Global Student Voices

In Part 2 of this two-part Global Student Voices conversation, Coach Scott Martin and Noa Kanter — Head of Counseling Services at Linden Global Learning in Berlin — dig into what international schools and families should do differently to prepare globally mobile students for the actual demands of year one of university and study abroad.Noa argues that today’s global students are over-prepared academically and dangerously under-prepared in the skills that carry them through transition: executive function, time management, stress management, and the social capacity to ask for help without shame. She makes the case for starting transition preparation in grade nine, breaking the elite-school comparison trap, replacing polished alumni success stories with honest, struggling stories, and equipping every student with anchors and a collaborative care network before they leave.She also names the hidden message many high-achieving global students internalize — that they should figure it all out alone — and offers a clear one-week action plan for school directors who want to move the needle. Resources discussed include the CIS Transition Toolkit, Linden’s Bridge program, and an upcoming free webinar for parents of IB teens (May 28).This episode is essential listening for international school heads, college counselors, parents of seniors, and any globally mobile student preparing for the next chapter.About the GuestNoa Kanter, M.A., Clinical Child Psychologist • Head of Counseling Services, Linden Global Learning • www.linden-education.com • LinkedIn: Noa Kanter.▸ GSS International School Consulting https://www.theglobalstudentsolutions.com/international-schools▸ MyCareer & College Coachhttps://www.theglobalstudentsolutions.com/MC3-Africa2.html▸ GSS Membership Networkhttps://www.theglobalstudentsolutions.com/MC3-Africa2.html#about to promote an upcoming cohortVisit theglobalstudentsolutions.com and join today.#universitytransition #internationalschool #internationalschoolcollegecounseling #thirdculturekid #executivefunction #IBtransition #globalstudents #globalstudentpreparation #comparisontrap #parentlistening #CIStoolkit #lindengloballearning #bridgeprogram #internationaleducation #globaleducation Coach Martin is an individual coaching service from the founder of GSS, Scott Martin. You can schedule an appointment with him right now at https://www.cloudhq.net/meeting/srmar...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

In the second episode of our “What’s Next?” series on Global Student Voices, host Mitchell Barure sits down with Coach Scott R. Martin to answer a real student question submitted by Juliana in Kigali, Rwanda: “How can I secure a fully-funded scholarship and successfully adapt to studying in a new country?” It’s the most common question international mobile students ask, and Coach explains why it’s almost always asked in the wrong order. Drawing on his own journey from a high school in Kenya to a U.S. university (and later 25+ years in international education, including five years as a secondary principal in Indonesia), Coach reframes the scholarship conversation, shares two adaptation skills every Third Culture Kid needs, and walks through how the eight-week MC³ (My Career & College Coach) cohort condenses years of confusion into a structured process. Whether you’re a student trying to make sense of applications, a parent navigating this season with your senior, or a school leader looking for a teachable framework for your counselors, this episode delivers a single reordering that changes outcomes. Submit your own “What’s Next?” question: https://forms.gle/1Sd9BRsZvkjZ1PP48Host:Mitchell Barure | Affiliate Partnerships Lead, Global Student Solutions | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-barure-4861a4362/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BEkZM9flEQjyDQ5wLZXEtjA%3D%3DAbout the guest Scott R. Martin (“Coach Martin”) | Founder & CEO, Global Student Solutions | Author of six books on international education and TCK development | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-r-martin-coachmartin/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BjU611DAZRaanbkYIPgW1xg%3D%3DB-roll found in the beginning link- https://www.pexels.com/ International School Consulting: https://www.theglobalstudentsolutions.com/international-schoolsMC3 My Career & College Coach:https://www.theglobalstudentsolutions.com/MC3-Africa2.htmlFor the GNN membership, the app is in development, but you can instead use this https://www.theglobalstudentsolutions.com/MC3-Africa2.html#about to promote an upcoming cohort #internationalstudents #internationalexperience #internationalschool #fullyfundedscholarships #thirdculturekid #studyabroad #studyabroadprograms #globalstudentvoices #MC³cohortCoach Martin is an individual coaching service from the founder of GSS, Scott Martin. You can schedule an appointment with him right now at https://www.cloudhq.net/meeting/srmar...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

What does independent research actually do for a high school student’s university application — and how does a globally mobile student access it? In this episode of Global Student Voices, Coach Scott R. Martin sits down with Yash Mundada, founder of RISE Global Education, to explore one of the most powerful and underused tools in the international admissions toolkit: published, PhD-mentored high school research.Yash left a software engineering career at Facebook to build RISE — a 10-week, fully online research mentorship program pairing students with PhD mentors across STEM, humanities, and social sciences. With 500+ mentors, an 80% publication rate, and a price point of $2,500 (versus $6,000–$7,000 for comparable programs), RISE is democratizing access to independent research for students around the world.In this episode:• Why research is now a key differentiator at selective universities — and why test scores are not• The ideal student profile: grades 9–10, academically ready, ~7 hrs/week• The 10-week program structure, week by week• Three-person support model: PhD mentor, writing coach, student success manager• How to apply: parent discovery call → application → interview → acceptanceConnect with Yash: linkedin.com/in/yashmundada1 · yash.mundada@gmail.comExplore RISE: riseglobaleducation.comGSS Services: International School Consultinghttps://www.theglobalstudentsolutions.com/international-schoolsMC³ College Counseling https://www.theglobalstudentsolutions.com/MC3-Africa2.htmlJoin GSNhttps://www.theglobalstudentsolutions.com/MC3-Africa2.html#highschoolresearchprogram #internationalstudentuniversityapplication #phd #phdmembership #riseglobaleducation #collegeadmissions #thirdculturekid #internationalexperience #internationalschool #democratizing #jobapplication #research #education #globalstudentvoices #schoolcounseling Coach Martin is an individual coaching service from the founder of GSS, Scott Martin. You can schedule an appointment with him right now at https://www.cloudhq.net/meeting/srmar...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

Coaching, the Six Pillars, and the Africa Trip: Building GSS with Coach Scott Martin (Part 2)What does it look like to truly coach a global student — not just advise them? In Part 2 of this candid two-part interview, GSS founder and CEO Coach Scott Martin sits down with intern Aiden Chin to go inside the coaching philosophy, curriculum framework, and organizational vision that have shaped Global Student Solutions for 27 years.Coach Scott shares his Six Pillars of University Readiness — the research-backed framework that predicts whether a student will thrive or struggle at university — and explains why academics, despite dominating most school conversations, is only one of six equally important pillars. He also covers GSS's 2025 Africa trip: a week consulting with their partner school in Kenya, the AISA annual conference in Rwanda, and a pivotal visit to African Leadership University.The episode closes with Coach Scott's vision for GSS: a lifelong community for globally minded students — a home for people who have built their identity between cultures and deserve to find each other.KEYWORDS: TCK, third culture kid, global students, university readiness, Six Pillars, international school, college counseling, AISA, Africa international schools, African Leadership University, globally mobile families, cross-cultural students, international school consultingThis 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

What does it actually look like when an international school puts students — not tests — at the center of everything? Rory Parkinson and Heather Adkins from Woodland Star International School in Nairobi, Kenya, join Coach Scott Martin to pull back the curtain on one of East Africa's most distinctive learning environments.In this episode, you'll hear about Woodland Star's two-teacher-per-15-students model, their mastery-based and project-based approach, and how they're serving neurodiverse learners alongside neurotypical students on a stunning 100-acre campus — without sacrificing academic rigor.Rory Parkinson — Head of School, Woodland Star International School Linkedln-https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-park...Heather Adkins-- Assistant Head of School, Woodland Star International School| Linkedln-https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-a...Key Topics:Why inclusive education and academic rigor aren't oppositesThe difference between 'learning to study' and 'learning to learn.'How mastery-based learning works in practice at the K–12 levelWhat globally mobile families should look for in a schoolImaginEd magazine: Woodland Star's resource for school leaders worldwide.#internationalschoolNairobi #inclusiveeducation #internationalschool #thirdculturekid #culturekids #globally #mobilefamilies #tck #tckeducation #neurodivergent #internationalschool Coach Martin is providing individual coaching services from Scott Martin, the founder of GSS. You can schedule an appointment with him right now at https://www.cloudhq.net/meeting/srmar...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

What happens when an 8-year-old walks into a city council meeting and discovers he has a gift for public speaking? Meet William Miller—an 11-year-old speaker, author, and youth leader who is challenging kids everywhere to level up their character in real life.In this episode of Global Student Voices, host Coach Scott Martin sits down with William to talk about overcoming fear, building discipline through daily practice, the inspiration behind his book Level Up Your Character in Real Life, and what adults are getting wrong about young people’s talent.William shares how his grandmother’s near-miss with a street racer sparked his speaking career, why he does twenty pushups before every stage appearance, and his 2026 mission to bring his message directly to students in school assemblies.Key Topics: youth public speaking, student leadership, character development, overcoming stage fright, book for young people, video games vs. real-life growth, parental responsibility in nurturing talent, school assembly speakerGuest: William Miller | Speaker, Author, Youth Leader Website: www.ItsWilliamMiller.comInstagram: @WilliamMillerSpeakerBook: Level Up Your Character in Real LifeConnect with Global Student Solutions:• International School Consulting:• My Career and College Coach:• GSS Membership Network: www.theGlobalStudentSolutions.com• Full Article: [Article Link]If you’re an international school leader, parent of a globally mobile student, or educator looking for resources to support student development, join the GSS Membership Network for exclusive access to tools, community, and expert guidance.Keywords: global student voices, international education podcast, youth speaker, student motivation, character development for kids, school assembly speaker, third culture kids, level up in real life

In this episode of Global Student Voices, Coach Martin interviews Chineme Ugbor, co-founder of Linden Global Learning Support Services, about Third Culture Kids (TCKs), international student mental health, and culturally responsive education.Chineme shares insights on global transitions, student well-being, identity, and how international schools and families can better support students navigating life across cultures.This episode is essential viewing for international students, parents, educators, counselors, and school leaders working in global education.Guest BioChineme Chi'Nnaya Ugbor is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Linden Global Learning Support Services, an international agency founded in Berlin in 2015 that provides comprehensive educational support to globally mobile families. With a background in organizational development, international relations, coaching, and counseling, Chineme has spent 24 years in the education sector with a passion for helping young people thrive. As a Nigerian-Austrian Third Culture Kid who lived across multiple countries, she brings authentic understanding to the unique challenges facing internationally mobile students and families.Connect with Chineme:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chinemeugbor/Linden Global Learning Support Services: https://www.linden-education.comContact: Available via website contact form or direct inquiry#GlobalStudentVoices #ThirdCultureKids #TCK #InternationalStudents #InternationalEducation#StudentMentalHealth #GlobalEducation #InternationalSchools #StudentWellbeing #EducationLeadershipThis video is brought to you by Global Student Solutions and My Career and 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.

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.

Unlocking Potential: The Power of Structured InternshipsJoin 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.comConnect with the work that's building futures for ambitious students globally!

🎙️ 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 potentialHow 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 growthReal impact for students, parents, and schools: From UCAS applications to job interviews, leadership development, and whole-child recognitionAI 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

Welcome to Global Student Voices, hosted by Scott R. Martin!In this powerful episode, we are joined by Michéle Phoenix—renowned TCK advocate, author, and expert on the Third Culture Kid (TCK) and Missionary Kid (MK) experience.This conversation serves as a vital companion to Michele’s acclaimed book, Pieces of Purple: The Greatness, Grit, and Grace of Growing Up MK. Host Scott R. Martin, also known as Coach Martin, calls the book a “spectacular resource,” one he has personally shared with international parents—including during a recent trip to Kenya.Endorsed by TCK thought leader Ruth Van Reken (a previous guest on GSV), Pieces of Purple is available globally via Amazon (including international sites like amazon.fr and amazon.nl) and as an ebook.Michéle shares her own background as a TCK and MK—born in France, holding three passports, and having spent two decades teaching at Black Forest Academy in Germany. She brings to life the complexity of the TCK identity through her famous “purple Play-Doh” analogy: unlike monocultural children (red or blue), TCKs blend diverse cultural influences into a rich, complex, and often confusing shade of purple.Key insights from this episode include:The often hidden grief and trauma carried by TCKs—and how it manifests emotionallyThe intense, fast-forming relationships typical of globally mobile youth.A breakdown of the six types of belonging that TCKs seek throughout their lives.The unique “superpowers” of TCKs—including emotional intelligence, adaptability, and their innate ability to build bridges across cultures.Michéle calls on international schools to recognize and nurture these strengths, especially as they are increasingly valued in fields like diplomacy and global business.As someone who has worked extensively with international students, Scott R. Martin underscores the depth and relevance of Michéle’s insights. This episode is part of a broader effort to elevate global student voices and to provide meaningful resources for students, parents, and educators navigating cross-cultural lives.Connect with Michéle Phoenix:Website:⁠ michelephoenix.com⁠Facebook:⁠ facebook.com/shellphoenix⁠Podcast: A Pondering Purple (audio versions of her articles) ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0zqqxnBUbuTif04j8Z1lHu?si=da2d6b40fc6b45a6⁠ Book: Pieces of Purple – available on Amazon and global Amazon platforms ⁠https://a.co/d/2GRLJY3⁠Connect with Global Student Voices and the ⁠Global Student Solutions⁠ family:Are you part of an international school community? Whether you’re a student with a story to tell, a parent seeking guidance, or a school leader looking to strengthen your support systems—Global Student Voices is here for you. Subscribe, share, and connect with us to become part of a growing global network committed to elevating student voices worldwide.School leaders are invited to explore ⁠GSS Consulting Services⁠ and join the ⁠Global Education Network⁠, a powerful community designed to support international schools through resources, collaboration, and leadership development. For students and parents, our ⁠My College Coach⁠ services offer personalized guidance to help you navigate global university admissions with clarity and confidence.Let’s build something remarkable—together.

This Global Student Voices podcast features an interview with Scott R. Martin, also known as "Coach Martin," discussing a partnership between Global Student Solutions and Woodland Star International School in Kenya. The partnership aims to provide career and college counseling services to students, which Coach Martin believes is a valuable extension of a school's existing support. He highlights the benefits of an external provider, including reinforcing the school's mission and offering objective guidance, particularly for international school students who often face unique application processes and diverse destinations. Coach Martin also emphasizes the importance of in-person connections and advocating for these students by showcasing their unique stories and experiences. www.theglobalstudentsolutions.com