About the Director of Global Kids Learning Adventures

Global Kids Learning Adventures was founded in 2007 in Tallahassee, FL and launched in Naples, FL in 2012 by Dr. Nicole Bruland. Already having earned a Bachelor, Master’s degree, and Florida Educator’s Certificate by the age of 25, Nicole earned her PhD in French Language with a concentration in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from Florida State University in 2013. A career language education professional, Nicole’s experience as an educator, language program developer, and travel planner/guide spans over 20 years. In addition to providing world language and culture based experiences to local children and teens via summer and vacation camps, Dr. Bruland has organized & guided many high quality travel experiences for youth and families to Europe and Canada. Dr. Bruland believes that students learn best through hands-on experiences and thus founded Global Kids Learning Adventures to provide supplemental experiences which may not be provided in a traditional school setting.

Raised in the Buffalo, NY area near the Canadian border, and having studied in Paris, France, Dr. Nicole Bruland is a French/English bilingual with a passion for language. In 1995, she brought that passion to Naples, Florida where she taught French language and linguistics at a local high school. In 2003, she relocated to Tallahassee, Florida where she taught at Florida State University, a local private school, and served as an education policy consultant and PR/communications professional at the Florida Department of Education. Nicole also has experience in education administration, having served as a non-profit vice president and college administrator. In recent years, Nicole has utilized her unique skill set and expertise to the benefit of local non-profit and education organizations as a consultant. A graduate of Leadership Collier, Nicole is a published writer, blogger, teacher, and an adjunct professor of French and English as a Second Language (ESL). She enjoys traveling the world and having fun with her husband and two sons, who never fail to keep her life exciting.

Education & Credentials

• The Florida State University (PhD – 2013)
• Leadership Collier Professional Development Program (Certificate – 2011)
• L’Institut Catholique de Paris (Certificate of French Language Pedagogy – 2001)
• State University of NY at Buffalo (Bachelor of Arts – 1993, Master of Arts – 1996)
• L’Université de Paris – Sorbonne (Certificate of French Language & Culture – 1992)
• Certified Florida Teacher, K – 12 (1995 – Present)
• Collier County Public Schools Level 2 Volunteer (2012 – 2015)
• Member of ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages)
• Member of MLA (Modern Language Association)
• Member of CALICO (Computer Assisted Language Instruction Consortium)

Teaching Experience

• Global Kids Learning Adventures Supplemental Education Program (2007 – Present)
• Barron Collier High School, French Language Teacher: French 1, 2, 3, 4 Advanced Placement & Dual Enrollment College Level via Florida Southwestern  State College (2014 – Present)
• Florida SouthWestern State College (ESL, French Language & Linguistics, 2010 – Present)
• Freelance Instructor (French Language & ESL, 1992 – Present)
• Veterans Memorial Elementary School (Grade Odyssey of the Mind Coach, 2012)
• The Florida State University (French Language & Linguistics, 2003 – 2005)
• Naples High School  (French Language & Linguistics, 1995 – 2003)
• State University of NY at Buffalo (French Language & Linguistics, 1993 – 1995)

Administrative Experience

• Freelance Project/Program Management & Development Consultant (2009 – present)
• Edison State College (Director, Coordinator, 2009 – 2011)
• The Education Foundation of Collier County (Vice President, 2008 – 2009)
• Florida Department of Education (Policy, Communications, 2006 – 2008)
• The Florida State University (Advisor, Scholarship Consultant, 2003 – 2008)

Writing Experience

• Neapolitan Family Magazine (2012 – 2014)
• Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, Expert Advice Column (2009 – 2012)
• Freelance Writing, Editing, and Public Relations (2008 – Present)