Global Student Voices, Season 2 Episode 14: Can One Week Abroad Change Your Life? Ethical Service with Globe Aware Founder Kimberly Haley-Coleman

In this episode, host Scott "Coach" Martin sits down with Kimberly Haley-Coleman, Founder and Executive Director of Globe Aware, to explore the world of short-term international service learning. Kimberly's organization, Globe Aware, offers one-to-two-week "turnkey" volunteer projects in 26 countries, handling all the logistics so participants can fully immerse themselves in the culture and the work. Projects are concrete and definable, from installing floors for single mothers to assembling wheelchairs for landmine victims.

A central theme of the conversation is the shift towards ethical service. Kimberly notes that today's students are asking insightful and critical questions, such as "Who asked us to do this?" and "Are we just pretending to be heroes?". She explains Globe Aware's model is built on a foundation of respect and partnership:

• Locally Driven: All projects are chosen and driven by local grassroots organizations based on their community's needs, using local materials and methods.

• A Mindset of Humility: Volunteers serve with a community, not for them, recognizing that locals are the experts and that the experience is a profound learning opportunity. Volunteers often feel they gain more than they give.

Coach Martin and Kimberly discuss how these immersive experiences are transformative in a way that reading about a culture can never be. While the trips build skills and resumes, their real value lies in providing a "new window and perspective into a world," fostering an empathy that reformulates how volunteers see their connection to others. This growth is nurtured through built-in morning and evening reflections that help participants process cultural differences and cultivate gratitude for things they might take for granted, like running water.

This episode is a must-listen for students, parents, and educators interested in meaningful global engagement. You'll hear practical advice on:

• Who can participate: Programs are open to high school students, college students, and even multi-generational families, with no special skills required.

• The ideal volunteer: The single most important characteristic is flexibility—the ability to adapt to cultural norms and go with the flow.

• Getting started: The trips can serve as a "cultural appetizer," a well-organized way to test the waters of international service. For those nervous about culture shock, destinations like Costa Rica or Mexico are great starting points.

• Funding your trip: Discover practical ways to fund the experience, including fundraising, teacher support, and leveraging corporate matching programs from parents' employers.

Ultimately, these short-term trips have a "long tail," creating lasting change by investing in "soft power," building cross-cultural understanding, and countering misinformation one personal connection at a time.

To learn more about Globe Aware and find a program that's right for you, visit:

• Website: www.globeaware.org

• Phone: 214-824-4562

Unlocking Potential: The Power of Structured Internships

Join Scott R. Martin as he interviews Dhruva, co-founder of Lumiere and Ladder Internships, in this insightful episode, "Empowering Student Research and Internships with Lumiere". Dhruva shares his personal journey from India to Harvard and how the pandemic inspired him to create platforms that provide high-quality research and internship opportunities for high school students worldwide.

Discover how Lumiere offers structured research experiences and Ladder Internships provides hands-on professional development with startups, helping students gain meaningful skills and build impactful projects. The discussion emphasizes the crucial role of mentorship for students who may not have existing networks, ensuring they receive valuable learning experiences beyond "busy work".

Dhruva details the characteristics of successful interns and researchers: curiosity, passion, and a strong independent work ethic. He explains how these structured programs provide essential guidance and support, enabling students to thrive and develop a meaningful story for their college applications, rather than just ticking boxes. This conversation is a must-listen for high school students and parents looking for transformative educational experiences that can truly shape future trajectories.

To learn more about Dhruva's programs and opportunities:• Lumiere Education (Research Programs):

Visit https://www.lumiere-education.com•

Ladder Internships (Virtual Internships): Visit https://www.ladderinternships.com

Connect with the work that's building futures for ambitious students globally!

In this illuminating episode of the "Global Student Voices Podcast," Coach Martin welcomes Marty Bennett, a veteran and "guru" in international education, to delve into the "Cycles and Future of International Education". Marty, whose own international journey began at age five as an L2 inter-company transfer from the UK to the US in 1974, shares his extensive professional career spanning decades, from Marquette University to his current role as Director of Recruitment and Engagement for the University of Akron.

The discussion provides critical insights into the unprecedented political climate impacting international education today, highlighting issues such as travel bans that have completely cut off pathways for students from certain countries, like Iran, despite their historical presence as a significant student population. Marty also addresses the current "hang-ups" in visa processing, causing significant delays for students from countries like India. He details the impact of anti-immigrant politics and policies that affect free speech on US campuses, noting similarities to the post-9/11 challenges faced by Muslim students.

A key takeaway is the urgent need for institutions to diversify not just where they recruit, but how they deliver education. Marty emphasizes the potential of Transnational Education (TNE), a model where US institutions can offer programs overseas through physical campuses, partnerships, or online delivery, an area where the US currently lags behind countries like the UK and Australia. Despite these challenges, Marty and Coach Martin underscore the immense economic and societal value of international education for the US, fostering interconnectedness and exposing domestic students to global perspectives.

Listeners will also learn about Marty Bennett's invaluable resources: his weekly live chat, audio-only podcast, and newsletter, which provide timely "hot takes" on news, policy changes, and innovative solutions, helping colleagues stay informed and adapt their international education strategies. Coach Martin describes Marty's content as a "cheat sheet" for anyone in the field. This episode is a must-listen for students, educators, and parents seeking to understand the complexities and embrace the future of global education.

Recommended read America Calling by Rajika Bhandari https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08QZ5SKL8

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