On this episode of Free Food Free Drinks we speak to Jo Bloxham, of Kynfolk! Jo has worked for more than 20 years as an intercultural trainer helping people enhance their intercultural competence, and has worked extensively with the HE sector during that time! She spoke with us about her personal experiences in becoming an intercultural trainer, Chinese culture, Chinese students in the UK, and she even had time for an impromptu Mandarin lesson. Which we aced, obviously. No editing trickery was used. Honest. Enjoy!

If you have an idea for an episode, wish to recommend someone we can approach for interview, or better still are interested in being interviewed, don't be shy. Let us know and pitch your idea by emailing [email protected] or Tweet us @FreeFoodPod.

Robert Young has been working in Student Services for 10 years, is an International Student Adviser at Royal Holloway University and an Executive Committee member of the Association for International Student Advisers (Twitter: @RobertYoungHE)

Rebecca O'Hare has been working in the student accommodation sector for 11 years, is the Head of Partnerships and Resident Experience at Student First Group and the Chair-Elect for the ACUHO-I Global Initiatives Network (Twitter: @Rebecca_ResLife)

The Free Food Free Drinks podcast takes on COVID-19! In this special episode, Robert & Rebecca sit down for a chat (albeit remotely) about COVID-19 and the impact the virus is having on the higher education sector. Robert & Rebecca also chat about lockdown life including midweek drinks, hoovering, and a new appreciation for the middle of a staircase.

Thanks for listening to this special episode and remember, you're doing great, we'll get through this together!

If you have an idea for an episode, wish to recommend someone we can approach for interview, or better still are interested in being interviewed, don't be shy. Let us know and pitch your idea by emailing [email protected] or Tweet us @FreeFoodPod.

Robert Young has been working in Student Services for 10 years, is an International Student Adviser at Royal Holloway University and an Executive Committee member of the Association for International Student Advisers (Twitter: @RobertYoungHE)

Rebecca O'Hare has been working in the student accommodation sector for 11 years, is the Head of Partnerships and Resident Experience at Student First Group and the Chair-Elect for the ACUHO-I Global Initiatives Network (Twitter: @Rebecca_ResLife)

Robert Young and Rebecca O'Hare present Episode One of the Free Food Free Drinks podcast! This week's episode focuses on technology and social media within higher education and features two fabulous guests. Eric Stoller (VP Digital Strategy at @GeckoEngage; @EricStoller) and Tyler Shores (PhD Researcher @Cambridge_Uni; @tylershores). We discuss everything from chatbots and their influence on the sector, social media and what trends to be aware of, technology and higher education and perceived fears from staff, and even The Simpsons and philosophy. We're very grateful for both Eric and Tyler's time so we hope you enjoy @FreeFoodPod's first official episode!

Thanks to Tyler for these great resources:

Escaping Digital Distraction: https://freedom.to/blog/tyler-shores-escaping-digital-distraction-to-read-and-write/

Take Control: https://humanetech.com/resources/take-control/

Social Media Demographics: https://sproutsocial.com/insights/new-social-media-demographics/

If you have an idea for an episode, wish to recommend someone we can approach for interview, or better still are interested in being interviewed, don't be shy. Let us know and pitch your idea by emailing [email protected] or Tweet us @FreeFoodPod.

Robert Young has been working in Student Services for 10 years, is an International Student Adviser at Royal Holloway University and an Executive Committee member of the Association for International Student Advisers (Twitter: @RobertYoungHE)

Rebecca O'Hare has been working in the student accommodation sector for 11 years, is the Head of Partnerships and Resident Experience at Student First Group and the Chair-Elect for the ACUHO-I Global Initiatives Network (Twitter: @Rebecca_ResLife)

Both Robert and Rebecca are students on the MA in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Anglia Ruskin University and will complete their studies in 2020.

Robert Young and Rebecca O'Hare are excited to announce the launch of a new podcast aimed specifically at those working in Student Services/Affairs in the Higher Education sector! The Free Food Free Drinks Podcast will bring, for free, experience, insight, guidance, and knowledge from many practitioners in the field straight to you! 

If you have an idea for an episode, wish to recommend someone we can approach for interview, or better still are interested in being interviewed, don't be shy. Let us know and pitch your idea by emailing [email protected] or Tweet us @FreeFoodPod.

Robert Young has been working in Student Services for 10 years, is an International Student Adviser at Royal Holloway University and an Executive Committee member of the Association for International Student Advisers (Twitter: @RobertYoungHE)

Rebecca O'Hare has been working in the student accommodation sector for 11 years, is the Head of Partnerships and Resident Experience at Student First Group and the Chair-Elect for the ACUHO-I Global Initiatives Network (Twitter: @Rebecca_ResLife)

Both Robert and Rebecca are students on the MA in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Anglia Ruskin University and will complete their studies in 2020.