3DBear’s Post

Have you ever studied in another country? #Standfort researchers found that uncertainties about belonging to an academic community can significantly impact students' performance. This research highlights the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion in educational environments to enhance student outcomes. However, truly feeling like one belongs can be naturally more challenging for international students. Anyone who has studied before knows this: starting a new academic journey often means being away from home for the first time. You're largely on your own, facing the vast new world of university life. This is difficult enough in your own country, but for international students, the challenges multiply—not only must they navigate their studies, but they must also adapt to a new country with different rules and structures. This can be overwhelming initially. From experience, we understand this issue well. Together with Tanya Keni I designed a training program specifically aimed at preparing you for these essential aspects. Our #goal is to prevent misunderstandings and alleviate fears so that you can focus from the start on what truly matters: your studies and building important networks. In addition to student programs, we also offer training for international professionals starting their careers in Germany. With our training, we ensure your success by providing the tools and knowledge you need to thrive in your new environment. 💡 **Focus on what truly matters—your studies and important networks.** 📚 **Transform yourself with our training.** 👉 Follow us for more updates—more to come soon! INSIDE CULTURE ACADEMY #personalgrowth #focus #culture

International Allyship Day on August 8th is dedicated to celebrate and promote allyship power in the world. Together, we recognize the importance to stand up for one another, to foster inclusivity, and to build bridges of understanding and support. Allyship is key to create inclusive cultures, and has the potential of delivering meaningful impacts to people from marginalized backgrounds, which can include better career outcomes and improved wellbeing. 8/8 is a good day to commit (or recommit) to your own individual allyship practice.  https://lnkd.in/e7D2jsTQ

❄️ Starting today, our whole team is off on leave until January 2nd - which means the time has come to look back on 2023. Press Start Academy's most significant development this year is that we have finally, belatedly, started setting our sights beyond Hong Kong. I’ve been to Singapore (three times), Bangkok, New York City, and Melbourne, all on work trips. It’s been a year of exploration, making connections, running workshops, speaking at conferences, sharing our vision with educators and leaders around the world, learning about their excitement and enthusiasm for our work, laying the groundwork for a more global 2024. But more importantly, this year, our team has expanded both our capability and capacity. A few examples on capability: 🎓 We launched our professional learning offerings for educators in January, and we’ve already run multiple public cohorts, hosted multiple sessions for schools, and taken them on the road multiple times.  🌐 We ran our first ever public community event 14 months ago (due to three covid-laden years), and we’ve since done four symposiums, curated the first Games for Change Asia-Pacific conference in Hong Kong, and led countless public and partner events.  📈 We landed at our first ever expo only this May, and we've since been at two more, culminating in a double booth - shared with newly onboard strategic partners Reactor School - at Hong Kong's annual Learning and Teaching Expo. And capacity? We’ve expanded four times our team size, welcomed our biggest batch of summer interns ever, experimented with new ways to develop our talent and build our culture - and we’re still surviving. Simply: While we’ve seen the back of a hugely challenging era and are entering into another period of uncertainty, I can finally look forward with just a slight tinge of cautious optimism and excitement, and that’s a luxury and a privilege for which I have the most amazing team and community to thank. Because the sole truth is that the impressive work that our team does, and the amazing support that our educator, school, student and parent communities offer us, are the only reasons I've been able to explore beyond our existing boundaries 🙇♀️ There’s no wrap here, besides that of Christmas presents, because ours isn’t work that stops, even as our team gets a much-deserved end-of-year break. A movement doesn’t stop - a fire ignites, a snowball rolls, a domino falls - whatever your choice of analogy, I’m looking forward to playing, learning and growing with you all in 2024 🚀 Happy holidays to you and yours! 🎄 #pressstarttocontinue #playlearngrow

It's not always a cool job title that gets you where you need to be. Sometimes it's a place. That pivotal place for me was working at American University with international students while living in Washington, D.C. I moved back to D.C. after completing my summer fellowship at Urban Adamah with a plan to work within international education long enough to find a role that would allow me to move back to Spain. After a summer in the Bay Area, I realized I no longer wanted to live in the United States. I figured the best way to get out of here was moving to what I believe to be America's most European city - the U.S. capital. Not only would I not need to buy a car, it's the one city that truly feels like my home stateside and has any work I would want within international education/ international development. I only had $1,500 in my bank account and most of it was gone with the $1,400 I immediately spent with rent and the deposit to share a dining room. Yes, you read that right. It cost me $1,100 per month to share a dining room with someone back in 2017. To my hungry stomach's luck, I was hired to work within the International Accelerator Program at American University within 4 weeks of moving back. During that time, I met these three incredible women who I am lucky to still call my friends. “If you don't like where you are, change it. You're not a tree.” ― Jim Rohn Not sure who needed this reminder here on LinkedIn, but it's a good one to always keep in mind! #LinkedIn #Opportunities #Growth #InternationalEducation #IntlEd #Work #tbt #GlobalCommunity #HigherEd #washingtondc #Reflection

Last week we had the opportunity to host Gina Whalen, Kate Zimmerman and the Penn State Schuylkill Management 497 students for a high-level tour of our facility here in Orwigsburg, PA. They were able to observe our day to day operations and the social “norms” of companies in the US. They were also given the opportunity to ask questions about culture expectations, going outside of the US! These students from Penn State Schuylkill will soon be embarking on a cultural experience of a lifetime traveling to different countries in Europe, specifically to visit our facility in Erkrath, Germany for a similar tour! What we can all learn and reflect upon: ⭐Diversity: We may not realize it, but interacting with employees from different cultural backgrounds can be challenging, but rewarding when friendships and partnerships are built. 📈Understanding Global Markets: Many companies often have a presence in multiple countries or deal with clients and partners from various cultural backgrounds. Different currencies, and social norms apply, and its important to recognize these using the tools Penn State Students are learning today! 📖Career Exploration: For some students and even current employees, these visits or experiences with different cultures, may spark an interest in pursuing careers in international business, multicultural marketing, or related fields. ❓ How do you show up for your fellow employees, who may not be on the same continent as you ❓ #languagebarrier #timezones #culture #globalreach

🚀 New blog post! 🌐 Embark on a journey through the evolving landscape of student engagement in higher education. 📚 From my role as a Global Lounge Student Engagement Assistant during industry placement—a pivotal part of my MBA studies—to actively shaping inclusive student engagement, I'm thrilled to share the insights that fuel my passion. Join me as we explore: - Shaping global perspectives through event management. 🌍 - Amplifying the voice of inclusivity on social media. 📲 - Navigating diverse team dynamics and fostering genuine collaboration. 🤝 - Taking a heartfelt approach to inclusive initiatives. ❤️ This transformative journey, enriched by industry insights within my MBA studies, reflects my commitment to creating a profoundly inclusive environment. 🌈 Dive into the trends shaping higher education and join the conversation! Let's make education richer, more inclusive, and passionately student-centric. 💡 Your thoughts and experiences are invaluable—comment below and let's connect on the exciting future of student engagement! Don't forget to share if you resonate with the journey. 🚀 #StudentEngagement #HigherEdTrends #InclusiveEducation #MBAInsights #GlobalPerspectives #EducationTransformation #InclusiveLeadership #StudentVoice #HigherEdJourney #TransformativeLearning #DiversityInHigherEd #SocialResponsibility #EducationInnovation #LearningFromPlacement #InclusiveCollaboration #HigherEdViews #HolisticApproachEDU #PassionateEducation 🎓✨ 🔗 https://wix.to/6hg9l0h

Think you're too small to make a global impact? Think again. 🌍💡 Your Erasmus+ project might just be the catalyst for transformative change in your community and beyond. Remember, even the biggest changes start small. Your seemingly minor project can bring about significant shifts in perspectives, practices, and policies. So, do not underestimate the power of one project, one team, or even one idea. Embrace the challenge and make your mark on the world! How has your Erasmus+ project made a difference? Share your success stories below. 🌟👇

🌍 Experiencing travel abroad can be incredibly enriching, especially when combined with educational opportunities 🌍 As a former student at Penn State Schuylkill, who took this same course in 2022 - I am excited for these young individuals to experience such an enriching experience to lead the pathway for their professional development.   Not only will they gain knowledge of intercultural companies and leadership– but they will gain the knowledge of personal growth. What I have learned and reflected on: ✈ Stepping out of your Comfort Zone: When you step out of your comfort zone, you often encounter new situations that require you to adapt and learn. Whether it is learning a new language, or trying their native cuisine, you are pushing yourself outside of those familiar boundaries and increasing your confidence. 🔑 Hard Conversations: Having hard conversations can be difficult, but they are necessary for personal growth, conflict resolution, and maintaining healthy relationships. Traveling can be stressful! Let alone traveling with your group of classmates to another country! Having these conversations will create respect, set boundaries, and maintain healthy relationships with your classmates. ✨ Create Memories: traveling abroad creates unforgettable memories that stay with you for a lifetime. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and flavors of the culture. Memories of encounters and interactions with locals to participating in local traditions and customs. If you have traveled abroad, what is a key reflection that resonates with you? If you have not traveled abroad, what would be most valuable for you to experience and gain knowledge about? #globaleducation #culturalexchange #intercultural

A testimonial that embodies the meaning CAMPUS GLOBERS wishes to give to their immersive experiences. Thanks President Rich Dunsworth for your unwavering trust and your commitment to offering such opportunities to your students. Thanks Amy Lloyd, Nicole England and all the coaches, staff and faculty who are amazing ambassadors of our #studyabroad programs. Natalie Dreyer Bishop Bass Jimmy Clark, Aaron Bruckner. “At University of the Ozarks, we serve a student body with a high percentage of first-generation and Pell-eligible students and many of them have not had the opportunity to travel outside the United States. One of our goals as an institution of higher education is to encourage, support and assist our students with enriching travel abroad opportunities. Going abroad is one of the most life-changing experiences of college and can promote growth in self-awareness and adaptability as well as enhance critical-thinking, problem-solving, leadership and intercultural skills. We’ve seen that our athletic teams that have travel abroad together have forged stronger team-building and camaraderie, built cross-culture connections and experienced new and diverse competition. In today’s globalized and interconnected world, it is more important than ever for students to have these international experiences so they are able to work with and among different cultures.” #ImmersiveExperience #CulturalExchange #CulturalImmersion #ExperientialLearning #GlobalExperience #TravelForEducation #AdventureAbroad #LearnByDoing #BeyondTheClassroom

Now that a week has passed since my year-long Erasmus+ mobility at Sorbonne Université 🇫🇷 ended, I would like to share my key takeaways from this transformative experience: ☑️ 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 Living in a new environment fostered my independent thinking and self-sufficiency. How can one stumble upon creative ideas while confined to the same surroundings? This journey pushed me to find the courage to act on new ideas while breaking free from conventional expectations. I resonate with the following quote by Victor Hugo: « Étudier à Paris, c’est être né à Paris! » ☑️ 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 Moving to a different environment was challenging at first, but it taught me that home is wherever you invest your heart. I grew to love every aspect of Paris, from its bustling, dynamic metropolis to its quiet, romantic corners. By keeping an open mind, I learned to face unexpected challenges. In the end, problems arise everywhere. ☑️ 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 This cultural shock proved so enriching. We, international students and residents in Paris, came for various reasons but were united by our openness to learn from each other, discover new cultures, and forge meaningful connections. ☑️ 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 My primary reason for this mobility was to experience different educational approaches. Education plays a pivotal role in technological progress and one's opportunities. I focused on areas that spark my interest—Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Optimization Models—within a supportive environment, all while improving my French. ☑️ 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗯𝗶𝗴 The most important takeaway: I allowed myself to dream bigger than ever before. In Paris, no idea seemed too impossible, and new boundaries were constantly being pushed. Thank you for taking the time to read my reflections. If you found this post insightful, please share it to help others who are contemplating the benefits and challenges of studying and living abroad ✈️📈📚 #erasmus #erasmusmobility #erasmusplus #erasmuslife #sorbonne #sorbonneuniversite #sorbonneuniversity #studyabroad #studentexchange