December 2011
HAPPY HOLIDAYS !
Global Education Resources has had an eventful year and 2012 promises more of the same. Beginning January 1st, 2012, Global Education Resources will no longer represent The Northwest School. Since Gek's departure from the school in 2007, Northwest School and Gek have been working towards bringing their marketing back in-house at the school. The time has arrived. The Northwest School is launching a new chapter in their International Program and will be creating a new position that encompasses international marketing and coordination of the school's global education strategies. Gek is sad and excited simultaneously to devote herself totally to Global Education Resources.
In order to serve our individual educational advising clients more fully, Global Education Resources recently launched a new website for its new division, Choose Lifework. We are very excited about the launch and hope our prospective clients find it easy to navigate and even easier to comprehend. Choose Lifework currently serves clients from Spain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Nigeria.
Global Education Resources is proud to be offering an elective course at A.C.E. English Language Academy(on the campus of Seattle Pacific University) named Engish for Science and Technology. It is not a science class but it does focus students on the particular kind of critical thinking and writing that is needed for successful participation in science courses.
To our friends and colleagues around the U.S.A. and around the world, we wish you all a very productive end of 2011. Good luck and an even more profitable 2012 despite uncertain economic times. Thank you for another year of friendship, referrals and encouragement. If success is measured in good will and kind words, then Global Education Resources has indeed been immensely successul in 2011, our fourth year of operations.
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!
JOY, LOVE AND PEACE IN THE NEW YEAR!
July 23rd, 2011--halfway through the year and we still have not worked on our website! Time goes by so quickly! Instead of posting our news here, we would like you to visit us on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Global-Education-Resources/136418992675
AT ICEF VANCOUVER WORKSHOP MAY 2011
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011!
We're re-working our site!
September 2, 2010
 
Lisbon, Portugal Sesimbra, Portugal
Lisbon always relaxes me! Working from Lisbon until the 6th and from Barcelona on the 11th. Hope September finds you all well and ready for a busy autumn after a restful summer. As the new academic year year in the USA and elsewhere in the Northern Hemisphere begins, here are two articles about U.S. education that caught our eyes. Given the high value many around the world give to "rankings" of universities, these articles give us little food for thought, especially to share with our international colleagues and clients:
Rating college rankings
Decoding college rankings on MSNBC
Throwing money down the for-profit education business drain?
Given the huge emphasis given to "ratings" worldwide, another perspective is helpful to us all.
Gek
August 2010
Greetings colleagues, clients and friends around the world! As summer ends officially for school children in the USA in fewer than 3 weeks, aspiring students to U.S. institutions are already beginning to think of 2011 . Soon my travel season begins. Though quieter than other parts of the year for marketing, I've been busy working with Seattle clients The Northwest School and Associates in Cultural Exchange (A.C.E.) on planning new program enhancements for the 2010-2011 academic season.
I am delighted to welcome trusted friends Tope and Elizabeth Bada of Lagos, Nigeria, to host Global Education Resources' West African educational advising office within the Badabeat Associates organization. Tope and Elizabeth will partner with GER to offer access to professional educational advising and college application services to their regional clients. As GER partners, they share our commitment to integrity, professionalism, transparency and unwavering loyalty to clients.
Global Education Resources in West Africa can be contacted at: tope@globaleducationresources.com
Also, we're happy to share with you that Global Education Resources, a member of the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle, or the TDA, was TDA's featured members of the month on its website and in their summer nesletter, Crossroads: http://www.seattletradealliance.com/
Looking forward to seeing some of you again in person soon!
Gek
July 2010
Amazing! We're half-way through 2010 already! It's been a busy 6 months of satisfying work--productive collaboration with international colleagues, rewarding encounters and outcomes for individual advisees and looking forward to promising projects ahead.
The 2010 ICEF Middle East Workshop in Dubai was well attended and enjoyable. The highlight was a meeting in person with Nigerian partner Tope Bada of Badabeat Associates of Lagos. Though we have worked over the internet for a time, there is nothing as reassuring as a "face to face" meeting. Also memorable was a meeting with the principals of Al Amane Higher Education of Oman, Saif and Zahir. The introduction at ICEF resulted in a visit to their office in Muscat and the opportunity to meet their staff and view their premises. Global Education Resources looks forward to collaborating with Al Amane in the near future.
Back in Seattle, Global Education Resources' relationship with A.C.E. (www.cultural.org) grows ever closer. My relationship with The Northwest School (www.northwestschool.org) remains strong. In May, The Northwest School's Assistant Head Alan Braun attended the Toronto ICEF North American Workshop with me. The marketing experience presented to Alan at the workshop was one that I hope will be helpful to the school. Coincidentally, the annual meeting of the Independent Educational Consultant Association (www.educationalconsulting.org) of which I am an associate member, was also convening in Toronto, at a hotel only blocks from ICEF. I took the opportunity to register to attend and it was well worth the effort. I am currently being considered for professional level membership.
Business travel for the rest of 2010 includes Barcelona and Lisbon in September, Shanghai and Beijing in October and Berlin in November. Let's hope that by then the economy in the USA and elsewhere in the world has turned the corner and we're off to a good start for 2011.
Gek
GREETINGS OF THE SEASON AND A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
January 1, 2010
Best wishes for 2010 to my colleagues and friends around the world! Let's hope that 2010 will bring the peace and security that we all long for, that 2009 did not. For those of us in education, optimism is a natural state of mind--for without it, our involvement in this field would be cynical indeed.
On this the 363rd day of Global Education Resources' second year in business, I am thankful for the support of friends, family and colleagues. Some of my associations have changed but others have not:
1. My association with Seattle Language Academy has ended. SLA has decided to focus on teaching foreign languages to Americans only. SLA no longer offers English as a Second Language.
2. Gek began a close working relationship with Associates in Cultural Exchange, or A.C.E., a thirty-five year old organization that has two English language academies, one in Seattle on the campus of Seattle Pacific University and the other in Bozeman, Montana, on the campus of Montana State University. She has been retained by A.C.E. as a consultant working on a variety of projects.
3. Global Education Resources continues to work closely with The Northwest School on international marketing and recruitment. I also consult with the school on other issues around international education.
4. In 2009 I attended ICEF workshops in Dubai, Berlin and Miami where I met new colleagues and renewed friendships with others.
5. Global Education Resources continues its close relationship with British Summer of Barcelona, Spain. Recently, I provided college counseling services to two of their clients seeking a U.S. university education.
It has been a satisfying year professionally. I continue to be thankful to have a role in international education. Without good friends and collagues, it would have been impossible to make the transition from being an employee to that of an independent consultant. Thank you, friends!
Good luck and heartiest wishes to all in the New Year that is almost upon us!
November 6, 2009
Germany
Berlin is vibrant and interesting--but it is not Lisbon. What a big difference a few degrees latitude north make, in terms of weather. Always a wonderful city to visit, in 2009 Berlin did not disappoint. The ICEF Berlin Workshop was busier than ever with more than 1,800 attendees. The workshop size is on the verge of being too big, if it is not there already, diminishing opportunities to visit with established partners and to get to know new ones. Nevertheless, the meetings were productive and generally fruitful. Global Education Resources brought three of its client organizations to the ICEF Berlin Workshop this year--The Northwest School, Cascadia Community College and A.C.E. language academies.
At the 2009 ICEF Berlin Workshop
Unfortunately, commission-based referrals, subscribed to by most agents, is unchanged. The concept of using a professional educational advisor remains as foreign as ever. Not sure if this practice of commission-based recruitment will ever change but I am still committed to introducing a more professional and student-centered option to agents and families. It's difficult, but to date, I have three agent colleagues who are willing to give it a try. So far, we have three families who have retained our advisory services!
Since August, Global Education Resources has strengthened its collaboration with 35 year old Associates in Cultural Exchange, or A.C.E., www.cultural.org , in several areas. We have compatible and complementary missions and goals, which make our joint activities very fruitful indeed.
In December 2009, Global Education Resources will present a consortium of 40 plus colleges and universities from the State of Washington, Study Washington, at the ICEF North American Workshop in Miami, Florida. If you are attending the event, please come to the Study Washington presentation on Sunday afternoon the 6th of December, to find out more about why Washington State is such an ideal destination for hosting your clients' education.
It was lovely to meet so many of you again at the Berlin Workshop. I hope you had a fruitful set of meetings and I look forward to many of you visiting us in Washington State soon.
September 25, 2009
Lisbon, Portugal
Greetings from sunny Lisbon! Been working here this week and enjoying every minute of it! Hope my colleagues around the world are also enjoying the start of the busy fall season in education. It seems hardly possible that soon after school started for my high school clients, I am already thinking of the 2010 admissions season. The highlight of September for me this year was a very enjoyable and productive visit to Bozeman, Montana, to visit the campus of Montana State University and to meet colleagues in the International Department there. What a fine group of people! MSU is a wonderful choice for international students seeking a smaller campus amidst beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery, near some of U.S. most spectacular national parks.
Besides consulting with my regular institutional clients, I've been busy preparing to meet my international education colleagues at the 2009 ICEF Berlin Workshop in early November. As of today I have only three appointment slots open, all during refreshment breaks. Looking forward to seeing all of you in Berlin! Please write to me directly if you can't find an appointment time using eSchedule Pro.
August 10, 2009
Seattle, Washington
Summer's End
A fishing holiday on Green Lake
The summer has flown by much too fast for me! I hope my colleagues around the world have also enjoyed the more relaxed pace that each summer brings. With September 1st fewer than three weeks away a new academic year is just around the corner. That means a lot of clients depending on you all to help settle into a new school.
I've had a fun and relaxing summer--but it was also unexpectedly productive. Besides renewing my consulting relationship with The Northwest School, I am delighted to announce my new association with Associates in Cultural Exchange or A.C.E. ( www.cultural.org ), a 35 year-old non-profit language institute in Seattle. I have long admired A.C.E.'s mission and welcome this opportunity to work with them.
In July, British Summer, my agent partners from Barcelona, sent their 5th batch of campers to attend The Northwest School Summer Camp. The kids had a most enjoyable month in Seattle. We are pleased to report that no one at camp this year was exposed to the H1N1 virus! GER provider-clients are already making plans to face any H1N1 threats this fall. Since becoming a pandemic, the H1N1 virus is now present in almost every country in the world with access to jet travel. All we can do is to take every precaution we can and adopt healthful habits that lower the risk of transmission.
In September, I'm heading to Lisbon and Barcelona to meet prospective clients and to hold meetings with current ones. Then it's the Berlin Workshop in early November to meet up with educational colleagues from around the world.
Enjoy the rest of your summer holidays and let's hope the challenging economic times will be over very soon.
Grazing bird at Green Lake
June 23rd 2009
Seattle, Washington
“Why the USA May Be Your Best Choice
For International Education”©
By G. Scott Stevens M.D. and Gek Lee Stevens MSW
Authors reserve all publication rights. This article may not be reprinted without authors’ permission.
The United States has a long and enviable history of being first in the minds of those seeking education abroad. Its impressive array of respected universities and other institutions of learning have long generated great enthusiasm and opportunity. The quality, choice and prestige of American education still convey status and success. In the past several years, however, many agents for international placement and the student clients they represent have often looked elsewhere. While a number of political and cultural factors no doubt contributed to this trend, circumstances have again changed. It is now time for a fresh look.
CHOICE
It is undoubtedly true that nowhere else in the world can one find the broad spectrum of educational choices that exist in the United States. Large and venerable universities as well as excellent smaller colleges can be found in both large cities and smaller towns across the nation. From Hawaii to the continental coasts and the vast heartland in-between, institutions abound with variety of choice. When transition is needed before attending more demanding schools, there is an extensive system of community colleges whose degrees are subsequently accepted by higher institutions. Whether one seeks general or specialized training, research and technical opportunities, vocational training, or particular climate and locale—nowhere else offers so many opportunities! The choices are almost limitless, whether for science, professions, business, research, arts or academics. And now America is emerging as the world leader in the exploding field of environmental and “green” sciences.
For those who want grand perspectives, the American system excels in four-year liberal arts degrees. By first acquiring a rounded and diverse educational foundation, students can go on to careers in particular fields or focused post-graduate programs. While a liberal arts education may include specialized courses in addition to general studies, the underlying goal is to enhance students’ capabilities and awareness. In comparison to others trained in more traditional programs, liberal arts graduates consistently display heightened independence, creativity and expanded perspectives.
EDUCATIONAL CULTURE
Consider also the unique educational environment that now characterizes the American education system. Besides wide choice of location, the USA offers unmatched diversity of people, including ethnicity, race, and culture. Moreover, there are no barriers to the pursuit of excellence based on social or economic status. This derives from the uniquely American conviction that one’s thoughts and actions define a person more than money or prestige, thereby empowering students of all abilities, interests and backgrounds.
Even better, the American educational system promotes personal independence and responsibility. This culture encourages collaborative student-teacher relationships in which teachers are more collegial than authoritarian. Students are infused with a spirit of possibility and are respected for intellectual and creative efforts in their studies and contributions. American-educated students soon learn to “think outside the box” and discover that by taking risks they can initially fail on the path to resounding success. This unique training leads to confidence, innovation and empowerment--benefits which are rarely found in other countries.
VALUE
Examine the cost of such educational rewards. The US dollar is currently trading at bargain rates compared to historical patterns, and this affects the prices paid not only for tuition, but for cost of living and other expenses. Many schools provide additional opportunities for work while students are enrolled in their programs. And as mentioned, one can begin a university program in a comparatively affordable community college setting, later transferring the academic credits to a higher institution and ultimately graduating with the same degree at a cheaper price! And American training and degrees are widely accepted throughout the world.
AMERICA IS BACK!
It is a very good time to re-examine the opportunities that American education offers. The matchless variety, expansive perspective and unique educational styles are available at reasonable cost.
The USA understands its enviable fortune and special responsibilities, and it seeks international partners to make the world a better place. No one expresses this better than our president, Barack Obama. We are shaping our “post-911” perspectives toward inclusiveness, interdependence, mutual respect and prosperity for all the people of the planet. We are making it easier to obtain an educational visa. We welcome diverse peoples and new connections and want to share our knowledge and educational opportunities.
What a time to study in America! How opportune for those students seeking quality education abroad!
May 13th to June 3, 2009
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
What an amazingly diverse, welcoming and stimulating place Malaysia is! With the mix of cultures, cuisine, religions and the new with the old, it's a great place for international students to immerse themselves in a politically stable plural society. It's Truly Asia!!! LOL!
Always a country where education has been a priority, Malaysia has now set itself up to be a regional educational hub. Colleges and universities proliferate. Students from Africa, China and the Middle East find a comfortable environment here to complete their higher education. Like in many other countries with similar aspirations, e.g. Education Village in Dubai, Malaysia too, with the rush to expand higher education for "export" it is thus also understandable that quality controls can lag. Though there are many excellent institutions in Malaysia, many are proprietory and their focus is profit. While the profit motive does not preclude excellence, much more vigilance among stakeholders is needed to ensure that the educational mission is not compromised.
Sadly, for international students everywhere, it's "buyers beware"! Unlike professional college advisors in the USA, who provide fee for service to individual families, advisors in most of the world, including Malaysia, receive commissions from the universities they represent. Hence, my continuing concern for the existence of conflict of interest issues. If educational advisors or agents work for providers, who looks out for international families?
GER is currently partnered with T.I.E.C. of the UK and Lagos, Nigeria, British Summer in Barcelona and National Corporation for University Services, or NCUS, of Amman, Jordan, to offer professional educational consulting as an additional option, to complement provider-funded advising services. Young people traveling abroad to study in a new cultural environment need much more than language and well-presented courses to thrive. They need help adjusting to a new culture, meaningful interactions with host society and genuine concern on the part of educators. With our highly mobile world society, caring relationships are more important than ever if we are to nurture a new generation of humane and socially-responsible world citizens.
May 6th, 2009
Seattle, Washington
Greetings! Can't believe that it is already May and 2009 is almost at the halfway point. Between financial crises and now the H1N1 virus, many of our colleagues worldwide are negatively impacted. While education is always a priority in many families, the uncertain times make even those who can still afford to send children abroad, slower to make the long term commitment required. For others, study abroad may be postponed indefinitely.
From Dubai, I visited Abu Dhabi and Amman, Jordan. Both visits were eye-opening and productive. In Amman, I visited my colleague Luay Nassereddin of Capital University Services and had the privilege of joining his family for dinner. What a great privilege! Thank you Luay, for your graciousness and hospitality. I look forward to collaborating with you soon.
Thank you British Summer for the wonderful introduction to your beautiful new hotel in Arragon, Spain: http://www.consolacion.com.es/hotel.html. What a beautiful venue to host meetings, retreats and to explore the beautiful Matarrana River valley. Global Education Resources has partnered with British Summer in Barcelona to offer professional college and career counseling for those individuals in Spain desiring to study in the USA.
As I approach the "quieter" time of my professional year, i.e. summer, I am surprised at the number of international students interested in applying to U.S. colleges and universities. Have a lovely spring everyone! I look forward to seeing some of you in Beijing, Berlin and Miami, if not sooner.
Gek
February 1st, 2009 - Dubai
Greetings colleagues from around the world! Happy Chinese New Year of the Ox to our Chinese friends in this year of 4047. Arrived here in Dubai after a long, long 23 hour journey from Seattle on the 29th of January. This is our second time in Dubai and it continues to amaze us with its cityscape and commerce along Dubai Creek. The 2009 ICEF Middle East and Africa Workshop begins this evening at the Emirates Tower Hotel. I'm looking forward to renewing contacts made last February and cementing relationships made last year.
While recovering from jet-lag, we had the great pleasure of visiting the office of Education Zone at Dubai Knowledge Village. Thanks to Suad Alhalwachi, director of Education Zone, I learned a lot more about the business of educational consulting here in the Middle East and about the challenges that exist.
Those of you I've met at other marketing events know of my desire to introduce the concept of "professional educational advising" to our marketplace. As an educator, consultant and trained counselor, I find the concept of families demanding free advice to spend large amounts of money on education and their children's future, a worrying proposition. Surely everyone knows that it takes money to provide services and to train competent advisors. If the services are given away free, and the agency is not a non-profit organization, it must follow that the consultants are paid by schools and other providers of training. It is this aspect of the transaction that I have the most concerns about. In the hierachy of interests, where might the service to the student rank when an agency's survival depends on the generosity of educational providers? Sadly, I believe the adage, "you get what you pay for", applies here. It would be too much to ask our agent colleagues to serve families for free. It amazes me that a family who is willing to spend over USD20,000 a year on education abroad would be unwilling to spend some small percentage of the cost on professional services to ensure success for the student. I wonder if families would feel as confident using the free services of an attorney to protect their interests because the opposing side has already paid the same attorney? While the analogy does not totally apply, the practice of free educational consulting paid by educational providers deserves reconsideration among families.
It is a privilege and a blessing to be involved in the education of young minds. I am grateful for the indulgence and support of my educator and my educational marketing colleagues around the world. Will be sharing my impressions of the ICEF Middle East Workshop when it is over. Good cheer, good business and lots of optimism as we all deal with these uncertain financial times.
Gek
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