As universities face what Vicki Bos calls a "crisis of connection," with international students increasingly disconnected from campus life, group singing emerges as a powerful tool for building meaningful relationships and fostering genuine belonging. 
Episode Description
Vicki Bos shares insights from her work leading UQ Voices, a mental health research choir at the University of Queensland. Learn how her five key community-building strategies through choral singing create meaningful connections among international and domestic students, moving beyond surface-level interactions to foster belonging and connection.
Key Topics Discussed

The crisis of connection in universities and its impact on student wellbeing, especially international students
Five strategies for community building: rapport, interaction, personalization, ownership, and achievement
The role of choir leaders in fostering mental health benefits
Building inclusive spaces for international students
The power of learning songs in multiple languages

Resources

TEDx Talk
Read Vicki's research in Australian Voice here.
Raise Your Voice International Student Choir Festival

About Vicki Bos
Education professional development specialist and director of UQ Voices, the University of Queensland School of Psychology mental health research choir. With experience across Australia, Japan, Macau, Brazil, and Chile, Vicki specializes in using choral singing to teach language, build community, and improve mental health outcomes.
Connect with Vicki

On Facebook

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LinkedIn
Join the conversation about positive music leadership and community music making
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This project was made possible by The Winston Churchill Trust’s Impact Fund, supporting Churchill Fellows to achieve impact in Australia following their Fellowship travels. about the Churchill Trust and other Fellowship stories at ChurchillFellowship.com.au

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