Just a few decades ago, we surrounded ourselves mainly with the people we physically had around us every day. Exchanges with people from other countries and cultures took place only occasionally at most. Things are very different today. In our globalized world, where technology and communication seem to know no boundaries, the ability to network internationally is becoming increasingly important. Elite universities such as Harvard, Yale, and Oxford offer not only distinguished professors, international guest lecturers, and excellently equipped facilities, but also more than just access to excellent education. The principle of networking is a particularly great advantage for students. Graduates of elite universities are not simply released into the wilds of the working world after graduation, but have doors opened to them by alumni all over the world.
Why wait until university? UNBRICKED provides its students, from first grade through graduation, with the important opportunity to network early with peers, mentors, scholars, teachers, and businesses around the world. But why is this global networking so critical and how does it positively impact your child’s academic career and future professional success?
I. Cultural Diversity and Perspectives
Classmates who come from many different environments and countries provide our students with a unique opportunity to navigate a global village and interact with people from a wide variety of cultures. This intercultural experience is vital to their personal and professional development. Through contact with peers, teachers and mentors from different parts of the world, our students not only broaden their geographical horizons, but also their worldview. They learn about and appreciate different ways of life and traditions, and develop a deep understanding of the cultural diversity that makes up our world.
In addition, we thus break down prejudices and stereotypes as we forge personal relationships with people from different backgrounds and grow together over the years. Cultural differences become enrichment. The acquired skills of intercultural communication and cooperation are invaluable in today’s global working world, without which there will be no success in the future world of work at the top level.
So why is this? In addition to being able to move confidently in intercultural communication, there is also a natural cultural sensitivity, the ability to empathize with the mindsets and values of other cultures. This key competency is important not only in our increasingly diverse society, but especially in international business environments.
II. Learning from experts and mentors
Through relationships with international learning mentors, experts such as scientists and entrepreneurs from a wide variety of fields, our students gain access to knowledge and experiences that go beyond the traditional curriculum. They learn from mentors who share real passions and help them deepen their interests and knowledge to a professional level, opening up a treasure trove of knowledge for our students. Lively, practical, first-hand knowledge instead of dry theory.
Our goal is for our students to discover skills and passions that are inherent in them but that they may not have been aware of. In this way, our experts help them set career goals and plan the best possible path to achieve them.
We place special emphasis on ensuring that this network continues well beyond graduation. This invaluable resource lays the foundation for a successful academic career and professional development for our students.
III. Projects and cooperation
1. Solving real world problems
We encourage our students to participate in international projects so that they can deal with real-world and worldwide challenges. Instead of just studying theoretical concepts, this gives them the opportunity to work on concrete problems and find solutions. In this way, we encourage critical thinking, problem-solving skills and creativity. Students learn how to apply scientific theories and concepts to practical applications, which is a valuable skill in the working world.
2. Strengthening teamwork and communication
Collaborating on international projects requires effective teamwork and communication across cultural and geographic boundaries. Students must learn to work in teams and communicate effectively with people of different backgrounds and viewpoints. These skills are invaluable in the modern workplace, as many professions increasingly require international teams. The ability to navigate different cultural contexts and cooperate successfully is an important competitive advantage in the international job market.
IV. Career prospects and network building
Building a professional network while still in school is invaluable. The goal is for international experts and mentors to accompany the students’ development for years, thus building a relationship of trust. This makes it easy for the mentors to recommend “their” protégés to the best universities and later to the best jobs. The students themselves decide which contacts and which industries are particularly important for them. They benefit from the experience and insights of professionals in the field. A network full of trust that opens the door to a successful future.
Overall, even while still at school, connections with companies and industry experts give students the opportunity to broaden their professional horizons, gain practical experience and gain valuable insights into the world of work. This will be of great benefit to them as they plan and shape their future careers and make the transition from school to work go more smoothly.
Of course, networking among students is also invaluable. Following the example of elite universities, our goal is for our students to continue to support each other after graduation, helping and providing a point of contact when it becomes time to move to another country to live and work. It will be equally important that graduates become proud alumni who will give wings to future generations.
V. Improved language skills
And how do we communicate when we come from all over the world? During school hours, we speak English because communicating with people from different countries is an invaluable resource for developing foreign language skills. This type of intercultural communication goes far beyond learning a language in the classroom and offers our students the opportunity to take their language skills to a whole new level. It’s not about being able to translate texts. We think, feel, laugh and cry together. And it is only when you feel a language that you understand people. That is our goal.
Conclusion: The importance of connecting your child globally
Global networking opens up a world of opportunities and benefits for your child that go far beyond the traditional classroom.
First, it allows your child to broaden their perspectives and develop cultural sensitivity. This is priceless in our global workplace. Contact with people from different countries and cultures fosters understanding, tolerance and the ability to work together across borders.
Secondly, networking gives your child access to a wealth of knowledge and experience from scholars, teachers and experts. This goes beyond the traditional curriculum and opens up opportunities to discover your own passions and talents.
Third, participation in international projects and collaborations fosters your child’s development of teamwork and communication skills, as well as the ability to solve real-world problems. Such experiences are critical to preparing for a connected world of work.
Fourth, networking with companies and industry experts provides your child with insights into the professional world, internships, mentoring, and the development of a professional network, which greatly facilitates the transition from school to work.
Finally, communicating with people from different countries encourages the development of foreign language skills, which will not only benefit your child in the global economy, but also contribute to their personal development.
Overall, it can be said that your child’s early global networking plays a crucial role in his personal and professional development. It broadens his horizons, enhances his skills and prepares him for a world characterized by diversity and globalization.
Let your child take advantage of the opportunities UNBRICKED offers in terms of international networking at an early stage to be well prepared for a successful future.
