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Annie Rappeport sits down with Brandon Johnson, a seasoned Semester at Sea alumnus and three-time voyager. Having experienced the program both as a student and as a resident director, Brandon offers a truly unique perspective on global education and leadership at sea.

He shares how his multiple roles have given him a deeper understanding of the transformative power of cultural immersion and mentorship.

Brandon reflects on the challenges and rewards of guiding students while continuing to learn from the world himself, making this episode a valuable listen for anyone curious about the Semester at Sea experience from both sides of the deck.

Karishma's Alumni Profile - SAS Blog

In this episode, we catch up with Karishma Cordero, a recent contestant on the 36th season of The Amazing Race.

Karishma’s passion for global exploration first ignited during her Semester at Sea voyage in the spring of 2022, where she embraced immersive learning from cultures around the world.

Mid-voyage, she received an unexpected call from her cousin, inviting her to compete in The Amazing Race, taking her global adventures to a whole new level.

Tune in as Karishma shares her experiences, insights, and how Semester at Sea prepared her for the challenges of racing across the world!

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#TheAmazingRace #AmazingRace #studyabroad #adventure #college #travel

In this episode, Myla Edmond reflects on her unique journey with Semester at Sea, first as a student in 1999 and later as faculty.

Interviewed by her friend and former co-faculty member, Annie Rappeport, Myla shares the lessons she’s carried into her career in marketing, the stark differences between classroom learning and hands-on global education, and her experience sailing as staff. She also offers valuable advice for new voyagers and recent alumni, making this episode a must-listen for anyone preparing to embark on their own voyage.

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#StudyAbroad #college #ocean 

Join us as we dive into the remarkable journey of Kristen Hoffer, a seasoned Semester at Sea alumna who is embarking on an awe-inspiring adventure of a lifetime. Kristen shares her captivating story of resilience and determination as part of Team Hericane Rowing, a group of intrepid women set to row 2800 nautical miles from Monterey Bay, California, to Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii.

Hericane Rowing - Linktr.ee/HericaneRowing

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Almost two years ago, Kristen joined forces with three other women, including her sister, to form Team Hericane Rowing. From traveling to the Netherlands to acquire their boat to hosting fundraising events across three states, Kristen and her team have tirelessly worked to raise the $100,000 needed for the race, with a commitment to support Planned Parenthood along the way.

As the race draws near, Kristen reflects on the profound impact of her experiences, from her time with Semester at Sea to her deep connection with the ocean through outrigger canoe paddling.

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Yulia Conley, an accomplished economist and mathematician whose academic pursuits have taken her from the halls of Columbia University to the hallowed grounds of Oxford. In this episode, Yulia shares her enlightening experiences as a Semester at Sea alumna, where she delved into coastal policy and sustainability dialogues while sailing the world during her final semester of undergrad, courtesy of the prestigious SAS presidential scholarship.

Join us as Yulia Conley offers invaluable insights into the intersection of academia, activism, and entrepreneurship, providing a roadmap for aspiring scholars and changemakers to navigate the complexities of our shared global challenges. For more on her Top Performance Program initiative:

Telegram: @Yuliaconley

Instagram: Yulia.Conley

Join us as we sit down with Russian journalist and Semester at Sea alum, Kira Tverskaya. Having lived in Israel for two transformative years and navigated the fast-paced world of Russian news networks, Kira's perspective is also uniquely shaped by her experiences at sea.

Kira  embarked on multiple voyages to explore diverse cultures and destinations worldwide. All contributing and directing her career as a journalist, Kira shares poignant stories and reflections on the profound impact of her global travels.

From the bustling streets of Cape Town to the serene shores of distant ports, Kira delves into the magic of each destination, offering firsthand accounts of the people, places, and experiences that shaped her worldview. As a Russian-born individual with Ukrainian heritage, Kira also shares personal insights into navigating cultural identities and forging connections across borders.

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The founders 3 founders of Camp Fihavanana met in 2015 on the Semester at Sea Spring 2015 voyage, and competed as a team for the Resolution Project Social Venture Challenge. Jessica Razanadrakoto recruited Laura Patterson and Sophie Connot to support her vision for transforming the lives of Malagasy youth through sports and leadership development. 

Together, they created Camp Fihavanana — a summer camp program that would challenge traditional forms of education to equip students with the skills they need to become courageous leaders in their own communities. After winning seed funding and support, they launched the first Camp Fihavanana program in 2017.

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This episode Annie Rappeport Ph.D. , member of the Semester at Sea faculty and staff council, is joined by Rosario Betancourt and her children, Juan Jose and Sofia. This episode we get three unique perspectives on sailing and the Semester at Sea study abroad program. 

Through Rosario's stories, listeners get a special insight into what voyaging was like in the 1980's. Furthermore, her son Juan Jose sailed in 2015 and offers a more contemporary perspective. Finally, her daughter Sofia gives a seldom heard perspective ahead of her voyage in the upcoming Spring 2024 voyage!

#semesteratsea #sasSP24 #studyabroad

Join in this episode as we dive deep into the intertwined voyages of the Hellwig-Olson family. Led by former home office member, Annie Rappaport: Dr. Beth Hellwig (former Executive Dean), Ryan Ubuntu, and Sarah recount their transformative experiences onboard and their cherished memories with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. 

Dr. Beth Helwig's journey with Semester at Sea began in Spring 2007 when she served as the Director of Student Life. During this voyage, the ship was graced by the presence of Desmond Tutu for its entirety, making it an unforgettable experience. She later undertook roles as the Dean of Students in Summer 2011, shadowed the Executive Dean in Fall 2013, and took on the esteemed role of Executive Dean during the MV World Odyssey’s inaugural voyage with SAS in Fall 2015. She has recently taken on the role of Interim Vice President at the California State University Maritime Academy. 

A three-time Semester at Sea alum, Ryan has traveled to over 60 countries, working towards improving the human condition. His roles have led him to collaborate with a multitude of international institutions, governments, and human rights advocates. Currently, he holds the position of Global Manager for Diversity, Equity, Engagement, and Inclusion at Development Associates International. He credits his time on Semester at Sea as the catalyst for his fervor in global development.

Sarah's journey began as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student to Bolivia and continued with studies in Florence, Italy. Her bond with Semester at Sea is evident, having sailed on two voyages as a staff member. Currently, she serves the Office of Global Engagement as the Director of Global Partnerships at NC State, where she brings a strategic vision to global partnerships. Her recent accomplishment includes an International Education Administrator Fulbright award in Germany. Together, these three individuals exemplify the transformative power of international education, each in their unique way.

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Join Indian Interport Lecturer, Nisha Agrawal, as she charts the course of India's economic history from its monumental 1991 reforms to the current landscape. Serving over two decades in poverty and inequality resolution, including as CEO of Oxfam India, Nisha illuminates the impacts and consequences of India's economic liberalization on growth, poverty reduction, and inequality. She further examines the anticipation for another era of "big bang" reforms.