What inspired you to work for Stage-Global?
What inspired me to work for Stage-Global is the mission and goal of this company. I love to work with students and help them achieve their goals. The work is very people-oriented, and you get to work with many different cultures which is really nice.
Describe a typical day at work.
Usually I start my day with checking new applications. I follow up with them to schedule a free intake appointment with them. After this, I check our general info email to see if there are general questions from potential candidates.
Once this is done, I focus on my visa work. I check through my emails to see if I have received any documents from candidates that I need to apply for their visa. Throughout the day, I have intakes with potential candidates to inform them about our program. Then for about a half an hour, I work on marketing tasks.
An outside view of the Stage-Global Office as is seen from across the river.
Why do you do what you do? What is your favorite part of your job?
The personal contact you have with candidates is my favorite part of my job. It is nice to see how you can help them make their dreams become reality.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
My background is in communication which is very helpful with interacting with candidates. The fact that I have been abroad myself really helps in order to understand what candidates are going through, potential issues they are running into, culture shock they might experience, etc.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
That candidates might have different expectations than what is reality once they arrive at their destination. We try to prepare candidates as much as possible for any culture shock they might experience.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Be open-minded and enjoy as much as you can! Keep in mind that you might arrive at a destination with a whole different culture, mission, vision, and values. Make sure to take on a helicopter view and avoid thinking that your own values are the only “right” values. Different values, or ways of thinking does not necessarily mean its wrong.
Why should someone choose Stage-Global over competitors? What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?
We mainly offer paid internships compared to other organizations. I hope we keep helping as many (non) students as possible to make their dream a reality.
Here is a little peek inside the Stage-Global Office. Note the framed Obama poster on the back wall.
What is Stage-Global’s mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
To help as many candidates to start a program abroad; have a cultural experience, gain new skills, boost their confidence, independency, and make sure they have a great time! Also, we make sure we keep growing in terms of our international network.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope students realize that there is a whole world out there to explore! Also, I hope they meet new friends and to work on your skills.
How do you help support participants?
I help the participants by being there for them. I am often being a listening ear while supporting them while they go through obstacles.
If you could participate on one of Stage-Global's programs, where would you go and what would you do?
I would go to either Mauritius or the United States for a marketing/tourism or business program. I think those destinations have a lot to offer, and are great locations to meet new people!
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
People need to become more aware of what is out there in the world. We tend to think of our own culture as the only culture or the “best” culture. People need to learn that there are more opinions and visions out there that we can learn a lot from.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language will allow people to connect with different cultures and network with each other. Also, learning a new language shows the people you meet and who speak a different language that you are open to learning and to adjusting.
This is the rest of the Stage-Global Office. Outside the window you can see the view we had access to every day.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Just do it, move abroad! It might be scary to take the step, but it is only a small part of your life, and such a great adventure!
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I hope the whole world becomes more open-minded and accepts differences that might become visible when experiencing another culture.
How is Stage-Global handling Covid protocols? What should participants know about your Covid readiness? How are you assisting participants with navigating the new travel landscape?
We keep a good eye out for any restrictions or rules certain countries might have and act accordingly. We inform the candidates of certain requirements such as vaccinations to enter certain countries, and make sure they meet the requirement or give them alternative options if needed.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Making new friends, learning a new culture, and gaining new skills. Meaningful travel for me is immersing yourself in a new culture, learning from them, and stepping outside your comfort zone. Learning that there are other values, and ideas out there which we can learn from as well.
