English for Global Citizens

By: Building bridges across borders through the power of English.
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  • Summary

  • This podcast is for global citizens who want to improve their intermediate to advanced English skills. Every week, we explore cultural psychology, travel, health, sociopolitical issues, and the occasional existential crisis. You can follow along by reading the articles on bornwithoutborders.substack.com Do you to book a private class or a group class? Head to englishforglobalcitizens.com 📝 Cambridge exam prep ✍️ Essay writing & storytelling 🗣️ Public speaking & presentations 🌍️ Cultural competence & business English 🧠 Evidence-based study techniques & psychology 💪 Fitness & health coaching (learn a language in a flow state)

    bornwithoutborders.substack.com
    Nolan Yuma
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Social Sciences
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Episodes
  • How do You Build Global Connections?

    How do You Build Global Connections?
    Jan 21 2025
    Before we get into the article, here's a quick note: I’m starting classes and courses where I mediate discussions with people across the ideological spectrum. We find common interests and goals to build bridges across divides. Send me a DM or respond to this email if this interests you.Who do you share goals with? How many of those people differ in ideology or belief system? And how the hell do you make it work?I work on a shared goal with several dozen people every week. They come from all over the world, and no matter their culture or opinions, we connect.A shared goal is the first step to bridging divides, but you must find common interests to stick together. Fortunately, I’m interested in just about everything except the Kardashians, so creating connections is easy. That doesn’t mean there are no disagreements, though. They’re crucial to our shared goal of improving their English.Contrasting ideas get people talking, and that’s exactly what I need my students to do. That’s what we all need to do. If we want a future where collaboration overcomes conflict, we need more people talking and listening, not just in English but in the universal language of curiosity and compassion.Here’s Where You Come InAnd where I plug in my website, englishforglobalcitizens.com. Teaching English and cultural competency is not just how I make a living. It’s how I put into practice everything I write about. I help people from all walks of life—and they help me—gain tools to connect across cultures and borders.When you’re in my class, the world’s not as divided as it seems on the news. It’s even less complicated than it looks in some of my articles. The truth is, above all, people want to be heard and listened to. If you can make that happen, a lot of the other cultural know-how can take a step back. When you share my site with someone who needs classes—or who knows someone who does—you’re not just helping Born Without Borders; you’re helping build bridges across divides. Building global connections isn’t always easy. There are language hiccups, cultural faux pas, and days when even I can’t remember how to explain the difference between "lie" and "lay." But it’s worth it because every connection and shared laugh creates a little less division in the world. English for Global CitizensBuilding bridges across borders.📝 Cambridge exam prep✍️ Essay writing & storytelling🗣️ Public speaking & presentations🌍️ Cultural competence & business English🧠 Evidence-based study techniques & psychology💪 Fitness & health coaching (learn a language in a flow state)My Teaching StyleWe learn languages to communicate, and we communicate to connect, so why do so many people leave an academy unable to give presentations, send emails, and tell jokes?Many teachers lack the cultural, psychological, and business expertise to prepare you beyond the exam world. While I use CEFR and Cambridge materials to gauge levels, my lessons adapt to your needs and how English evolves across cultures. I’ve helped nearly 100 students pass exams, but if your sole goal is a certificate, I’m not the teacher for you. I’m here to create connections and experiences.Language learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some prefer rules first, while others learn naturally through conversation. A great teacher tailors methods to fit you. My approach draws from a degree in English and psychology (UBC), advanced TEFL certifications, and years of teaching students from 30+ countries.Beyond teaching, my experience managing global marketing campaigns and researching cultural competence ensures your English works across cultural contexts. I don’t just teach language—I help you live it.MaterialsCambridge Books: English for Life, Objective First, Ready for Advanced, and Objective Proficiency.Great Writing: Foundations, one, two, three, four, and five.Reading Explorer: SB1, SB2. SB3, SB4, and SB5.Are you looking for a specific book? Just let me know.What My Students SayBorn Without Borders is a reader-supported guide to the craft of nonconformity, cultural psychology, travel writing and how to salir de las fronteras que impone tu mente. Both free and paid subscriptions are available. If you want to support my work and help me upgrade to more than one cabin bag, the best way is to take out a paid subscription or Buy Me a Coffee.But today, sharing my teaching site is the best way to show support. Further reading This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bornwithoutborders.substack.com/subscribe
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    5 mins
  • Why My Body is for Sale

    Why My Body is for Sale
    Jan 14 2025
    No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.* SocratesWhen I came across this quote as an acne-ridden teenager, it gave me an excuse. Here was one of history’s greatest thinkers, a man who spent his life in the pursuit of wisdom, insisting that neglecting the body is an affront to life itself. It resonated with me because I could intellectualize my need to look like Chris Hemsworth and the like. But before you get the wrong idea by thinking I’m a gigolo—when I say my body is “for sale,” I don’t mean in the transactional sense of sex, Instagram sponsorships or OnlyFans. I mean that my body is a product that sells my discipline, care, vanity, and fitness coaching. And yet, this journey has brought me face-to-face with the darker underbelly of external validation, the cultural distortions of beauty, and the psychological traps we all fall into when we commodify our physical selves.But first, some cultural psych. The Universality of BeautyYou might think beauty is a matter of personal taste. But research says otherwise. Studies on facial attractiveness by psychologists like Judith Langlois and David Perrett show that beauty has universal elements. Across cultures, people tend to favour:* Symmetry: It signals health and genetic fitness.* ‘Average’ Faces: Composite faces made by blending many individuals are perceived as more attractive. Evolutionary psychologists believe this is because ‘mixed people’ are more immune to diseases. * Clear Skin: A sign of vitality and youth.These findings suggest that some aspects of beauty are hardwired into our psychology, tied to evolutionary preferences for mates who signal health and reproductive success.But cultural psychology reminds us that while the foundation of beauty might be universal, the adornments vary. In East Asia, for instance, pale skin is highly prized, reflecting a history where lighter skin denoted wealth and freedom from manual labour. Meanwhile, many African cultures celebrate fuller bodies as symbols of fertility and prosperity. Beauty is both nature and nurture, universal and deeply contextual.The Beauty of Cultural DifferencesCultural psychology shows that different societies not only celebrate different ideals of beauty but also embed them with meaning.In Japan, for instance, the concept of wabi-sabi embraces imperfection and transience. A body doesn’t need to be flawless; it needs to carry the marks of a life well-lived. In contrast, Western ideals often prize youth and perfection, ideals that can leave little room for aging gracefully.What’s striking is how cultural narratives shape our relationships with our bodies. Where one society might encourage cosmetic surgery as self-care, another might celebrate the wrinkles that come with wisdom. These cultural differences remind us that beauty is not just in the eye of the beholder—it’s in our culture’s stories.The Story I Tell MyselfI’m not just lifting weights and putting them down again! I’m sculpting, bro. Just like a sculptor, the practice requires patience and discipline, but instead of a chisel, I use too many scoops of creatine. My body isn’t merely a fleshy vessel to carry me through life; it reflects the effort of my discipline!… And a dark need for external validation and people-pleasing. This mirrors my approach to writing and teaching. Writing well is enduring frustration and carving out something meaningful from chaos. To teach is to refine a lesson until it connects with someone’s mind. Both pursuits demand the same kind of persistence as physical training: showing up even when you don’t want to.And like any craft, the finished product invites a public gaze. My body is for sale in the sense that it exists in a world that values physical form, whether we like it or not. It’s a reminder of Socrates’ wisdom: the body, like the mind, is a canvas for human potential.Yet, there’s…The Narcissistic TrapIn a culture where Instagram and TikTok set the standard, the pursuit of beauty often slides into something darker. The platforms encourage us to treat our bodies not as craft but as commodities, carefully curated for likes and shares.Research from Jean Twenge and W. Keith Campbell on narcissism in the age of social media reveals a troubling trend: platforms that should connect us often deepen our obsession with self-image. They turn external validation into currency.Even more insidious is the way this culture impacts mental health. Studies have linked excessive social media use to body dissatisfaction, depression, and anxiety. The irony? The more we chase external validation, the emptier it feels.Selling Effort, Not PerfectionSocrates was right. To grow old without knowing what your body is capable of is a kind of tragedy. But in today’s world, the real tragedy might be growing old while obsessing over what ...
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    8 mins
  • The Spanish City You Probably Haven't Heard Of

    The Spanish City You Probably Haven't Heard Of
    Jan 7 2025
    Before we get into the article, here's a quick note: I’m starting classes and courses where I mediate discussions with people across the ideological spectrum. We find common interests and goals to build bridges across divides. Send me a DM or respond to this email if this interests you.You’re in a relationship with what’s in front of you, not with its potential. While this might be sound advice for romantic relationships, it’s a whole other ballgame when it comes to investing in real estate.When I first stepped foot in Valencia, Spain, I fell in love with what was in front of me: its cosmopolitan energy with a Spanish flair, beaches, parks, excellent bike paths and public transport, terrace culture, cheap food, markets, an international airport, sculpted beach bodies, sounds and smells I’d never encountered, mountains in the distance, and 300 days of sun a year (with a side of potential skin cancer).It’s not hard to see why Valencia is frequently voted as the best city for Expats, Europe’s green capital, and why its record-breaking housing prices are causing a crisis for many local renters.If I had invested in Valencia’s real estate potential five years ago, the apartment's value could have appreciated by approximately 50% or more, considering the recent 17% annual increase. Yet, what was in front of me was already out of my budget.Instead, I turned to Comunidad Valencia’s fourth-biggest city, Castellón de la Plana. Known as one of the ugliest cities in Spain, Castellón de la Plana has been steadily revamping its reputation since I arrived.(No, not because of me.) In recent years, Castellón de la Plana has undergone significant urban development and beautification efforts, evidenced by its transformation and the stunning Christmas displays of 2024.Key initiatives include the completion of the Ronda Oeste, a major infrastructure project supported by the Generalitat Valenciana and the Castellón City Council, with a €46 million investment aimed at improving urban connectivity and traffic flow.These local efforts are complemented by Castellón’s participation in European initiatives, such as the Intelligent Cities Challenge, which focuses on sustainable urban planning and energy efficiency, and the UNaLab project, funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 program, which enhances urban sustainability through nature-based solutions.Nature—it’s one of the main reasons I’ve decided to stay in Castellon de la Plana instead of trying to make ends meet in Valencia.The Desert de les Palmes Natural Park is a mountainous landscape that flanks the coastline, defined by its rugged summits and popular walking trails.For cycling enthusiasts, the Via Verde Green Route provides a scenic path through diverse landscapes, making it a favoured choice for both cyclists and hikers. Well, it’s flat, so maybe the better word is “walkers.”Additionally, the Sierra de Irta Natural Park offers a combination of mountainous terrain and pristine beaches, ideal for hiking and enjoying unspoiled (outside of the summer months) coastal scenery.The Penyagolosa Natural Park is home to Mount Penyagolosa, the highest peak in the province, making it a haven for hikers and climbers seeking trails and stunning views.Off the coast, the Columbretes Islands Nature Reserve is an archipelago renowned for its rich marine biodiversity, popular for diving and boat excursions.Lastly, the Serra d'Espadà Natural Park is known for its lush cork oak forests and diverse wildlife, offering numerous trails for hiking and exploring nature.Yet, these aren’t places you can visit daily unless you’re retired. If you have a busy and sporadic schedule like mine, you might want to live in a neighbourhood with parks, beaches, bars, restaurants, supermarkets, and everything else you need within a 10-minute walk.That’s why I chose El Grao, Castellon de la Plana’s coastal district and port area. Similar to Valencia’s Cabanyal, it was considered one of the most sketchy neighbourhoods, “full of Gitanos (gypsies) and Moroccans.” And whereas this sentence might sound racist AF, it reflects how many people talk here. That’s no excuse, but people in Castellón have historically viewed El Grao negatively through those labels. As a result, my property value hasn’t skyrocketed like those in Cabanyal, Valencia.In the town of El Grao, I’m one of the only guiris—white-ass foreigners who wear flip-flops in winter. The other foreigners live a fifteen-minute walk away in villas on the beach. Yet, every year, I hear more English, German, and French as I walk through El Grao. Most of these people are retired, but thanks to UJI, Castellon’s university, you can also find younger crowds from across Europe.While locals remain skeptical of the area, foreigners are increasingly drawn to it. This was also the case with Cabanyal, Valencia. Now, those same locals who looked down on Cabanyal are kicking themselves for not investing.You might think...
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    13 mins

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