The Global Society

06/02/2025

We’re back for Season 3 of Global Horizons!

Rob Malicki (⁠Global Society⁠) and Dirk Mulder (⁠The Koala News⁠) kick off the year with special guest Tracy Harris (⁠⁠The Koala News⁠⁠) , unpacking the latest in international education. From the fallout of the ESOS amendment bill to the rapid rollout of Ministerial Direction 111, we dissect the policy shifts shaking up Australia’s student visa system.

Plus, what’s ahead in 2025? With an election looming, how will migration, student caps, and industry uncertainty play out? And in between the policy deep dives, we share personal milestones, summer reads, and even a surprising Canberra love story.

This episode is brought to you by ⁠The Koala News⁠, Australia's international education news site, and The ⁠Global Society⁠, Australia's learning abroad support company.

We're also grateful for the support from Insider Studios (⁠⁠⁠https://www.insiderstudios.com.au/⁠⁠⁠) on this episode - the world of content is shifting, so don't get left behind, the professionals at Insider are there to guide you.

Global Horizons is a production of The Global Society, Australia’s Learning Abroad support company. Our editor is Len Zamora and our distribution specialist is Gelo Ablao, Rob Malicki is the executive editor and host.

The podcast wouldn’t be possible without The Koala News, Australia’s international education news website.

This episode is supported by Choosing Your Uni, Australia's unique, AI-powered platform that helps domestic and international students to find the right institution for them, and that helps Australian institutions to access new markets.

For guest suggestions and feedback, email [email protected]

We're also grateful for the support from Insider Studios () on this episode - the world of content is shifting, so don't get left behind, the professionals at Insider are there to guide you.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4sKOaJO7JSkh9WO5DbYZLJ?si=FVZpSIcQRdi6Ay-U63RE4w

Global Horizons - The Australian International Education Podcast · Episode

06/02/2025

Normally, here in Global Horizons, you’re used to hearing Dirk Mulder chatting about the latest international education news. But the industry legend was a former director international, and has decades of experience, before becoming the founder/editor of The Koala News.

In this episode of Global Horizons, host Rob Malicki sits down with Dirk for a deep dive into his fascinating career. This is a chance to hear some of Dirk’s own stories, rather than his news stories!

From playing rugby across the world to experiencing 9/11 firsthand while in the air, Dirk shares gripping stories of travel, career pivots, and the evolution of international education in Australia.

Rob and Dirk discuss the industry's biggest challenges, the value of unique content in a world of AI-generated media, and what the future holds for global student mobility.

Tune in for an insightful conversation packed with wisdom, career advice, and behind-the-scenes stories from a leader in the field.

Global Horizons is a production of The Global Society, Australia’s Learning Abroad support company. Our editor is Zamora and our distribution specialist is Gelo Ablao, Rob Malicki is the executive editor and host.

The podcast wouldn’t be possible without The Koala News, Australia’s international education news website.

This episode is supported by Choosing Your Uni, Australia's unique, AI-powered platform that helps domestic and international students to find the right institution for them, and that helps Australian institutions to access new markets.

For guest suggestions and feedback, email [email protected]

We're also grateful for the support from Insider Studios () on this episode - the world of content is shifting, so don't get left behind, the professionals at Insider are there to guide you.

Normally, here in Global Horizons, you’re used to hearing Dirk Mulder chatting about the latest international education news. But the industry legend was a former director international, and has decades of experience, before becoming the founder/editor of The Koala News. In this episode of Global ...

01/11/2024

Today’s guest on Global Horizons is one of the icons of Australian international education, and someone that I’ve learned an enormous amount from throughout my career, Melissa Banks.

But there’s a specific reason I was really keen to get this
episode published right now.

Melissa and I sat down at the recent Australian International
Education Conference where one of the pervasive topics of conversation amongst delegates was the upcoming caps on international students.

As one of Australia’s leading international educators, and
especially as someone who’s worked across a wide spectrum of the industry, I was fascinated to hear Melissa’s perspective.
And what she told me was both surprising, but also classic Melissa Banks: wise, pragmatic, and opportunity-focused. I don’t want to spoil it with my clumsy description, so you’re just going to have to listen in!

But amongst the wise reflections and priceless advice, there
are some cracking stories that will make you smile, laugh and nod your head along.

I’ll be honest here… sometimes when I record podcasts I don’t have time to go back and listen to the whole episode again (thank you to the Global Society legends who do our editing and proofing). But this is a conversation that I can’t wait to go back and listen to again and again.

Whether you’re facing challenges in work or life, pondering
your next career move, or considering a break, this conversation likely has the kernels of your answer, all wrapped up in goodness.
And with that, that’s enough from me – I hope you enjoy this wide-ranging, incredibly valuable conversation with Melissa Banks.

Today’s guest on Global Horizons is one of the icons of Australian international education, and someone that I’ve learned an enormous amount from throughout my career, Melissa Banks. But there’s a specific reason I was really keen to get this episode published right now. Melissa and I sat down...

19/09/2024

"From out of the plane window, Sydney Harbour comes into view and it's one of those sparkling mornings that only Sydney seemed capable of turning on. Little do I know of the hurricane of destruction that I'm flying back into..."

In this episode of Global Horizons, I'm sharing something a little different... but powerful.

Last year I presented the closing keynote at the IEAA Learning Abroad Forum titled "It's the stories we tell... that count"

And that's maybe never been more true in Australian international education than now. There has never been a more important moment for us to lean into the incredible stories that our sector generates... and to leverage them to persuade.

This keynote is the result of more than 100 hours of preparation, and in it I'll share a story with you... one that sinks to profound depths, but also one that rises again and again. As we go, I'll reveal easy, actionable advice about how all of us can tell better stories in order to education, entertain, inspire and persuade.

Global Horizons is Australia’s international education podcast. Each episode is focused on the stories that make our industry just so great to work in. Sometimes the stories will be industry news and current affairs. Other times, we’ll dive into a guest's personal career and travel stories on th...

10/07/2024

Today I appeared on one of those lists you tend to see on LinkedIn: you know, "Top 30 under 30" or "50 Rising Stars You Should Know"? Funnily, I've spent years wondering if I would make it onto one of these lists... so even I was surprised when I wrote to the author... and asked to be taken off it!

You see, I've come to believe that arbitrary "best of"-style lists are more about marketing than true recognition, and that they are bad for our psychology at work.

Here's the story.

"Association" is a powerful feature in human psychology.
It's why famous people are paid a lot of money to endorse products: we subconsciously associate the characteristics of the famous person (success, beauty, humour, strength etc) with the product. It helps to make sales!

Want to strengthen your organisation’s brand?
Take 30 or 50 "successful" people, put their name on your list with your logo next to it. Tag them on all your socials, and human psychology will do the rest. If you’re lucky, said people will even share your content.

Don't get me wrong... I’m all for marketing, I’m just not keen to be included in it without my permission!

(For clarity, this is very different to peer-reviewed awards, like the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA)'s Excellence Awards, or Pie News' PIEoneer awards, where you rise and fall based on the quality of your work and your submission).

But marketing aside, my bigger concern is around our sense of wellbeing at work.

Psychologically, we’re bombarded day-in, day-out by “success” stories online: all those people who’ve achieved or built more than us, and gotten further (even if, in some cases, it’s really because they’re better at PR than us!)

In my view, “Success” lists reinforce that sense that other people are more worthy than we are.

Sure, it's awesome for the people who make it onto a list.
But for the rest of us there's always a small part of us wondering "Gee, I wonder why I didn't get noticed?"

I know this is true because it's human… and because that's how I've sometimes felt!

Yet some of the very best achievements, the most impressive innovations, the hardest fought victories, are those never seen by anyone outside of our closest colleagues. Whilst they are essentially invisible to a wider industry, these wins are the true engine room of progress: quiet, efficient operators who consistently, and reliably, get s**t done, or awesome teams with their heads down, ticking off goals.

I tip my hat to all those people who will never be “visible” enough, on LinkedIn or in their organisation, to make a list despite their work.

Amusingly, after this post, I’ll probably never again appear on one of these "success" lists. But I’m okay with that, because it’s not what’s important anyway.

Whilst recognition from others is nice, and it’s human to crave it, the most important recognition is the recognition we give ourselves, every day, in our own hearts.

02/11/2023

** Global Horizons Podcast **
-- International Education News - November 3rd 2023 --

Today, Rob Malicki is once again joined by Dirk Mulder, the editor of ⁠The Koala News⁠, Australia’s dedicated international education news website for an analysis of the top stories touching our industry right now.

In this episode we talk about the interim report of Australian Government's latest review, covering tourism and international education. This one is full of very interesting, and important, recommendations!

Also joining us in this episode is Dr Christopher Ziguras. Chris is a Professor of Higher Education at the University of Melbourne's Centre for Higher Education, and is the co-author of recent articles and papers discussing the potential impacts of the proposed International Student Fee Levy.

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-horizons/episodes/International-Ed-News---November-3rd-2023-e2bcmlf/a-aaib57g

06/10/2023

A project six months in the making, I'm excited be launching Global Horizons - Australia's International Education podcast!

This is a podcast about international education stories: news stories, personal stories, travel and career stories.

Episode 1 has just been released.
In it, Dirk Mulder from The Koala News and I take you through the biggest international education stories of the past few weeks.

In Episode 2 (next week!) co-host Marine Hautemont and l talk career, work and travel with Griffith University's Director, International, Heidi Piper.

Upcoming guests include: Kent Anderson Jessica Gallagher Sarah Todd Michelle Kofod Julian O'Shea Rebecca Hall Alex Elibank Murray Veronica Wong Brad Dorahy Ly Tran and Linda Rust.

Episode 1:
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/global-horizons/episodes/The-International-Ed-News---October-6th-2023-e2a7r1r

If you're in international education, I'd be deeply grateful if you could hit "Share" on this one ❤️ 🙏

Global Horizons is Australia’s international education podcast where each episode is focused on the stories that make our industry great. Sometimes, those stories will be industry news and current affairs. Other times, we’ll dive into a guest's personal career and travel stories on the show. We....

30/08/2023

3 years ago, our successful, 13-year old travel business had its face ripped off by Covid.

Last week, I got to tell the story of those dark days, as well as what followed, as a closing keynote at my industry conference. Now I’m sharing it with you.

Marine was invaluable helping to craft the story arc…and in doing so, I feel like we learned something new about what we experienced.

It’s possibly the best story I’ve ever written.
And it’s by far the best story I’ve ever told.

How To Tell A Good Story: Harnessing Learning Abroad's Most Powerful Asset:Stories are how humans connect. Which is good news for us, because stories are at ...

18/04/2021

Wishing Gelo a very Happy Birthday today! 🎂

🌟 From technical system work with our partners, to graphic design and administration, Gelo is an absolute superstar who is involved in almost everything we do here at The Global Society.

🏆 Gelo is also the recipient of the 2020 MVP Global Society staff award!

We are very lucky to have someone as fantastic as Gelo, and we hope he has a great day today!

25/03/2021

👉 Are you wondering on what to do next after a Program?

Here's a guide that we created for you!

Visit our resource library for more info: https://globalsociety.net.au/resource-library/login-hub

21/12/2020

🚨The Global Society will be closed from the 24th of December and will reopen on Monday the 4th of January 2021.

We wish all our wonderful partners, mobility colleagues and students a safe and happy festive season. 🎄🎆

We’re looking forward to what 2021 has in store and to continuing to support our partner Universities and students ❤️

07/10/2020

Ever wondered what being a New Colombo Plan scholar is like? Wonder no more!

Sarah Griffin from Griffith University undertook an NCP Scholarship program to Hong Kong! In this video, Sarah talks about her experience and the lasting friendships she made whilst abroad.

Over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting New Colombo Plan alumni and sharing their incredible experiences with you. Stay tuned!
https://youtu.be/oIWuXaCc_G8

***** The Global Society's mission is to enrich lives through study and travel because life is a daring adventure or nothing at all. We deliver on that missi...