Sherif Watson

Educator and Traveler in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

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Welcome to My World

Hi, I am Sherif, though friends, family, and fellow travelers know me as Reef. My journey began in the vibrant, eclectic 305 of Miami, Florida, but my curiosity has taken me across borders and oceans. I am an explorer and adventurer at heart, as well as a passionate international educator, instructional leader, and lifelong learner. With 92 countries and counting under my belt, I live for experiences that broaden my perspective, spark growth, and build meaningful connections across cultures. Whether I am navigating new regions, diving into research driven pedagogy, or enjoying a night of soulful jazz and spontaneous dancing, I embrace every opportunity to learn and evolve.

The Spark of Global Exploration

My obsession with exploring the world started back in 2001 during a college study trip through Europe. Wandering through historic streets in London, taking in the poetry of Stratford upon Avon, admiring the lush greenery of Wales, gazing at French Baroque architecture in Paris and Versailles, and soaking up history in Munich and Salzburg changed everything for me. That journey was deeply cathartic and set off a lifelong mission to see the world, one country and one city at a time. Today, that passion for global discovery feeds directly into my belief that living and learning across borders helps us understand humanity better.

Educational Leadership and Global Mindset

Over the past two decades, my professional calling as an educator and learning leader has taken me from Miami classrooms to Abu Dhabi, Tokyo, and now Luxembourg. I specialize in inquiry based learning, multi modal teaching, digital literacy, and inclusive educational practices. My work centers on empowering diverse student populations to grow into active global citizens while guiding fellow educators through reflective professional development. Having lived, taught, and led in the USA, the UAE, Japan, and Europe, I view education through a rich cultural lens that constantly evolves with every community I join.

Passion, Rhythm, and Continuous Growth

Beyond the classroom and the travel itinerary, I am someone who thrives on continuous self development, deep conversations, diverse culinary masterpieces, and authentic human connection. You can often find me seeking out incredible local music, letting loose on the dance floor, or reflecting on the big questions in life over a great meal. Follow along as I keep exploring the globe, learning continuously, and building bridges across cultures.

  • Education
    • University of Florida
    • Lee University