field. Now at CAS Trips, I’ve found the perfect fit for my values, curiosity, and passion for community-driven work.

Born in: Lisbon, Portugal
Lives in: Lisbon, Portugal
Favorite country: Thailand (from the ones visited until now!)

Most memorable experience: Spending 2 weeks in Bazaruto island, Mozambique, volunteering - teaching (and learning) from the local fisherman's children. I was able to look at life and people from so many different ways and the experience was humbling and filled with moments of genuine connection and beauty.

Raised in Montana, Ian first traveled abroad on an exchange program to Thailand while in high school. This program sparked his career in international education, which has introduced him to people from various countries and cultures around the world. Ian’s favorite part of travel is learning about different upbringings and ways of life (and sampling delicious food, of course)!

Born in: Albany, New York
Currently lives in: Turin, Italy
Favorite country: Italy

Most memorable travel experience:
Celebrating Naadam in Mongolia, the national festival involving archery, horse racing, and wrestling in the countryside with warm Khuushuur ready to eat at the ger.