A science teacher at Carlsbad High, Mr. Alexander once served in the Peace Corps as a high school teacher in Mali, attended a university in Spain and taught in Israel.

During Alexander’s third year at the University of California San Diego, he studied abroad in Spain, attending the University of Madrid. After graduating from UCSD, Alexander joined the Peace Corps and taught and lived in Mali for two years.

“Teaching in Mali was neat and challenging, certainly. I had to teach in French and we didn’t have electricity or running water,” Alexander said. “I taught high school mathematics.”

While living in Mali, Alexander had to get used to a much different and simpler lifestyle than that of Carlsbad.

“A bucket of water is enough for a bath,” Alexander said. “And at night if you want to read it’s by light of a kerosene lamp. All the cooking was done on a wood stove.”

Once Alexander returned from Mali, he received his teaching credential from San Diego State University.

After he began teaching at CHS, Mr. Alexander took part in the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program, which allows two teachers from different countries to switch roles and teach each other’s classes. This allows teachers and students to share and learn different cultures.

“I went on a Fulbright teacher exchange in Israel,” Alexander said. “That teacher came and taught in my class, and I taught in her class.”

Alexander’s main reason for traveling around the world is induced by a search for adventure.

“I love to have adventures, and I like learning,” Alexander said.

Alexander recommends the adventure of travel and experiencing other cultures to students.

“Students can study abroad in college or even high school,” Alexander said. “Everyone should have an adventure.”