William Perez, Ph.D.’s Post

As someone whose life was thoroughly benefitted from the Erasmus+ program (both personally and professionally), it’s great to see the EU continue to make strides to improve the accessibility and flexibility of the program 🇪🇺 Having the opportunity study abroad and experience other cultures is a mind-opening experience which can shape the careers of all students who are so lucky to avail of an Erasmus program. Think new ideas, new experiences, new relationships, new celebrations and so much more. Learning a new language alone is show to have significant contributions to maintinaing a healthy brain, and improving mental health. Bringing together and learning more about all the weird and wonderful aspects of our European cultures, particularly in vibrant university & college communities, will bring a greater sense of connectivity and empathy across the EEA which can only be a positive for the future. In a time where we are seeing so much national separatism in the world, it’s great to see the EU expanding their foundations for an even more integrated community in the future 👏🏼

Tomorrow morning, 14,000 children across Northern Ireland will open their SEAG Transfer Test results (aka the 11 Plus repackaged under another name). This assessment will determine if they attend secondary or grammar schools. "What school did you go to?" is a loaded question in Northern Ireland. Not only does it indicate your religion and social background, but it provides a benchmark on how "intelligent" you must be. In a country already so divided, it astonishes me that we continue to segregate future generations based on their ability to pass an antiquated exam. I am the only person in my family to attend a grammar school. The process was stressful for both me and my parents, who made financial sacrifices to ensure I had the support needed to pass the test. While the test has changed since I took it, its narrow focus on English and Maths has not. Globally, we are on the brink of a talent shortage. Korn Ferry recently reported that by 2030, there will be a global human talent shortage of more than 85 million people, roughly equivalent to the population of Germany. Yet, Northern Ireland’s education system is overlooking the essential skills needed in today's dynamic job market. As industries evolve, the demand for a diverse set of skills, including critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, becomes increasingly apparent. Yet, history, geography, art, and music, subjects that are crucial, are often put on the back burner to focus on passing 'the test'. Surely, it's time to align education with the professional landscape and better position the next generation for the challenges ahead? Creating a level playing field and equal opportunities for all is my biggest driver and the reason I love leading Early Careers Teams. #earlycareers #futuretalent #diversityequityandinclusion

Excited to announce the publication of the first article featuring my work as a legal researcher! I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share my insights and experiences in the field. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Radboud Recharge team for dedicating their time and effort in writing this article about our project! #legalresearch #labourlaw HiiL | User-friendly Justice Faculteit der Rechtsgeleerdheid

Dreaming of living and working in the charming country of Portugal? Look no further! Our comprehensive country page provides a wealth of valuable insights to support your next big decision on teaching abroad. https://buff.ly/3D2xtmp #TeachingAbroad #PortugalOpportunities #Education #TeacherHorizons #TeachInPortugal