From doing a job to having a calling...

Stop me if you've heard this one.

{Three bricklayers are asked: "What are you doing?" The first says, "I am laying bricks." The second says, "I am building a church." And the third says, "I am building the house of God." The first bricklayer has a job. The second has a career. The third has a calling." } excerpt from Duckworth's "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance"

For many of us in the International Education sector, we believe that learning a new language, culture, religion, etc is, by its nature, an act of peace. And while it was this notion that may have brought us here, after years of creating I-20s, coordinating Fam trips, teachers meetings and yelling at our students for throwing their cigarette butts on the ground, it is easy for us to see our job as just that...a J.O.B.

How important is it really then that we strive to stay connected to some intrinsic purpose? For those with whom we work, for the students we serve, and most importantly, for ourselves it is extremely important.

Here are 3 things that you can do to kick off 2019 to help your school/agency, get in touch with its deeper mission or 'calling.'

#1: The majority of international students are in some sort of Gap Year, experiencing independence for the first time, or otherwise completely outside of their comfort zone. Talk about opportunity for some meaningful personal transformation! REMIND your students of this and CELEBRATE those students who are making the most of it.

#2: Lead by example. Your school (or agency) is probably surrounded with staff who can personally attest to the benefits of having studied abroad. Host a slideshow event where teachers can share their experience with students from when they were in their shoes.

#3: Take it to the streets: If all of this learning is so that we can become better people so that we can make a positive impact on the world, then why wait? Get your school involved with volunteer opportunities for your staff and students. Conversation partner programs with a local old folks home. Soup kitchen to combat the local homeless issue. NO PLASTIC February!

This blog's author is CEO of Vayasi inc, committed to providing the absolute best experience for international students beyond the classroom. Vayasi connects agencies with reputable vendors in housing, excursions, and transportation. To join the marketplace, visit www.vayasi.com.