Edwina Koch

Although Edwina Koch grew up right outside the New York City area, she always knew she was French at heart. As soon as she turned 19, she moved to Paris, France to become an au pair for a year. This 12 month abroad experience quickly turned into six years! In France, she was a student, a teacher, a business owner, and just an overall French-obsessed human! Outside of her love for learning languages and traveling, Edwina now works as a birth doula in Portland, Oregon and is studying to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Empowering the disempowered is an important thru-line to all the work that she does. When she is not working, she is skating, doing handstands, practicing yoga, or getting into another eccentric, random hobby!

Where did you grow up?
Jersey City, New Jersey

Where do you call home now?
Portland, Oregon

Year started at Global Works?
2022

What’s your favorite part about leading trips?
Connecting with students and showing them a culture that I love!

What’s something you can’t live without while you are traveling?
Beautiful coffee shops where I can read a book and journal

Tell us about a favorite memory from a trip you have taken
Biking along the coast of France with my best friend

Where is your favorite place you have traveled to?
Ireland! I took a road trip there with a friend and I was floored by its beauty!

Fun fact, special talent, or favorite memory
I love to roller dance and do handstands. Sometimes both at the same time 🙂

What do you like to do in your free time?
I work as a volunteer birth doula

What languages do you speak?
English, French, and a little Spanish

If you had to give one piece of advice or words of encouragement to someone on their first travel experience, what would it be?
Do not be afraid to embarrass yourself and ask the locals questions and practice the language