Born in the Netherlands but raised across four continents, Ingeborg Loon’s story is one of rich cultural layers, wild adventures, and unexpected turns. In this episode of Global Horizons, Rob sits down with Ingeborg—whose name has echoed through international education circles for decades—to uncover the story behind the story.

From wandering elephants in unfenced Zambian safari camps, to cycling 13km daily through Dutch winters for school, and eventually hopping off a Greyhound in Airlie Beach to work on Hamilton Island, Ingeborg’s life is anything but ordinary. Hear how these early experiences shaped her passion for international education, and how they eventually led her to senior roles at Griffith, UQ, TAFE Queensland, and now, StudyLink.

Along the way, we get a snapshot of what recruiting international students was like in the '90s (spoiler: it involved lugging around suitcases full of paper applications), hear tales of banner-related panic at Indian hotels, and reflect on the changing needs of international students—and staff—today.

It’s a heartwarming, globe-spanning chat with someone whose life has been steeped in movement, meaning, and mission. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll probably want to pack a bag.

Global Horizons is a production of The Global Society, Australia’s Learning Abroad support company. Our editor is Len Zamora and our distribution specialist is Angelo Ablao. Rob Malicki is the executive editor and host.

The podcast wouldn’t be possible without The Koala News, Australia’s international education news website.This episode is supported by Choosing Your Uni, Australia’s unique, AI-powered platform that helps domestic and international students to find the right institution for them, and that helps Australian institutions to access new markets.

For guest suggestions and feedback, email [email protected].