From Inner-City Roots to Thriving Across Borders ✈️
I know what it’s like to step into new environments and wonder, “Will I fit in?” Growing up moving between households, later adjusting to life in the suburbs, and eventually living and working across 14 countries — my journey has always been about adaptation, resilience, and finding confidence in unfamiliar spaces.
As an international educator and cross-cultural consultant with nearly two decades of experience, I’ve supported students, professionals, and institutions in building the skills needed to thrive abroad — not just survive.
Today, I use my background as a former expat, educator, and cultural bridge-builder to help others do the same. Whether you’re preparing to study, live, or work abroad — or you’re supporting others in doing so — I offer practical tools, coaching, and mindset training to help you connect across cultures with clarity and confidence.
A Snapshot of My Journey 📷
🎓 Doctorate in higher education management
💼 20+ year careers in higher education, specialization in international education
💼 Founder of URep Abroad, offering custom cultural training + real-world support
✈️ 14 Countries Traveled
🌍 Lived and studied in China and Japan
📄Countless workshops, student journeys, and cultural insights shared along the way
🎓 Doctorate in higher education management
💼 20+ year careers in higher education, specialization in international education
💼 Founder of URep Abroad, offering custom cultural training + real-world support
✈️ 14 Countries Traveled
🌍 Lived and studied in China and Japan
📄Countless workshops, student journeys, and cultural insights shared along the way
What Drives My Work
My work is rooted in cultural empathy, real-world strategy, and human-centered support. My mission is to make cross-cultural transitions less overwhelming and more empowering — for individuals and the institutions that serve them.
🎯I believe culture isn’t just something we observe — it’s something we experience, feel, and navigate daily.
🌍 I believe culture isn’t just something we observe — it’s something we experience, feel, and navigate daily.
🤝 And I believe you don’t have to “go it alone” — there are strategies to help you thrive across borders.
📖 Read my dissertation which focused on the intentions and behaviors of Black American students regarding studying abroad.
🎧Listen to my interview on Why Black Educators Matter.
My work is rooted in cultural empathy, real-world strategy, and human-centered support. My mission is to make cross-cultural transitions less overwhelming and more empowering — for individuals and the institutions that serve them.
🎯I believe culture isn’t just something we observe — it’s something we experience, feel, and navigate daily.
🌍 I believe culture isn’t just something we observe — it’s something we experience, feel, and navigate daily.
🤝 And I believe you don’t have to “go it alone” — there are strategies to help you thrive across borders.
📖 Read my dissertation which focused on the intentions and behaviors of Black American students regarding studying abroad.
🎧Listen to my interview on Why Black Educators Matter.
Let's Connect 💬
If you’re navigating a cultural shift — or helping others do so — I’d love to support your journey. Contact me through any of the options below to get started.
📧Email me | shawntia@urepabroad.com
📅 Schedule a Meet & Greet | calendly.com/drtiakey/meet-and-greet