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By TYLER ELLYSON
UNK Communications
Jairo Montenegro’s journey from the mountains of Ecuador to the bustling streets of Lahore, Pakistan, is anything but ordinary.
The University of Nebraska at Kearney graduate has built a life around two passions – education and international travel. And thanks to UNK’s online degree programs, he’s been able to pursue both from nearly every corner of the globe.
“I have traveled to many places and lived in various countries, but my heart is truly anchored in Pakistan,” he said. “I arrived here in 2017, intending to stay for just two years, but that assignment has transformed into an indefinite journey. The remarkable positivity of the local people inspires me daily. Despite the challenges they face, they radiate happiness and gratitude for what they have, always eager to share, whether it’s a simple cup of tea or a place to stay.”
Montenegro currently teaches physical education to upper elementary students at Lahore American School, an international institution that employs educators from around the world. He describes the environment there as consistently positive and supportive, with a close-knit faculty that values collaboration and cross-cultural learning.
“Each year feels as rewarding as the first,” he said. “Establishing meaningful connections with students and other teachers significantly enhances their willingness to engage and collaborate. When students feel understood and valued, they’re more motivated to demonstrate their abilities.”
A native of Tulcán, a small town on the Ecuador-Colombia border and “one of the most beautiful places in the world,” as he describes it, Montenegro’s global mindset was shaped early in life through his service in the Ecuadorian Navy. That experience sparked a passion for travel and opened his eyes to the power of education.
He got his start teaching swimming lessons to underprivileged children in Vietnam, which led to a larger realization: “To truly make a difference, I needed to engage more deeply and offer better guidance,” he said. That calling led him to UNK Online.
Montenegro started taking online classes in 2014 and completed a bachelor’s degree in early childhood inclusive education in spring 2019, allowing him to continue teaching internationally while advancing his career. The 43-year-old is currently working toward a master’s degree in physical education, also through UNK’s online programs.
“My journey at UNK has been transformative,” he said. “The knowledge and skills I gained have allowed me to navigate challenges and excel in my profession. The experiences and connections I made during my studies have significantly shaped my career trajectory. Much of my current success and the opportunities I’ve had can be traced back to the strong foundation provided by UNK. I am truly grateful for everything the university has given me.”
Montenegro appreciates how the early childhood program equipped him with inclusive teaching strategies that empower all learners, including those with special needs. “The strategies I learned enabled me to support the social, emotional and academic growth of all my students, allowing me to make meaningful contributions to their development and well-being in diverse learning environments,” he said.
Those lessons have taken him far – literally. Montenegro has visited countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Russia and Jordan for professional development or educational trips with students.
To him, teaching internationally isn’t just a job – it’s a way of life.
“By immersing myself in different environments, I’m able to appreciate various perspectives on daily life, traditions and social norms,” he said. “Each destination has its own distinct way of operating, shaped by historical, geographical and cultural influences. Engaging directly with people from diverse backgrounds fosters empathy and broadens my worldview, enabling me to understand the reasons behind their behaviors and choices.
“While reading or hearing about cultural differences can be enlightening, nothing compares to the richness of firsthand experience. By traveling, I not only learn about the world, but also about myself, as each journey challenges my assumptions and encourages me to look at things from new angles.”
Montenegro shares this global lifestyle with his wife, Zaib-Un Nisa, a Pakistani citizen, and their 2-year-old son, Burhan. As a multilingual family – capable of communicating in English, Spanish, Italian, Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi – they enjoy exploring different cultures and connecting with people from all walks of life.
“Traveling with family is always rewarding,” Montenegro said. “For me, summer is a sacred time when my wife, my son and I can spend time together and enjoy activities as a family.”
Their current summer adventure includes stops in Istanbul, Chicago, Panama and Ecuador, where they’ll visit a farm they purchased on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. Montenegro is especially excited to watch his son walk among the island’s famous giant tortoises.
Reflecting on his career path, Montenegro said he’s grateful for the flexibility and quality of UNK’s online programs, which opened the door to opportunities he never imagined.
“Hard work truly pays off,” he said. “And UNK has played a big part in helping me build this life.”
