2023-04-07 - Reflecting on April Fools - Chewing the Fat 📈

[lukecookssw]

cc: @adamcogan

Discuss this week's CTF

[GordonBeeming]

For the record I think something like this would be super valuable to have, maybe I see that value more from RSA not being as culturally diverse in the workplace, and having been part of the mvp program for so long I see the value. Maybe it's not the same value in AUS and our other locations ... and although I called some of the april fools'ness last week... I must admit that I was also caught now that it was  (Probably from the value I believe it has... and my thoughts on it not being possible were shadowed by us wanting to push boundaries ) 

Sure, there would be some ironing out of the details around it but it could have massive value 🙂

[PennyWalker]

I love the idea. I think I think it’d be an awesome way to get know other cities and cultures with local guides and a great emersion. If we were able to work from another city, I’d definitely be keen and I’d love to host others from elsewhere! My spare room is always open for guests! :)

[rubycogan]

I am definitely pro helping all of SSW expand their world view. I believe that experiences like this are genuinely life changing and very rare and I think everyone should try to take this opportunity if they can.

[evecogan]

How about a SSW house swap 🏡

[calumjs]

I don't think you need any cultural exchange program. Unless you can somehow take the cost from my pre-tax income, or count it as a tax deduction, so it doesn't cost SSW more.

[drwharris]

The ability to travel and work is amazing and I think that if you can make it happen it would be rewarding for many.

[bahjatalaadelssw]

It doesn't need to be a SugarLearning item; however, because working remotely is so simple now if people want to move to different locations it can be an individual conversation.

[jimmidier]

Jokes are nice, but harmless ones are just better

[JerryLuo5799]

I think cultural exchange is great as long as it's not mandatory, even now that working remotely is convenient, but face-to-face work is a completely different experience.

[tino-liu]

The program is definitely a cool thing to have. Expanding worldview is a way to understand and embrace people and culture, that's how mutual respect are established. The program is definitely a great idea to bring people together.

[JaneYangssw]

Nice joke! And I suggest we can have more time to travel in the cultural exchange program, experiencing more cultural differences.

[Aibono1225]

Cultural exchange is a really cool idea. But we need to think about all the expenses that might come up during the travel.

[sylhuang]

I liked the idea of having a cultural exchange program. It's like another YOLO Day concept that would encourage me to do something normally not included in my daily plan.

[AttackOnMorty]

Looking forward to seeing the v2 of the Culture Exchange Program. It would be a wonderful journey.

[KristenHu]

I like this joke very much, I'm already looking forward to next year's April Fools' Day.

[tombui99]

I only suspected that it was a joke (The "mandatory" part definitely gives it away). However, I actually liked the idea of a cultural exchange program since I love travelling and enjoy living in a different culture.

[matt-goldman]

I think this is a great idea. Whoever came up with this is a genius.

[SamBWagner]

It's a great idea and the April Fools joke was very funny. It just came at a time where the "Mandatory" extracurricular activities like the Azure Certs and what not were at an all time high. Then this was the straw that broke the camel's back. That's why I was rather annoyed and had my night and morning ruined with rage.

[Harry-Ross]

I thought it was a great idea as an optional program - would love to see it potentially developed in the future! Also in hindsight, the joke was bloody hillarious - would have been better though for some if they knew by the end of the day that it was a joke.

[ozdemir-mehmet]

Not much to add.

[jakebayliss]

Actually a cool idea if we can make it work out for everyone. When I go I'll take Mehmet with me

[zacharykeeping]

An optional exchange program is definitely a good idea!

[jernejk]

As an optional thing with more realistic benefits (we probably can't take care of entire families for the trip) would be great!
While my short-term focus will be more domestic, I would be open to eventually venture to China or France for a bit and experience the countries. 😊

It also helps that my family in both cases is ~2-4 hour flight away, making it a good opportunity to do a cultural exchange and visit family. 😊

Perhaps, 2 weeks in China/France, 2 weeks in Japan/Slovenia and then back 2 weeks in China/France would be an awesome trip with mid-stop to visit family and perhaps I could leave some of my bags in the office while I travel around, maximizing my trip. 😊 (day dreaming my next trip 😂)

[Hona]

The prospect of working overseas for a few months while making it financially more viable or even, assisted with help planning, or just knowing some coworkers will be there so you're not completely alone are some cool benefits.

I'm still not convinced this is an april fools!

[zl24622]

Culture exchange is an interesting idea. But it does need well preparation.
In the rules mentioned student language class, this might be a good option as the student visa is relatively long than tourism visa and legal to work.

[william-liebenberg]

More people need to be "in on it" to not cause the chaos and loss of productivity that it did. However, the "optional" exchange idea is great and I can imagine quite a lot of people wanting to experience what its like to work and play in another country with a different culture.

[Abf09]

its good to have pranks often to have a good laugh and Cultural exchange is an amazing idea, If I am able to travel and manage work at the same time it'd be awesome.

[JackDuan123]

I would like to be in Eastern Europe

[JeanThirion]

Not funny.

[apforsyth]

Very funny and a brilliant video! But you'll never get me again ; )