Marie Heimburg

Educational pathway

Key non formal learning experiences:

I think one of my first non verbal learning experiences that I remember are my attempts to make friends while on vacation as a child. Just approaching other kids and playing along with them while not understanding a single word of their language has taught me that connection isn't based in words but in actions. I eventually studied several languages but still find that the best connections evolve through common activities like dancing, solving a task together, sports and of course much more!

Non-formal education:

My first encounter with non-formal education, as I now know it, was my EVS in Spain after school. Thrown into the strangeness of another culture and language and yet being forced to meet your personal limits on a daily basis. Through this experience I learned how powerful you can be, if you face your fears and outgrow them and prove to yourself your capacity to learn, to adapt, to influence others and to make a home abroad in any situation. My curiosity was triggered and I continued participating in several SALTO training courses that influenced my choice of studies, my path in life and mostly let me meet fantastic personalities. My latest honor was to participate in the Training of Trainers 2017/18 - a terrific long term training that equipped me with the skills to organize trainings myself. I could not be prouder! All my non-formal education equipped me with with a great cultural understanding, as well as adaptability and resilience.

Formal education:

MA Communication - which I studied in Göteborg, Sweden. What I most learned in this program was that studying is way more interesting when studying in an international group and having an exchange of diverse opinions. Living abroad gave me the change to reflect on my personal background, to find friends from all over the world and provided another challenge to create a home somewhere else in this world.

BA Social Sciences for Intercultural Relations - which I studied in Fulda, Germany. This program was a great selection of the main areas law, sociology, politics and communication. It gave me an overview of intersectional problems are and how important it is to tackle issues from more than just one side. These 3 years made me realize my privileges and fired my motivation to fight injustice and empower youth for a better future! A 6 months Erasmus stay in Northern Sweden taught me how climate can have an influence on culture and enchanted me with the sight of the northern lights.