Dr. Shawntia Key

Dr. Shawntia Key is a cross-cultural consultant and the founder of URep Abroad, an organization dedicated to promoting global experiences to diverse audiences. She has over two decades of experience in training on cultural competence, intercultural communication, and assisting students in adjusting to new cultures.

🎓 Doctorate of Education, Higher Education Management

📖 Dissertation: Black American Undergraduates Studying Abroad: What Are Their Intentions and Behaviors?

🎓 Master of Arts, International Education

🎓 Bachelor of Arts, International Studies

🎓 Kansai Gaidai University (Japan)

🎓 Zhejiang University (China)

🎓 TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Certification

My work is grounded in cultural empathy, real-world problem-solving, and human-centered support. My mission is to make cross-cultural transitions less overwhelming and more empowering for individuals and the organizations that serve them.

🎯I believe culture isn’t just something we observe; it’s something we experience, feel, and navigate daily.

🤝 I believe you don’t have to “go it alone.” There are strategies to help you thrive across borders.

🎧 Listen to my interview with the Black Educators Matters: Project 500 Podcast

My work is grounded in cultural empathy, real-world problem-solving, and human-centered support. My mission is to make cross-cultural transitions less overwhelming and more empowering for individuals and the organizations that serve them.

🎯I believe culture isn’t just something we observe; it’s something we experience, feel, and navigate daily.

🤝 I believe you don’t have to “go it alone.” There are strategies to help you thrive across borders.

🎧 Listen to my interview with the Black Educators Matters: Project 500 Podcast

Professional Experience

¤ Founder, URep Abroad (2010 - Present)

Bridge gaps and build confidence through cross-cultural training, collaborative partnerships, and more! www.urepabroad.com

¤ Course Instructor, UC Riverside (2020 - Present)

Designing and delivering tailored courses on culture, diversity, and communication across cultures, synchronously and asynchronously.

¤ Director, Global Programs (2018-2020)

Managed programs in 11 countries, overseeing operations, staff, and cross-cultural training. Collaborated with executives to refine strategy and improve access to global learning, while enhancing financial systems to boost program revenue.

¤ Associate Director, Internationalization (2016-2018)

Led global initiatives for higher ed institutions to expand internationally. Developed strategy briefs, managed volunteer programs, and enhanced cultural fluency through collaborations.

¤ International Student Advisor & Coordinator (2012-2016)

Created support programs for international and underrepresented students from arrival to graduation, including intercultural workshops, leadership training, and conflict resolution. Managed budgets, marketing, and student advising.

Professional Experiences

¤ Founder, URep Abroad (2010 - Present)

Bridge gaps and build confidence through cross-cultural training, collaborative partnerships, and more! www.urepabroad.com

¤ Course Instructor, UC Riverside (2020 - Present)

Designing and delivering tailored courses on culture, diversity, and communication across cultures, synchronously and asynchronously.

¤ Director, Global Programs (2018-2020)

Managed programs in 11 countries, overseeing operations, staff, and cross-cultural training. Collaborated with executives to refine strategy and improve access to global learning, while enhancing financial systems to boost program revenue.

¤ Associate Director, Internationalization (2016-2018)

Led global initiatives for higher ed institutions to expand internationally. Developed strategy briefs, managed volunteer programs, and enhanced cultural fluency through collaborations.

¤ International Student Advisor & Coordinator (2012-2016)

Created support programs for international and underrepresented students from arrival to graduation, including intercultural workshops, leadership training, and conflict resolution. Managed budgets, marketing, and student advising.