Unlocking Your Potential: Joy, Purpose, and the Ikigai Journey with Cynthia UwimpuhweIn this inspiring episode of Global Student Voices, host Scott R. Martin sits down with Cynthia Uwimpuhwe, a first-year student at the African Leadership University (ALU) in Kigali, Rwanda. Known for her infectious joy, clarity of purpose, and deep self-awareness, Cynthia shares her powerful journey of self-discovery and her vision for creating meaningful change in her community.Throughout the conversation, Cynthia explores the importance of confidence, purpose, and intentional living. She reflects on how embracing the Japanese concept of Ikigai—the intersection of passion, skills, purpose, and impact—has shaped her academic path and personal mission. Listeners will gain insight into the mindset required to pursue purpose-driven work, especially as a young leader in Africa.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why self-belief is the foundation of personal and professional successHow the Ikigai framework can help you discover your purposeThe meaning behind the idea that “the two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you discover why”What it means to do hard things and thrive within the innovative culture of African Leadership UniversityHow Cynthia is working to address food waste and food insecurity in Rwanda through community-driven solutionsCynthia’s story is a powerful reminder that purpose, joy, and impact are deeply connected—and that young leaders across Africa are shaping a more hopeful future.Connect with Cynthia Uwimpuhwe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-uwimpuhwe/Email: cynthiampuhwe@gmail.comKeywords: Global Student Voices, African Leadership University, Ikigai, purpose-driven life, self-discovery, confidence, youth leadership, African changemakers, food security in Rwanda, personal growth, student success.This video is brought to you by Global Student Solutions and My College Coach and more information is available on the website at www.theGlobalStudentSolutions.com

This week on Global Student Voices, Coach Martin sits down with someone you absolutely need to know: Paul Udah, the Student Representative President at African Leadership University (ALU) — and the first Nigerian ever elected to the role. In this conversational and motivating episode, Paul opens up about his journey from what he calls a “failed spot” to becoming a powerful young voice in international education and student leadership. Representing a student body from 40+ countries, Paul serves as the connector between ALU’s administration and its students, advocating for better systems, stronger community life, and a leadership model driven by impact, not politics.You’ll hear Paul talk about:What makes African Leadership University a globally recognized hub for leadership education, How he learned to negotiate, manage projects, and influence change on campus, Why Africa’s next generation of leaders must focus on solving problems, not chasing positions, His long-term mission to consult with organizations and governments, How personal growth transformed his life—and can transform others, and If you’re passionate about international education, student success stories, or the future of leadership in Africa, this episode will stay with you long after it ends.Paul Udah’s BookPaul is the author of You: The Starting Point to Global Leadership, a practical guide created to help struggling young people grow, build confidence, and step into leadership.Get Paul’s Book: • Email: pauludahleadershipfirm@gmail.com • Also available via SellarConnect with Paul: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-udah-/ • Founder, Paul Udah Leadership FirmAbout the Host – Coach MartinCoach Martin (Scott R. Martin) has spent nearly 30 years supporting students around the world as they navigate university pathways, personal growth, and global opportunities.Check out his book: • The World Needs YOU by Scott R. Martin (Amazon)Explore coaching & resources: • www.theglobalstudentsolutions.comEnjoying Global Student Voices?Be sure to SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW — it’s the best way to support the show and never miss powerful conversations like this one.

Embracing the Journey: The Untold Story Behind Ben Between Africa What does it mean to grow up between cultures and how do family stories shape our sense of belonging?In this episode of Global Student Voices, Coach Scott R. Martin sits down with Ari Ali, creator of the powerful documentary Ben Between Africa. Together, they explore the deeply personal journey behind the film, uncovering themes of Third Culture Kid (TCK) identity, family silence, loss, cultural displacement, and healing through storytelling.Ari shares how making this film helped her recognize her own TCK identity for the first time, while retracing the life of her uncle Ben, a missionary in Ethiopia whose story was left largely unspoken. Through letters, memory, and reflection, Ari confronts questions many global families carry: Why are some stories never told? What happens when we lose our cultural home?In this conversation, we explore:What it means to grow up as a Third Culture Kid (TCK)The emotional impact of cultural displacement and return migrationFamily legacy, loss, and the silence around difficult storiesThe “superpowers” TCKs develop through adaptability and cross-cultural empathyHow film and storytelling can be powerful tools for healing and connectionAri also reflects on audience reactions to Ben Between Africa—including how small, familiar images from the film awaken deep memories for viewers around the world. These shared experiences reveal just how universal the search for belonging truly is.🎬 Learn more about the film and get tickets:https://www.benbetweenafrica.com/About Global Student VoicesGlobal Student Voices is a podcast sharing stories from globally minded students, educators, creators, and leaders navigating education, identity, and life across cultures.If this episode resonates with you, like, subscribe, and share to support global storytelling.Leave a comment and tell us: Where do you feel most at home?#ThirdCultureKid #TCK #GlobalStudentVoices #BenBetweenAfrica #CrossCulturalIdentity #GlobalEducation #DocumentaryFilm #Storytelling #CulturalBelonging #InternationalLife #DiasporaStoriesCoach Martin is providing individual coaching services from the founder of GSS, Scott Martin. more information is available on the website at www.theGlobalStudentSolutions.com

In this episode, we speak with Mick Donahue, a long-time educator currently based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, about the launch of his new global platform, The Elite Mentor Program. Mick argues that while students today are academically brilliant, they often lack the "soft skills" and emotional intelligence (EQ) necessary to navigate life's challenges. The traditional school system, he believes, was not designed to teach these essential skills, leaving a critical gap in personal development. Contact and Launch Information• Organization: The Elite Mentor Program• Website: www.elitementors.vipAbout The Elite Mentor Program...The Elite Mentor Program is a new online platform created to provide young people with an authentic sense of connection while learning crucial life management skills. The program is intentionally designed to be separate from academics, offering a space where students can focus on personal growth and well-being.• Core Philosophy: The program's top priority is the deep connection between mentor and student. Success is not measured by grades or test scores but by noticeable, positive changes in how students carry themselves, feel about themselves, and speak about life. As Mick states, "If you're not happy in your life, none of that matters anyways".• High-Impact Mentors: The program is built around a small, intentionally selected team of mentors who have a proven, profound impact on young people. The team includes a decorated paramedic who teaches leadership in high-stress situations, a world-renowned sports psychologist, Dr. John Pates, who has coached Olympians and Ryder Cup golfers like Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy, and other beloved educators.• Unique Courses: The weekly online courses are designed to appeal to a wide range of students, from the shy to the outspoken. Offerings include: ◦ Command the Room: Building confidence and skills in public speaking and interpersonal communication. ◦ Wired to Win: Learning the peak performance habits and mindset used by champions. ◦ Quiet Power: A creative mindfulness class for finding inner calm. ◦ Cooperative Intelligence: Using AI creatively as a collaborative tool.• Program Details: The platform is launching with a few hundred available seats to ensure a high-quality, impactful experience. The weekly courses are held on weekends and are accessible to students globally, with mentors based in the US, UK, and East Asia. The cost is approximately $40 USD per hour.The program's ultimate goal is to create a lasting, positive impact that ripples outward, empowering students to one day become mentors themselves.

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

Subscribe to Marty’s weekly news letter on the bottom of the page at: https://smieconsulting.org
Subscribe to Marty's SMIE podcast at : https://smieconsulting.org/subscribe

🎙️ What if actions spoke louder than grades? In this episode of Global Student Voices, Scott Martin interviews Matthew Hayes, founder of Citizens — the platform redefining student achievement by recognizing skills, character, and service alongside academics. Learn how Citizens is helping students, schools, and families showcase what truly matters.

🎧 Free for students. Trusted by top schools. Discover more at www.citizens.co

#StudentVoice #FutureOfEducation #DigitalPortfolio #SkillsBasedLearning #CitizensPlatform

🎙 Welcome to Global Student Voices Season 2 Episode 11— the podcast where we spotlight bold ideas and changemakers shaping the future of education. In this episode, host Scott Martin ("Coach Martin") sits down with Matthew Hayes, Founder of Citizens, a groundbreaking youth development and recognition platform transforming how schools, students, and families define success.

📚 Tired of exams telling only part of the story? Citizens is reimagining education by valuing skills, character, service, and real-world impact alongside traditional academics. Matthew shares how his PhD research in Global Citizenship Education and Youth Skills led to a powerful movement where "Actions Speak Louder Than Grades" and Every Act Counts.

• Why the current education system is broken — and how exams fall short in recognizing true student potential

• How Citizens works: A student-powered platform with stunning digital portfolios, mapped to leading global frameworks (UN SDGs, WEF, McKinsey, Microsoft, and more)

• Citizens Skills 360™ and UN Impact 360: Game-changing tools that give credibility to every student's growth

• Real impact for students, parents, and schools: From UCAS applications to job interviews, leadership development, and whole-child recognition

• AI meets Education: How Citizens is building AI-powered features to support student development and civic engagement

• 🎓 International School Leaders: Want to stand out with your whole-child approach? Discover how Citizens lets you measure and showcase your students’ skills and character development. Join as a founding partner at a discounted rate and lead the change in global education.
  📩 Book a school demo or inquire about founder membership at www.citizens.co

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Parents: Wish universities could see the whole picture of your child? Citizens gives your student a verified digital record of their achievements in and out of the classroom.

• 🧑‍🎓 Students: Build your Skills CV and show the world who you really are. Citizens is completely free for students — start now at www.citizens.co

• 🌐 Website: www.citizens.co

• 🧠 Guest: Matthew Hayes, Founder of Citizens

• 🎙 Host: Scott Martin ("Coach Martin"), Global Student Solutions

• 📄 Coming Soon: Citizens’ Founding White Paper on the research behind the platform’s benchmarks

🔥 Subscribe to Global Student Voices for more bold conversations on how we can create a more equitable, innovative, and future-ready education system for students around the world.
#FutureOfEducation #GlobalCitizenship #StudentDevelopment #CharacterEducation #EducationReform #SkillsBasedLearning #DigitalPortfolio #InternationalSchools #CitizensPlatform #ScottMartin #MatthewHayes #EdTech #IBSchools