Emma Uri

1. Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from and what were you doing before arriving at THINK Global School?

Before THINK Global School, I had been living in Athens, Greece for 10 years – first working for my former study abroad institution leading college students through Athens, and then started working for a teen travel company for over 8 years, leading the logistics division of the tours. During the summer months I was a tour guide, leading groups of students from 12-19 years old in Greece, Italy and throughout Europe, and by the end of my tenure I was the manager of the private tours division, creating short term educational experiences for middle and high school educators. I was bringing experiential learning alive for short-term travel across a multitude of countries and cultures.

2. What are your favorite aspects of your job?

I love being able to explore and understand so many different cultures, be able to connect with local people, and then be able to present and make approachable something that seems so different to our group of students. I love seeing that there are a lot more similarities in humanity than differences, and that we as humans have found so many different ways to live – here at TGS, we are able to dive into so many different cultures and practice living like locals in each place. I love bringing that experience to life!

3. If you could make one major change to global education, what would it be?

If I were to change one thing in global education today, I would encourage study abroad-type experiences for students in their hometowns AND encourage gap-year educational opportunities. Many times we focus on the “foreign” and “different,” but truly each place has unique characteristics, culture, and norms that I love highlighting and teaching project-based learning even in the “typical” places that people call home. 

4. Which of our core values do you feel you most embody, and why?

The core value of TGS that speaks to me the most is empathy – treat others with understanding, compassion, and respect.