Meet Brian Benson (BB)
Educator & Explorer
Brian Benson is an educator, mentor, and lifelong explorer with a passion for helping students make Spanish come alive. With over two decades of experience living and working across Latin America and the U.S., he brings cultural fluency, creativity, and a deep love of experiential learning to every lesson.
Brian’s journey with Spanish began in 1997, when a surf trip to Costa Rica turned into a 15-year immersion in the country’s language, culture, and way of life. Inspired by the warmth of the local communities, he began designing and leading educational programs for students and families, blending travel, language, and authentic connection. Later, as a high school Spanish teacher in San Francisco, he shaped his teaching style—dynamic, relational, and tailored to each learner’s interests.
Today, Brian specializes in tutoring pre-teens and teens who want to build confidence and fluency in Spanish. His lessons go beyond grammar drills, using conversation, culture, and curiosity to make learning both practical and fun. Whether students are preparing for travel, moving abroad, or simply aiming to boost their classroom skills, Brian helps them find their rhythm and voice in the language.
When he’s not teaching, Brian also shares his expertise as a travel consultant, crafting meaningful, personalized experiences throughout Latin America. In every role, his goal is the same: to inspire growth through connection, exploration, and real-world learning.
”All my life I’ve embraced adventure and taken on challenges that pushed my limits. These experiences, including my time as a professional BMX rider, sponsored snowboarder, and my ongoing love of surfing, have given me a deep understanding of personal growth through passion, resilience, and embracing the unknown.”
Career Summary & Highlights
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Brian has spent nearly two decades leading outdoor education and travel programs that inspire curiosity, confidence, and connection. He’s worked with The Marin School, The Bay School of San Francisco, and Sterne School as an outdoor educator and trip coordinator, designing hands-on learning experiences that blend adventure and academics. In Costa Rica, he served as a guide and branch manager for Chill Expeditions and later founded an educational company focused on service projects with local communities, connecting students to meaningful, place-based learning throughout Latin America.
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Sterne School (San Francisco)
As a Spanish teacher at this private, student-centered high school, Brian brought language and culture to life. Drawing from years living in Latin America and leading bilingual trips, he created a vibrant classroom environment rooted in curiosity, empathy, and real-world relevance. His approach emphasized communication, trust, and creativity—earning the respect and engagement of diverse learners. -
Brian has spent over a decade providing personalized Costa Rica travel consulting, partnering with schools, families, and small groups to design meaningful, well-planned journeys. Drawing on years of local experience, he helps clients navigate logistics, choose destinations, and connect with trusted local partners—ensuring each itinerary is smooth, authentic, and aligned with their goals. From advising schools on educational travel to coordinating family adventures or guiding a filmmaker through remote rainforest terrain, Brian offers insight and support that turn travel ideas into seamless, enriching experiences.