The Study Abroadcast

"It showed me that I didn't know as much as I thought I did" - Chelsi Colleton Chelsi Colleton knew from a very young age that she wanted to study abroad, and she did just that when she went to South Africa. In this episode we'll hear about her multiple trips, and how Amherst College reacted to / is reacting to Covid-19, and what's changed since the pandemic. This is a very good listen if you're interested in international education as a possible major or career choice, but still checks all the boxes if you're down to hear some classic study abroad stories.

In this episode, Citrus College's John Morris discusses what his school did during the pandemic, and informs us what it was like to study abroad in Amsterdam.

In this episode we learn how Camille Carr was able to get everything but the flights paid for her study abroad trip to Columbia.

"One of my biggest passions for sending students abroad is opening up their perspectives and their world views to see that maybe there are other ways of thinking about things" - Jamie Fleming SHOW NOTES Why Jamie decided to study abroad [0:47] Three different locations! (but be aware of the challenges) Rolling up her sleeves and crafting her own journey [2:24] Bad luck with visas [4:31] Moving to northern Ireland and France after graduation [5:47] And then Vietnam and Italy Reaching out to students who haven't had the opportunity to travel through faculty led programming [7:24] "I'm not the same person I was when I graduated high school" [8:40] Why Jamie chose to work at Purdue University Fort Wayne [10:02] Lot's of development happening in Indiana's second largest city Recommendations [11:46] The Book Thief This American Life The Holy Post

Stacie Berdan really hit it out of the park in our interview today. If you want to ready yourself after graduation and learn what to be prepared for upon job interviews after you graduate regarding your time abroad, you should definitely give it a listen. Experience is an understatement with this best selling author, who tells us some travel stories of her own and gives great advice on the before, during and after of your trip. SHOW NOTES The path Stacie took to get to where she is today [1:20] Becoming an author [2:16] When is the best time to study abroad? [4:31] What's best for you? What is the best way to prepare for your study abroad journey? [6:32] Thinking about your objective How to maximize your time studying abroad [8:36] Missing a connecting bus but rallying to get on it [10:31] A lesson in not really understanding or knowing your audience well enough [14:41] The importance of finding someone to help you interpret the culture Food Stacie has missed from her travels [19:36] Southern Indian food takes the cake, so to speak Making the most of your experience after you return home [22:44] Job interview and resume strategy Advice if you're on the fence about studying abroad [28:46

In another Study Abroadcast first, Michael Bittinger and Stefanie Walsh give a dual interview as advisor, and student, respectively. They both have stories, they both give encouragement, and they both agree that you should study abroad more than once, and give practical advice on how to do so in this episode. SHOW NOTES Finding a program that was a perfect fit [1:30] What Michael tells students about studying abroad [2:50] Why your major doesn't need to dictate study abroad Receiving multiple forms of financial aid [3:30] The Purdue Moves Initiative [4:33] Stefanies living and class situation [5:37] Living in The Student Hotel Faculty led programming [7:15] Going to a new destination almost every other day Understanding the differences Visiting other countries [8:56] Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Belgium, Spain, England, Rome Over 70 Faculty Led programs at Purdue [9:51] Going over spring or winter break Almost missing a flight [12:42] Vulture droppings! [15:40] Dutch pancakes [19:00] How studying abroad has changed Stefanie's view of the world [19:49] The importance of community People having your back Adapting to different laws and values How studying abroad affected Stefanie's major [23:15] Thinking you're inter-culturally competent [24:44] Encountering a wide range of experiences Why Stefanie decided to go to Purdue [26:39] Why Michael decided to work at Purdue [28:07] Recommendations A Higher Loyalty by James Comey This Fight Is Our Fight: The Battle to Save America's Middle Class by Elizabeth Warren We Need To Talk by Celeste Headlee Ishmael by Daniel Quinn The Daily Left, right, and center 99 Percent Invisible Final Advice if you're thinking about studying abroad [32:35]

SHOW NOTES Sue's role at CSUMB [1:04] Why Sue decided to study abroad [1:54] Gilman award winner [3:14] What a typical day looked like for Sue [3:35] M,T,TH,F classes Landing a job right after graduation [4:42] Traveling Japan, The Phillipines, and Hong Kong Knowing when to clap [6:23] Sue's classes in Spain [8:16] A native speaker who had never taken a Spanish class [9:14] Crouqetas and Korean BBQ [10:12] How studying abroad affected Sue's career [11:48] Working on an MPA [13:02] Why Sue chose Cal State Monetary Bay [13:31]

“I got lost, I did not cry, it was honestly just like running a mile, I was just happy I made it back.” — Cierra Powell Our first Gilman Scholarship award winner is on the show today, so yeah; kind of a big deal, and Cierra took advantage of it, in a big way. I haven't interviewed anyone yet, who innovated her study abroad experience the way she did. Her passion lies in studying the inefficiencies of foreign aid to 3rd world countries. She's a true scientist, and a small country located on the Northeast side of South America by the name of Ecuador turned out to be her laboratory. Listen to this interview if you want to receive a Gilman Scholarship. I repeat... Listen to this interview if you want to receive a Gilman Scholarship. She was able to go because she received a Gilman Scholarship which we learn in the interview is more than mere funding given for education. It goes beyond the trip, and lasts a lifetime. “One day you will be called upon to break a big law in the name of justice and rationality.” - James C. Scott

"It definitely opened my eyes to how spoiled we are in the U.S" — Che Moya If you're thinking about living abroad, or teaching abroad, then this post is definitely for you. Che Moya lived in Asia for 7 years and met his wife in Thailand. Che does a great job of articulating his journeys and you will get juiced if you're thinking about living, abroad.

Latest episode of The Study Abroadcast

"Once you're out in the real world, and working, you might have more money, but you won't have more time " — Kim Diehl de Yanes Kim did great in this episode, and made me feel like I was still in school, contemplating whether or not to study abroad in her office. Her story is unique, too, as she ended up living in Honduras for three years because of who she married. I'll let Kim explain... SHOW NOTES Getting her first international experience in high school through Michigan 4-H [1:19] Going to Guayaquil, Ecuador Living in Honduras for three years Advice to students who are thinking about studying abroad [3:40] FOMO (Fear Of Mission Out) Xavier's study abroad programs Semester program options Regular Xavier tuition bill - costs dependent on the cost of living Xavier specific study abroad programs [5:50] Spending her entire summer savings in five days [8:00] Homemade flour tortillas [8:55] Tamales in banana leaves Why Xavier? [9:56] Great proximity Free sports tickets A student learning Russian [12:04] Moon Handbooks [12:39] Frommer's Guidebook that tells you which side of the bus you should sit on Figure out the apps that are best where you're going WhatsApp Site Visits [15:30] Advice for students thinking about studying abroad [17:33]

In this interview, IES's Keith Dipple teaches us what faculty led programming is.

"Learning how to understand and be comfortable in uncomfortable situations helped me, and I learned from them" — Kirsten Queoff In this interview we hear about Kirsten's "GLOBAL HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS TRAINING IN SPAIN AND MOROCCO TO COMBAT SEX-TRAFFICKING" faculty led program. The interview is different from any other interview I've conducted on The Study Abroadcast because of the subject matter. Kirsten does a great job of explaining her time, and what the program consisted of while she was moving between the two countries.

"Who Am I, what does it mean to be from where I'm from, and how do I explain that to people who are not from the U.S.?" — Kirsten Kohler I think it's safe to say that Kirsten Kohler enjoys Germany, and learning German. You'd have to, to spend 11 months there.  Kirsten lived in the town of Freiburg where she was able to take day trips to France, and Switzerland. She taught, she interned, she learned, and she walks us through every step of the way in this detailed tale of a year in Freiburg, Germany...PROST! 

"We're really fortunate to live in a time where it's so easy to keep in contact with everyone. I feel like 20 years ago none of that would have been possible." — John David (@johndavidmullins) John David, a pre-med student, was the first person I've had on the show that studied abroad in Vigo, Spain. In this interview he introduces us to a language that most people don't know about called Galician. Galician is an Indo-European language of the Western Ibero-Romance branch, according to Wikipedia. What that means is that it is a mix of Portuguese and Spanish according to John. This interview is packed with stories, recommendations, and information. If you're thinking about Spain, living with a host family, or learning Spanish, this interview is definitely for you.

"It was what I needed to keep propelling me forward in the degree that I was pursuing" — Tara Efobi (@taraefobi) Tara Efobi studied abroad and the process worked for her. She was studying fashion and now works, in, you guessed it; fashion. The destination for the interview was Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, which is part of Scandinavia. Tara, however, (like most students) did her fair share of traveling during her time there. This is the first time I've interviewed someone where something didn't go wrong, so it was a 'running on all cylinders, full speed ahead' journey. Tara was also the first student on the show that rented a bicycle during her time abroad, which I think is a terrific idea. Did I mention she's got a decent Instagram and Youtube following? Fashion ✅ Influencing ✅ Time of your life...✅ I genuinely had a lot of fun on this interview, and I think you will, too.

The reason he went to Kenya is actually because of a class project. With out giving away too much detail; the project dealt with water supply trying and how to improve the current process that takes place. You'll have to listen to figure out the how and why. There are also two firsts in this episode: First: The first time I've interviewed someone who studied abroad in Kenya and... Second: The first time studying abroad affected the trajectory of someone's major Henry laid it all out like a blueprint, and if you listen, you can probably get a few pointers so you can make your study abroad experience stick out from all the others. SHOW NOTES Henry's logical explanation for choosing to study abroad in Kenya [1:39] The philanthropic outcome of the water vests [4:07] The intricacy of Henry's project and study abroad [5:21] Getting a grant to help with the costs of the project [8:25] The exact length of Henry's project [9:23] Getting to know the ins & outs of Kenya [10:00] Mixing and mingling on the project [12:01] Ok, so on every episode I ask for an interesting story or something that went wrong. Henry; as luck would have it; kept a journal of his daily activities, so we got a great recollection of stories from this gnarly trip to Kenya [12:36] A) Did they all speak english and B) Were they all black? [18:08] "The Kenyan food was incredible" [20:28] Drinking the tea in Kenya [23:32] Why Henry changed his major because of study abroad [24:29] Why Henry chose Wisconsin [27:17] Recommendations [32:32] The Other Wes Moore Failing Upwords

"I always tell students that studying abroad was the most defining thing of my college experience" — Julio Castro I love when I have study abroad advisors on the show because they do a good job of getting students to take the plunge and study abroad. This episode is no different. Julio Castro did a great job of recollecting his time of Spain and Germany, respectively. He also reminisced about transitioning into his own job while he was still studying abroad, which is a very real concern for lots of students who study abroad towards the end of their college careers. SHOW NOTES What was going through Julio's head prior to leaving for Spain [2:02] Why Julio picked to study abroad in Spain and Germany [3:43] The added travel that comes with Julio's position as a study abroad advisor [6:45] What it's like to miss a flight while you study abroad [8:22] Remembering the currywurst [9:20] How studying abroad changed Julio's life [10:53] Why Julio chose the college he did (this is as good of reason as any) [12:46] Becoming and Instagram [14:08] Advice to those who are thinking about studying abroad [15:25] If everyone spent a semester overseas there would be now wars — Unkown

Marty Tillman (@tillman_marty) and I met at The IIE Global Summit in NYC at The Grand Hyatt Hotel* a few months ago and really hit it off. We were introduced by Amy Baker (@amybakerThePIE) from The PIE News, which is a media company for professionals within the international education industry...which is exactly what Mr. Tillman is. Instead of the traditional Q&A we focused more on the value that comes from studying abroad in the area of employability after ones return home and beyond. I was tickled to find out that Marty had written an article that had been strongly recommended by one of my previous guests for anyone who is thinking about studying abroad. Our government is actually quite bullish on international education as evidenced by the plenary speakers who were invited to speak at the event; The Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Deputy Assistant Secretary for Academic Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State Defense Language and National Security Education Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom were all in attendance. and gave memorable speeches (and discussions) on how the global economy is changing and how the education system needs to change with it fast. *The Grand Hyatt was actually Donald Trump's first hotel revitalization project in Manhattan and is actually slated to be torn down soon. SHOW NOTES Decades of international education experience

"You have to decide how big (or small) you want your world to be" — Phil Boltz (@PhilBoltz) If you've ever wanted to learn about Kazakhstan, this interview is for you. Fresh off a recent a trip, Phil really gets into the nuts and Boltz

In this episode Claudia Gonzalez took a break from obtaining a Master's degree and sat down for a few minutes to discuss her faculty led programmed trips to China...both of them. That's right! Claudia actually went to China twice. Listen to this episode, and you won't be afraid of getting lost, like Claudia and her friend did. This interview is perfect if you're thinking about taking a faculty led program, or studying abroad in China. A big thank you Claudia Gonzalez for taking the time to do the interview. SHOW NOTES Claudia's voyage into faculty led programming [1:11] Doubts prior to leaving for China [3:03] Life in post olympics China [3:56] Experiencing The Temples in Beijing [4:37] Why Claudia decided to go to Beijing twice [5:39] Exploring the rest of China and getting lost in it [6:07] Getting turned around in a red light district Authentic, Chinese cuisine [9:01] The Beijing Duck! How Claudia's experiences have affected her since she returned [9:34] Embarking on her Master's degree at Eastern Illinois [10:25] Recommendations & Advice [11:19] Catcher in The Rye

Living in Nigeria as a child

SHOW NOTES The birth of SCHWARZMAN SCHOLARS [2:08] The application process ✍ [4:10] Eligibility requirements [5:16] Defining and defying your version of leadership [7:37] Collaborate and playing well with others [8:52] Number of scholars currently selected annually through a competitive process [10:37] Sharing stories and carrying out the mission through a steadily growing alumni network [12:16] Duration of trips [12:50] Recognizing the knowledge and network of China [14:32] Going to the same university as current and past presidents of China [16:10] Recruiting an eclectic group of students from around the world [16:52] Application deadlines for both processes and what happens upon selection [18:57] The role language plays in the process [21:40] Doubts recipients face prior to their trip [24:21] Learning from diverse backgrounds [27:50] Schwarzman College [30:10] The capstone project [34:15] Excursions for the scholars [39:46] Schwarman's Youtube channel [43:48] The magic of the mundane [46:07] When is the best time to apply for the Schwarzman [49:18] Christian's Book Recommendations [53:10] Media recommendations [56:42] Re-applying for a Schwarzman Scholarship [59:00]

Getting an early start in high school with an exchange to Germany [1:43] Obtaining an internship with the United Nations in Geneva as an undergrad [2:15] Darla's dissertation which can be found in the NC State library [4:03] She's written eight books to date Looking at WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR US TO GET ALONG TOGETHER AS HUMANS? What does one do after getting as many diplomas as you can get? [7:47] Darla's current role @ Duke (past & present) [9:24] Working with Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA) [10:43] A focus on those who are leading internationalization efforts at their higher education institutions Leaders In International Education Receiving invitations to speak at different places around the world [12:23] Darla's favorite food from her travels... [15:33] I mentioned above she's written eight books [16:32] Chimamanda Adichie [19:42] Darla's advice to students thinking about studying abroad [20:45]

SHOW NOTES So just what is Virtual Internships?

When you take all of your classes in a different language, it's pretty safe to say you're going to come out professionally fluent. That's exactly what happened for Sarah Eiden in this terrific interview I did from her time in Bologna, Italy. “I'm definitely more open minded and patient with people who have a different world view than I do” — Sarah Eiden "She was unstoppable. Not because she did not have failures or doubts, bit because she continued on despite them.” — Beau Taplin SHOW NOTES Why Sarah chose Italy

"I think you build a lot of empathy and compassion for how others live and you can use that as a tool for the rest of your life" — Timmy Bishop When the system 'just works' I get excited. That's exactly what happened for Timmy Bishop. This UW - Madison Alum decided to study abroad in Bangkok, Thailand during the spring semester of his junior year. He's since graduated, but he talks about his trip like he just got back yesterday. If you're interested in Thailand, marketing, or a great story you should listen to this interview. Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire

“I would've never imagined I could have gone to Japan if it wasn't for these people meeting me and inspiring me to do more ” — Cameron Peagler (truhiro)

Brandon Losh and Johnny Felsenthal are basically best friends who studied abroad at the same time, and had two vastly different experiences. After listening to the interview, if you listen to the interview in its entirety you walk away scratching your head wondering who had a better time. It's packed with stories, life lessons, and tips that you can take on your own study abroad trip. Berlin (but basically Europe), and Semester at Sea....Annnnddd Go!

“It's so important to get out of what you know. It's so important to try something new and have that fish-out-of-water experience while you're young.” - Alison Healy Alison Healy is our first guest on the podcast that didn't study abroad. And like any good teacher, she morphs her story into a learning experience for pretty any other student going through the same thing she did. It wasn't her fault...really! She got shot; with cupid's arrow. It ended up working out for the best, but I'll let Alison tell you the rest, herself. We also learn about Dominican University (@dominicanu), how they're a hispanic serving institution, and rival pretty much any school in the country as far as making study abroad accessible to their students.

“One week, being in another country, you're going to forget about what everyone else is doing in the U.S., and you're going to be having so many of your own adventures that you're not going to be homesick at all.” — Lexa & Caroline (@sippin_sangria) This interview couldn't have come at a better time ⏰. Why? Because I just wrote a post about making lifelong friends abroad and Lexa Muehlbauer and Caroline ZuHone have done exactly that. It's really a great story, too: They were at the same school and didn't know each other; they went abroad, and then they did. A website ensued, and the rest is history. If you're looking to learn Spanish, get lost, make friends, or start a travel blog you should listen to what these two have to say. We also get into what you should do after you graduate. I'm so glad I was able to get them on the show. “I'm not lost, I'm just exploring”

Brielle (@briellesajz) is serious about fashion, and the breadcrumbs prove it. She's slowly making her way around Europe and determined to make a name for herself in the industry. She's interned at both PVH and LUCKY BRAND, has passion for art, travel, and food, and it all comes together in her interview. *Point of fact: It costs exactly €17 to get into the Louvre which = $19.05. (We were trying to figure this out

First Chile interview...on the board; thanks to Rachel! She's also are first finance major, too, so she's really checking off all the boxes. And honestly, in this interview this interview was pretty much cruise control. Rachel remembered her trip vividly, like she just got off the plane. The Butler University alumnus is the current Study Abroadcast champion as far as length of time goes. I wish they were all this long. Thanks, Rachel! It's a great interview, too: Chile turns into South America South America turns into earthquakes Earthquakes turn into food Next we're talking about entering the workforce And finally she talks about her return trip to the exquisite continent "Life begins at the end of your comfort zone" —Neale Donald Walsch SHOW NOTES Why Chile?

“Every aspect of our program is designed to immerse the student culturally, not only by staying with a home-stay, but also with all of our cultural activities and excursions.” - Monica Guajardo Spanish language immersion in Argentina through SOL

“To be in a country where you don't speak fluently and you struggle to express yourself [. . . ], it made me so sympathetic, empathetic for people who are in countries where they're not a native speaker but they're trying, because I never really knew how difficult it is to represent yourself in a natural way.” — Tiffany Ferguson (@tferg__) Tiffany Ferguson is hustling. She's got a wildly successful Instagram page (linked☝️),Youtube channel (linked

The first interview I had with a student who studied abroad with Global Experiences was wildly popular. "Man, I wish I could get more interviews like that," I thought. As luck would have it, a few weeks later I ran into Melissa Buerkett at the annual IIE Summit in NYC, and we decided to get an interview on the books. Melissa's above quote is what Global Experiences (@globalexperiences) does. She explains it in greater detail in the interview, but I'll come out and tell you: "almost anywhere can set up an internship for you abroad, but not everywhere can match you with one that'll align with your strengths." — Chris Carlton I don't know if you're aloud to quote yourself, but I just did

Nick Trifelos (@nick.triff) understood his international internship better than anyone I've interviewed to date. He went against the grain and traveled to Europe with a friend. (Why not, right?!) Him and his accomplice strategically selected their study abroad location as if they were setting out to conquer Europe. Mic drop

“We're all about pushing people outside their comfort zones and really inspiring people to get out there and see the world, because we're so passionate that travel can completely change your mindset and completely reinvigorate your life.” — Meg Jerrard Given that this a website that focuses on study abroad, it is only natural that you get students who are rather bullish on the subject. Many have studied abroad twice, I interviewed one student who studied abroad four times and is actually planning a fifth trip. Meg Jerrard studied abroad three times. But as we learn in her interview, that was just the beginning. Meg has been fortunate enough turn her passion for travel into a career, and we actually hear how (and why) she was able to do it. SHOW NOTES Transforming travels from a gap year in the UK to a full time career blogging

“I'm not going to say that every single day was easy during my time abroad . . . but looking back, the fact that I was able to persevere through those times is priceless to me.” — Erica Biagini I've interviewed many a student who studied abroad in Spain, but none that lived in Bilbao; a city with a population of 345,000 that's nestled in the north of the water surrounded country. "Cozy up with a good book" is how I'd describe Erica's interview. Only in this case, the book is your headphones and it's Erica on tape. She does a great job of telling multiple stories inside of her own story and we had a lot of fun doing this one. My favorite part was her unsuccessful attempt to have a traditional Thanksgiving in Spain.

I've been waiting a long time for this because I have heard only good things about this country and can't wait to go myself. Martina Mazzei studied abroad in Vietnam because her school actually has a satellite campus there. Her dorm came with a cleaning service, she was able to hop on the back of a motorcycle to get to class, and she got to see the entire country in all its beauty on the cheap. Thailand and Cambodia? ✔️ Sometimes schools just get it and it sounds like Loyola is one of those schools. After factoring in scholarships and cost of living Vietnam, Martina actually saved money by taking her trip. I know most schools won't have satellite campuses set up like this in Vietnam, if anything, listening to this interview will help you pick up a few pointers as you craft your own journey. “Go forth and set the world on fire” - Loyola quote

“I've never had a student come back saying they regret studying abroad, but I have met with multiple students saying that they regret not studying abroad.” - Corinne Kinney Currently a graduate assistant at UW - Lacrosse, Corinne studied abroad in Grenada, Spain; one of the many hidden, beautiful cities in Europe that you've never heard of, and she absolutely loved it. How much ❤️you ask? After she returned from her trip and graduated, she actually returned to Spain to work in Madrid for 11 months. This is something I regret not doing myself...It's the story everyone yearns for, but you rarely see play out. But in Corinnes, case we actually get to hear what transpired. The first time around, Corinne studied abroad through a program called Sol Education Abroad, which focuses on Spanish language immersion. So if you're serious about learning Spanish, I'd recommend checking them out. If you're reading this I'm imploring you to listen to this one in its entirety as it may very well change the trajectory of your career, and ultimately your life. “I am not the same having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” - Mary Anne Radmacher

This is now the third interview I've done with a student who studied abroad in this part of the continent, so they must be doing something right down there. The dollar stretches a lot further in Africa, which means you can do a lot more with less. What you want to do is up to you if you decide to go, but Lauren's interview is a pretty good example of what you can do. You'll also find out why it's a bonus of if enjoy KFC. But that's just me digressing. Seriously though, The University of Botswana sounds amazing and so do the stories that Lauren tells in her interview. If you've come this far you now know where Botswana is. You can learn more about the country in the infographic below. A BIG thank you to Lauren for taking the time from her busy schedule at Drake to do the interview. Give her website a look to see what she's up to now. "It always seems impossible until its done" — Nelson Mandela

Lindsay Vallance is the first student on The Study Abroadcast who studied abroad in Bangkok, hell...she is our first student who studied abroad in Thailand. As you guys know I love welcoming firsts and Lindsay fits the bill here. Her interview checks off all the boxes of what makes a great show. She's got great stories, vivid memories of the food, and does a great job of painting a picture of life in Bangkok

“It's going to push you to see the world a different way and make you a better person” - Zoey Hoffman Davenport University undergraduate Zoey Hoffman is the first student on the show that went abroad specifically to volunteer, and I'm surprised it took so long to get someone on that went this route, as it is an increasingly popular option. Zoey is the second cheerleader we've had on the show, but is the first student that was actually recruited to do it. Yes, they recruit cheerleaders (I did not know this)! So in addition to discussing her time volunteering, Zoey also gives us a glimpse into the life of competitive of cheerleading.

“If you don't see it for yourself, it doesn't really happen.” - Mason Nagima In this dual interview Mason Najima and Brittney Rosiles tells us about their trips to Spain and India, respectively. They did it through an organization called USAC, which stands for University Studies Abroad Consortium. They had an amazing time and their interview reflects that. As far as firsts go, they're the first University of Nevada - Reno students we've had on the show. If you want to hear about monkey attacks, missing an alarm, and getting out of your comfort zone this interview is for you, and in my opinion, encompasses what I wanted other students to hear when I decided to start the podcast. Brittney was kind enough to send me some great pics below and is the current Study Abroadcast leader in terms of donated study abroad pictures

“When I have kids, it is literally going to be mandatory for them to study abroad.” — Luke Bambrick "A once in a lifetime opportunity within a once in a lifetime opportunity" is how I'd describe the start of Luke Bambrick's summer trip to London. Why? Because he was actually able to attend the Prince Harry and Meghan Markel's wedding festivities. Luke approaches the interview with optimism, it's one of those shows that makes you just want to get up and go... In this interview we learn about life in London, tracking down family in Europe (something that other Study Abroadcast guests have done as well), and exploring exploring other countries on the weekends.

“It will put you out of your comfort zone, and that might be hard, but it will definitely be worth it.” — Meghan Haddy Meghan Haddy is the first student on the show who studied abroad in Greece. I'm surprised more people don't study abroad here given the climate, exchange rate, and available cuisine. In my opinion, Greece is the world's best kept secret as far as a potential study abroad destination goes. With Athens as her home base, Meghan was able to visit several other Islands and countries in between her classes at The American College of Greece.

Michelle Andersen (First name IG, last name FB) was one of the most well spoken guests I've had on the show to date. She went on a journey to the southern part of Africa and was kind enough to take us along for the ride here, today. When you hear Namibia it probably doesn't register, but this southern African country has adventure written all over it. And Michelle tells us how it's done, here.

He did two years in Australia...TWO YEARS!

Before we started the interview I asked Maria what her major was. Then when we started the interview she told me what study abroad program she chose...you can hear my reaction and then Maria is like: "yeah, I know!" She truly found the perfect study abroad program, and I'm hoping that she can be an inspiration for you to do the same. In my opinion the coolest part of the interview is how she didn't really even have to pay for it, either. Yes folks, yet another product of the system that just worked; another satisfied customer so to speak. It's interesting to hear how she was able to do so much in such a short amount of time and what it was like to do a program that was so niched.

"I feel like I've grown so much in these past five months that I'm still me, just a better version" — Corey Miller Exercise science major, Corey Miller couldn't decide where to study abroad so she decided to study abroad everywhere. Yes, that is an option, and it comes in the form a ship. That ship is called the M.V. Odyssey, and it comes in the form of a program known as Semester at Sea. You could honestly break this interview up into 11 parts, or at the very least least four different continents. Buckle up for this 30 minute adventure around the world, and don't forget your life jacket!