Laura Chase

B.A. – International Development focused on Africa, Summa cum laude, Portland State University

Laura has always loved learning through exploration. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest allowed for adventures outside hiking through old growth forests in the shadows of volcanoes. This enthusiasm for adventure was brought to life when she began to travel internationally, starting with Dragons’ first ever West Africa Gap Year semester program over a decade ago. Her experiences in Africa ignited a passion for traveling and working abroad which then led Laura to spend several years traveling to places like India to teach English, Australia and New Zealand for research, Central America for study abroad, and other places around the world.

Since graduating from Portland State University with a degree in International Development, Laura has returned to Africa for several seasons, working in Ghana and Tanzania with Global Leadership Adventures to facilitate summer programs for high school students traveling and volunteering in Africa. She was also thrilled to return to both West Africa and India with Dragons, this time as an instructor, coming full circle to where her travels started many years ago.

Laura’s other passions involve music and outdoor adventures. After living in Alaska for several years, Laura is currently based in Portland where she works in the outdoor industry both as a professional guide and outdoor educator. As a ski and backpacking enthusiast, she spends her weekends rock climbing or exploring new trails with her dog, Boots.