Being the first in a family to attend college comes with its challenges. First generation college students often struggle with applying for and completing college. Many lack knowledge and guidance and it makes them feel like they do not fit into their college community. Because of this, most first generation college students do not study abroad, or even consider it. 

In this podcast, our guest host, Lissett De La Cruz, who is a first gen student, discusses the typical experience of a first gen student. De La Cruz interviews first gen Stan State Alumni Lizz Zafra, and Sandra Luna. Together, they discuss students biggest fears and concerns, but also discuss how they over came barriers that had prevented them from study abroad.

People love food! A major reason why people travel all over the world is to try new and different foods. Being a culinary tourist by exploring the traditional foods and flavors of the countries you visit is one of the best parts of traveling. It’s also one of the best ways to get to know the country that you are in. Because of this, we decided to do a Foodies Podcast. 

Sandra, the host interviewed two people who both studied abroad in completely different countries. Mi'Shaye Venerable studied abroad in India and Brittany Fentress studied abroad in China, England, and Spain. Together, they answered some questions we thought students would want to hear. Tune in to listen to what they had to say. 

CSU Stanislaus's male students represent about 35-40% of the student population. Every year, only about 30% of the students who study abroad are male. In an effort to understand the male study abroad experience, we interviewed two male students who have both studied abroad. Brothers Julian and Lorenzo Carrera both studied abroad in Spain. They both shared the reasons why they wanted to study abroad and spoke about their experience in their host country. Additionally, Julian and Lorenzo discussed why they think male students are less likely to study abroad than female students. Tune in to listen to what they had to say! 

While in college, students who love to travel and experience new cultures have the ability to study abroad in another country. What happens after you graduate? New graduates can sign up to be volunteers in the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps is a hands-on approach to service that let's people volunteer to serve those in need. People can serve in over 60 countries! This is a great way for those who are eager to improve the world to help others before going to grad school or searching for permanent employment. Tune in to listen to J'ana Diamond (China) and Rachel Gutfreund (Benin) talk about their experience in the Peace Corps on this episode of Warriors Abroad hosted by Brittany Fentress.  

Covid-19 first began began spreading around the world during January of 2020. Around that same time, Stan State had over 2 dozen students depart for their host countries. As February and March went on, things progressively got worse. Eventually the American government advised Americans to fly back, or risk being stranded in another country for an unknown amount of time. Claudia Mendoza (Spain) and Nathaniel Heisler (Costa Rica) are the guest speakers in this episode and they share what their experience was like to be abroad during the development of Covid-19 and they also share their views on studying abroad after their own experience was cut short. 

This month's Podcast covers Friendships abroad. Friendships that are made during a study abroad session are very special. Its very common for students to make friends for life, so we thought we’d discuss this in episode 2. Study abroad alumni Dalena Dunn (South Korea) and Savannah King (Italy)  talked about their experience making friends abroad. Subscribe to hear more from Warriors Abroad.

This month's Podcast covers Language Barriers. Study abroad alumni Seth Trovao (Norway) and Sarahi Meza-Gutierrez (South Korea) talk about their experience studying abroad in a country where they don’t speak the native language. They go over the pros and cons and even share language mishaps that are both funny and cringe worthy. Subscribe to hear more the first of every month. 

Hello, 

This is the trailer for Stan State's study abroad podcast titled Warriors Abroad. Every episode will cover important topics that builds critical knowledge for anyone who is planning to study abroad in the near future, or for anyone who just likes to travel. The host and guest speakers will cover topics such as financing your trip, culture shock, and friendships abroad, among other things. We'll even share funny stories from our trips abroad to hopefully give you the travel bug.  

Warriors abroad will air the first of every month, we can't wait for you to hear it. 

- Brittany Fentress (Director of Study Abroad) and Sandra Luna (Study Abroad Ambassador)