Study Abroad Smarter

Living in Nigeria as a child

Latest episode of The Study Abroadcast

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

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 ad

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