What inspired you to join the team at New York University in Sydney?
The main driver for me joining NYU Sydney was the opportunity to work and learn within a diverse and rewarding environment. The thought of immersing myself in a truly global university was something I could not turn down. I feel very proud to be a member of the NYU team and hold all of my team members in high regard. We are a close trusting community and each have different but complementary skill sets and attributes relevant to our roles which allows us to work seamlessly and effectively.
Yuri (bottom right) with staff and students at a volunteer event, painting classrooms at a primary school in Sydney’s western suburbs
What are your typical responsibilities and projects that you work on as the Academic Programs Coordinator?
My main role is to support the academic needs of students and instructors. This includes: managing class-related resources—this includes all field trip planning and payments for guest speakers as well as arranging provision of texts with local bookstores including online purchase orders; teaching and learning technologies—supporting instructors with teaching and learning technologies including NYU Classes, and our scheduling and registration system (Albert); academic accommodations—working directly with students and instructors to ensure that all of our students' registered accommodations (as identified by the NYU Moses Centre for Students with Disabilities) are met while they are in Sydney; and academic writing support—coordinating one to one writing support sessions for students towards the end of semester in preparation for finals.
In what ways do you support students and make sure that the programs are valuable to them?
There is a lot of work that goes into planning for a semester in addition to the support we provide that is listed above. We want to ensure that all students get the most out of their time away and one way we do this is through incorporating local perspectives and experiences in courses specific to our sites. One example of this in action is the Indigenous Art course where one of the field trips takes students to visit sacred rock engravings in a National Park.
How do you use your own experience as an exchange student in Kyoto, Japan and working in London, England in your role working with international students?
I can use my own experiences of living abroad to connect and relate to students as well as being able to give advice and guidance now that I am the service provider. Study abroad also pushed me to travel across Europe, experiencing a wonderful cultural mix, albeit with food, architecture and entertainment. I would recommend the study abroad experience to any student wishing to immerse themselves in a different life and culture.
Stepping out of your comfort zone is a wonderful way to realize your full potential.
Why do you love what you do?
I am fortunate to work with a talented team who is passionate about what they do and has the same vision to ensure a successful student experience. I tend to work best when I am relaxed and interested, but also where I am challenged. NYU feels like an adventure where I learn and meet exciting new people, each with their own adventures to share. At work I also feel a sense of responsibility to continue to strengthen this great culture we have fostered since opening in 2012.
Can you tell us about a time you were proud of your work with NYU?
The time I felt most proud was simply seeing the recognition of our efforts from students who had entrusted us to deliver a life experience not only in education, but in adventures, both personal and academic.
We get to experience the feedback from the students’ experiences and through photography, cards, emails, and notes that relay the excitement and appreciation fed back to us as a team each semester. I find it humbling and empowering knowing I have made a positive impact on their lives.
In what ways do you incorporate what you have learned from your teaching experiences in your position today?
My interests in education and teaching has led me to develop an appreciation for learning and gaining experience—not only from a practical perspective, but also in administration. Being diligent, organized, and flexible is paramount in my role.
What makes Sydney a great location for international students?
Sydney has it all! Amazing weather, attractions, beaches, food, and multicultural events—and of course a diverse population. Most importantly Sydney has unique Indigenous significance and history which students have the opportunity to learn and appreciate.
Why is it important for individuals to travel and experience new cultures?
There is so much to see and experience. You learn and appreciate people from different backgrounds when you have made first hand connections. It’s also important for your personal growth and development. I think that getting a sense of others is the only way to get to know a sense of self, connectivity, and belonging.
What hopes do you have for the future of your position at NYU?
My focus within my career has generally steered me towards new experiences where I can better myself but also add value to others. I would like to see myself continuing to grow with our site in Sydney and be a key driver in initiatives I believe in so strongly.
