What do a near-kidnapping in Pakistan, a goat's milk ice cream in far-western China, and an intense fear of escalators have in common? They all feature in this wonderfully unpredictable episode with international education legend Alek Voninski.

In this fast-paced conversation, Alek takes us from his high school days in Beijing to a career that’s spanned public universities, Edified, and most recently, IDP. As he prepares to wrap up his current role and take on new challenges, Alek shares the mindset that’s helped him thrive: embrace discomfort, chase learning opportunities, and never underestimate the power of a good dress-up costume.

We cover everything from cultural curiosity to the risks and rewards of working abroad, how AI and language tech are reshaping global engagement, and what happens when you give your passport to the wrong person at a Karachi airport. Oh — and did we mention the world’s best ice cream?

Whether you’re new to the sector or a seasoned professional, this is a reminder that our field is full of big stories, bold moves, and brilliant people.

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 Gelo 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].

What was that noise we just heard?

Sounds like the gun firing on an election campaign.

In today's episode of The Koala News on Global Horizons, we're jumping in and looking at what an election campaign means for Australian international ed. We're also catching up on some of the recent stories, including the heart-breaking news of the passing of one of the giants of our industry, Saskia Loer Hansen.

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]⁠.

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].

What happens when a Scotswoman with a love for adventure, international education, and the Tour de France ends up in Australia? In this episode, Rob Malicki sits down with Linda Vaughn — whose current role is heading up school sector international education for the Victorian Department of Education — to explore a career that has spanned continents, cultures, and the ever-changing global learning landscape.

Linda shares stories of working in Zimbabwe during hyperinflation, navigating the complexities of international student mobility, and her unexpected (and slightly terrifying) live French-language radio interview in Mauritius. She also opens up about the personal side of international life—what it means to belong, the deep pull of home, and the landscapes that shape us.

From Scottish highlands to Melbourne’s laneways, and from Pakistan’s diplomatic circles to standing ovations in theatres, this conversation is a wild ride through culture, resilience, and the enduring power of connection. Oh, and if you’re a cycling fan? You’re in for a treat.

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 Gelo 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].

About 7 years ago, I accidentally became a YouTuber. A silly little video I made about a university got thousands of views, and, long story short, I started making YouTube videos about universities that have done pretty well since.

But somewhere along the journey, when I decided to get more serious about it, I did some research on other “Edfluencer” content creators in Australia. There was almost no one consistently creating useful content...except for Devarshi Desai, the founder of Internash.

And I discovered that he was crushing it.

Dev’s videos have been viewed millions and millions of times and there’s a good reason for it: they’re genuinely valuable for students who are interested in coming to study in Australia! He’s blown through the 100,000 subscriber mark and also fostered a huge Facebook community.

When a mutual friend offered to introduce us, I jumped at the chance. The experience was... surprising. Because there’s a lot more to Dev than meets the eye. Even though he’s an energetic personality on video, the Dev you get to meet in person is thoughtful, considered and ambitious.

At heart, he’s a true entrepreneur, having raised capital for his latest venture, Studynash, and always being on the lookout for ways he can contribute his skills to the industry.

In this conversation, Dev talks about his backstory, from starting out in India, to moving to Australia for studies. He talks about the journey of becoming a YouTuber and an entrepreneur, and about arriving as an outsider and newcomer in an established industry.

Dev is a great storyteller, as you might imagine, having built such a substantial online presence. As one of the true up and comers in our industry, it was a pleasure to sit down for this conversation – enjoy!

This episode is produced by The ⁠Global Society⁠, Australia's learning abroad support company.

We're also grateful for the support from Insider Studios (⁠https://www.insiderstudios.com.au/⁠) on this episode - the world of content is shifting, so don't get left behind, the professionals at Insider are there to guide you. 

International education is in the spotlight—but for all the wrong reasons. From Australia’s caps on international students to the U.S. freezing study abroad funding, government policies are creating chaos in a sector that fuels economies and careers worldwide. In this episode, Rob Malicki and Dirk Mulder dive into the latest developments, including CDU Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman’s plea for policy sanity, the troubling U.S. funding freeze impacting thousands of study abroad students, and the evolving challenges of reaching Gen Z with global mobility programs.

Plus, we unpack the International Education Association of Australia’s (IEAA) new election platform, why advocacy matters more than ever, and whether the sector has a branding problem. With International Women’s Day around the corner, we also spotlight ten incredible women shaping international education, as profiled by journalist Tracy Harris.

Expect candid analysis, practical insights, and a no-nonsense look at what’s at stake for students, institutions, and professionals in global education.

Global Horizons is a production of The Global Society (www.globalsociety.com.au), Australia’s Learning Abroad support company.

The podcast wouldn’t be possible without The Koala News, Australia’s international education news website. Subscribe free to stay up to date at www.thekoalanews.com

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. Unearth the perfect candidates for your institution at choosingyouruni.com

For guest suggestions and feedback, email [email protected]

Our editor is Len Zamora and our distribution specialist is Gelo Ablao. Rob Malicki is the executive editor and host.

Merging two major universities is no small feat, but when it’s done right, it can redefine a city, a state, and an entire sector. In this episode of Global Horizons, host Rob Malicki sits down with Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Adelaide, and David Lloyd, Vice Chancellor of UniSA, to unpack one of the biggest transformations in Australian higher education—the creation of Adelaide University.

From their own unexpected journeys into academia to the high-stakes decision-making behind the merger, Jess and David take us behind the scenes of what it takes to build an entirely new university from scratch. They discuss the vision for a top-100 global institution, the challenges of integrating cultures and curricula, and why Adelaide is set to become one of the most exciting student cities in the world.

With a $650 million investment, a curriculum built from the ground up, and a bold plan for lifelong learning, industry integration, and global leadership, Adelaide University is positioning itself as the university of the future. But how do you merge thousands of staff, students, and stakeholders without losing momentum? And what does success look like in ten years' time?

If you're fascinated by higher education, institutional strategy, or just love a good transformation story, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear how Jess and David are reshaping the landscape of Australian education—one decision at a time.

✅ The personal journeys of two higher ed leaders: From dropout to DVC and youngest VC in Australia
✅ How two very different institutions are merging to form a top-tier global university
✅ The massive curriculum overhaul that will define Adelaide University’s future
✅ Why work-integrated learning and industry ties are at the heart of the new model
✅ The challenges of leading a $650 million transformation
✅ How this merger will make Adelaide a destination for students from across Australia and the world
✅ The future of higher education—stackable learning, lifelong education, and a shift away from the traditional degree model
✅ A peek behind the scenes of the decision-making process—from branding to campus planning to student transition plans
✅ The international buzz around the merger and what it means for higher education globally.

Global Horizons is a production of The Global Society (www.globalsociety.com.au), Australia’s Learning Abroad support company.

The podcast wouldn’t be possible without The Koala News, Australia’s international education news website. Subscribe free to stay up to date at www.thekoalanews.com

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. Unearth the perfect candidates for your institution at choosingyouruni.com

For guest suggestions and feedback, email [email protected]

Our editor is Len Zamora and our distribution specialist is Gelo Ablao. Rob Malicki is the executive editor and host.

Australia’s international education sector is at a turning point. With tightening student visa regulations, an uncertain economic landscape, and increasing competition from global destinations, the industry faces both challenges and opportunities. In this episode of Global Horizons, co-hosts Rob Malicki and Dirk Mulder break down the latest policy shifts, the impact of Reserve Bank decisions, and the broader trends shaping Australia’s role as a study destination.

Special guest Naresh Gulati, a serial edupreneur and founder of Ascent One, shares his incredible journey—from struggling as an international student in Australia to becoming one of the sector’s most influential figures. Naresh pulls no punches as he dissects the flaws in the current visa system, suggests data-driven solutions, and highlights how policy uncertainty is eroding Australia’s education brand.

We also explore a major $1.59M funding boost for Australian students to study in Indonesia, the explosive growth of Germany as an international education hub, and the latest insights from Austrade’s 2024 student sentiment survey. What do these trends mean for universities, students, and policymakers? And how can Australia balance integrity with innovation in the sector?

Global Horizons is a production of The Global Society (www.globalsociety.com.au), Australia’s Learning Abroad support company.

The podcast wouldn’t be possible without The Koala News, Australia’s international education news website. Subscribe free to stay up to date at www.thekoalanews.com

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. Unearth the perfect candidates for your institution at choosingyouruni.com

For guest suggestions and feedback, email ⁠[email protected]⁠

Our editor is Len Zamora and our distribution specialist is Gelo Ablao. Rob Malicki is the executive editor and host. 

In this episode ofGlobal Horizons, host Rob Malicki sits down with one of Australia’s most influential higher education leaders,Jane den Hollander, the former Vice-Chancellor of Deakin University. From cutting the heads off flatworms in her research days to spearheading Deakin’s digital revolution, Jane shares a candid, inspiring, and often humorous look at leadership, resilience, and taking bold risks.

She reflects on the defining moments of her career, from struggling to break into Australian academia as a migrant to becoming a transformative leader in the sector. Jane unpacks what it takes to drive real change, why she bet big on digital before it was mainstream, and how she navigated tough political and social issues—including her outspoken stance on marriage equality and the Voice referendum.

This conversation is packed with wisdom for aspiring leaders, university professionals, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of technology, education, and human connection.

🔹How a chance comment at a university event led to her first big break in Australia
🔹Why Steve Jobs’ iPhone launch shaped her vision for Deakin’s digital transformation
🔹The tough leadership decisions she made—and the one that still haunts her
🔹How to embrace risk, handle failure, and stay curious in an ever-changing world

If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate career pivots, make an impact, or build a culture of innovation, this episode is a must-listen.

Global Horizons is a production of The Global Society, Australia’s Learning Abroad support company.

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]⁠

Our editor is Len Zamora and our distribution specialist is Gelo Ablao. Rob Malicki is the executive editor and host. 

TodayDirk Mulder (Founder/Editor,The Koala News) and and Rob Malicki (The Global Society) are trying something new for the Global Horizons podcast: In just 10 minutes, get all the top international education headlines right in your ears while you're at work or cutting up the potatoes at home.

We'll still be doing our deep dive analysis every couple of weeks, but wanted to see if people are hungry to catch up on the headlines in a short amount of time.

Please leave a comment if you like this format so we know to continue it!