Study Abroad Smarter

“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 traje

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!

If you're an archaeology major or are interested in multiple study abroad trips this interview with @oaklandu 's Lila Dedvukaj is the one for you. 1 year India --> Israel X3 --> China 

Marks' got his own podcast, and his experience shows in this one. The episode is perfect to send to your parents if you're thinking about studying abroad. 

Some people study abroad and they never really stop. Dalia Lourenço is a perfect example of this. She studied abroad 3 times and hasn't lived in her home country of Canada since. Spain, Russia, and London...plus many more countries after she got her MA.  If you listen to this interview you will become more productive, I promise. 

Muggings, excursions, yoga classes, safaris, and more! If you're at all interested in Africa, social work, or an internship at a Magazine, this interview is definitely for you. Great work, thanks Maddie. 

Studying abroad is supposed to help you. It's supposed to help your career, your network, and it's supposed to make you a more well rounded individual. Megan Luedke is evidence of the system working. She learned, she laughed, and she got the experience of a lifetime during her academic year in Germany. 

Maintaining friendships you develop while abroad, a glimpse into the life of an international educator, great stories, and of course the food. It's all here in Ben's interview as he talks about his time in Germany and Copenhagen. Enjoy!

If you're thinking about Italy, or an extended time abroad this interview is definitely for you.  Thank you so much, Amy!

Jeff Cary educates us on the Boren Awards, how you can receive one, and gives practical advice on how scholarships in general. He also discusses his time abroad in Jordan where he learned Arabic. 

If you're a business major looking to intern abroad, this interview is for you. Visit the post to watch Ryan's accompanying video he recorded while in Barcelona https://bit.ly/2SON8wL