About
Global Bridge Associates
Dr. Philip M. Martin Sr.
Our Mission
Global Bridge Associates is dedicated to "Bridging Cultures" through safe, nurturing, and enriching homestay experiences for international students. We strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where students can immerse themselves in new cultures, build lasting relationships, and achieve their educational goals.
Through our commitment to fostering global understanding and personal growth, we aim to make every homestay a memorable life experience.
Meet the GBA Team
Philip M Martin | Co-Founder
Global Bridge Associates Co-Founder, Philip M Martin has experience as a leader in transformational and bilingual education, Mr. Martin has over fifteen years of school administration experience in both the urban and international environments. He has led schools in New York City and the United Arab Emirates, and has worked with schools in China.
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Additionally, Philip brings ten years of experience in international student recruitment to educational and cultural experiences in North America as well as recruitment of high level educators to schools and programs throughout the United States. Accordingly, he has vast knowledge in all aspects of the education profession.
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Mr. Martin has traveled to China, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, Romania, Georgia, Austria, Nepal, Brazil, Costa Rica, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as other countries. These experiences enhance his understanding of the cultural challenges that students, host families, and educators alike.
Connie Aguilar | Co-Founder
Global Bridge Associates Co-Founder, Connie Aguilar has over ten years of experience in international student education. Ms. Aguilar brings an outstanding level of service and expertise to international education, providing her a comprehensive knowledge of international education and recruitment across the globe. She excels at making each experience with a school, the student, and the homestay meaningful and unforgettable. Thus, she is highly attuned to the needs and goals of the international student community.
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Connie graduated from California State–Northridge in 1993 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Upon graduation she acquired experience in television production, working as a Junior Assistant Producer for KABC, Channel Seven in Los Angeles, and was Storyboard Producer at an regional advertising agency. She then spent the next decade as a manager at Jefferies & Company and US Bancorp Piper Jaffray, both high profile investment banking firms specializing in mergers & acquisitions, gaming and the telecommunications industry. Seeking to meld her corporate financial background with a desire to work on a more individual, exclusive level, she transitioned into education and quickly built an impressive résumé of satisfied clients.
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GBA's 7 Pillars of Excellence
Global Bridge Associates was founded with a passion for supporting international students in their educational journey. Our story is rooted in the belief that a positive homestay experience can significantly impact a student's academic success and personal development. We strive to continuously improve our services and expand our network of caring host families to accommodate more students from around the world. Below is a closer look at our Seven Pillars of Excellence.
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Tutoring Services: Personalized tutoring and academic resources help students excel in their studies.
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Educational Workshops: Regular workshops on study skills, time management, and exam preparation foster academic success.
2. Academic Support
5. Medical Care Support
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Healthcare Access: Easy access to medical facilities and health professionals ensures students' physical well-being.
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Health Education: Regular health and wellness seminars to educate students on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
1. Comprehensive Safeguarding Measures
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Student Safety: We implement rigorous safety protocols to ensure the physical and emotional security of our students.
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Host Vetting: Each host family undergoes thorough background checks and continuous training to maintain a safe and supportive environment
3. Holistic Development
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Extracurricular Activities: A wide range of activities and clubs encourage students to explore their interests and develop new skills.
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Leadership Opportunities: Programs designed to build leadership skills and promote personal growth.
6. Personalized Mentorship
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Dedicated Mentors: Each student is paired with a mentor who provides personalized guidance and support throughout their stay.
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Regular Check-ins: Continuous monitoring and check-ins to address any concerns and provide additional assistance.
4. Cultural Immersion
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Cultural Events: Frequent cultural excursions and events provide students with immersive experiences in local traditions and customs.
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Language Support: Language learning support to help students improve their proficiency and confidence.
7. Community Building
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Dedicated Mentors: Each student is paired with a mentor who provides personalized guidance and support throughout their stay.
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Regular Check-ins: Continuous monitoring and check-ins to address any concerns and provide additional assistance.
Support & Services
GBA is committed to ensuring that all international exchange students, parents, host families, and partners are supported during the study abroad experience. We offer a variety of support services – from tutoring and college prep to conflict resolution and student travel excursions.
Visit our Support & Services page for a full list of the various support offerings we provide to our cultural exchange community.
