Maryke Luijendijk has worked in higher education for two decades in countries such as South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Her path was informed by historic events like working on a large project in her early career to help merge two universities in South Africa in the wake of Apartheid. Other formative experiences of hotel management overseas in the UK were also important to show her the value of learning with people of different backgrounds. Maryke sees the potential in people and finds creative ways to bring them together. Her insights into bridging differences is very fitting for this conversation about global citizenship. Enjoy learning about Maryke’s journey from South Africa to the world.