Sanchari Sen Rai, ECC Hive

Introduce yourself in three words or phrases.

Intuitive soul whisperer, authentic, and engaged collaborator

What do you like most about your job?

What I like most about my job is the direct impact I have on people’s growth. Helping them enhance their professional development, emotional intelligence, and power skills. Knowing that my work contributes to their success and makes a positive difference in their lives is truly rewarding.

Best work trip/Worst work trip?

My best work trip was to Istanbul last year, which combined purpose, connection, and impact. I attended a bespoke, invite-only international education conference, where I met partners and community leaders from around the world within the international education ecosystem.

It was incredibly fulfilling to exchange ideas, share experiences, and witness firsthand how collaboration can empower others. The energy, learning, and relationships built during that trip made it truly memorable and inspiring.

If you could learn a language instantly, which would you pick and why?

If I could learn a language instantly, I would choose Spanish. It’s one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and would allow me to connect with more people across different cultures. Additionally, its growing importance in global business, education, and community engagement makes it both practical and enriching to learn.

What makes you get up in the morning?

What gets me up in the morning is the opportunity to create impact! To help people grow, connect, and move closer to their goals. Whether it’s mentoring a student, supporting a newcomer, or building meaningful partnerships, the thought that my work can make someone’s journey a little easier or more inspired gives me purpose and energy to start each day with enthusiasm.

Champion/cheerleader which we should all follow and why?

As an advocate for women’s empowerment in international education and supporting entrepreneurs, I deeply admire that The PIE News, founded and led by three remarkable women. Amy Baker, Jane Gilham, and Clare Gossage. Their vision, leadership, and impact in the field of Intl education are truly inspiring and resonate with my own commitment to empowering international students and building meaningful initiatives.

I also admire Lead5050, a UK-based organisation in the international education ecosystem, which is led with a 50/50 gender balance. Owned and led by co-founders Leanne Linacre and Ella Tyler, Lead5050 highlights the power of equitable leadership and the meaningful impact women can have in driving innovation, shaping the industry, and promoting gender equality in the workplace.

Together, these examples reflect the transformative influence of women-led organisations and the importance of fostering leadership, equity, and innovation in international education.

Best international ed conference and why?

 The event was the CPIEA Accreditation, Awards and Global Summit 2024 in Istanbul, which emphasised the power of collaboration, diversity, and shared goals.
An incredibly enriching and transformative experience! The Elite Summit was a powerful blend of cultural exchange, innovation, and shared purpose.

Gathering with associates and handpicked agents who uphold the highest standards in international education from a diverse array of countries brought a unique global perspective and an invaluable sense of unity. The event brought together a global community, with representatives from countries like Türkiye, Brazil, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Germany, Albania, Kazakhstan, France, Mali, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Nigeria to name a few!

The three-day conference was packed with brainstorming, engaging discussions, building a value-centric international education culture and community and sparking ideas and inspiration. Focusing on values like innovation, integrity, leadership, and giving back to communities truly speaks to a forward-thinking and impactful mission in the international education ecosystem.

Even though the delegates were only meeting for the first time, there was a common connection and synergy that shone through.

Worst conference food/beverage experience

None to date!

Book or podcast recommendation for others in the sector?

‘Hive Life” Podcast hosted by ECC Hive Inc shares unfiltered conversations, honest journeys, and real voices from the international education sector. The podcast features conversations with former international students and professionals from the industry. It highlights the inspiring journeys of international educators and representatives by sharing real stories and personal experiences along with focusing on making connections and community building for students studying abroad.

Describe a project or initiative you’re currently working on that excites you.

We are currently excited about expanding ECC Hive’s mentorship, career counselling, guidance, and networking programs globally (in the Phillippines, Dubai and Africa) for students interested in studying abroad. Our focus is on workshops, coaching, and community events that provide practical skills and career support.

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