The Layover Lounge

Welcome back to the Layover Lounge — the official podcast of St. Mary's University's Center for International Programs, where culture, ambition, and global journeys meet. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sergio Palacios Wulschner, Associate Professor of Management, Director of the Algur H. Meadows Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, at St. Mary's University's Greehey School of Business. We'll dive into what Entrepreneurship means today, where our students excel and the ever changing landscape of the business world.

Welcome back to the Layover Lounge — the official podcast of St. Mary's University's Center for International Programs, where culture, ambition, and global journeys meet. In our next episode, host Anne Faucett, Director of Center for International Programs at St. Mary's University, sits down with current student Juan Marco Saca Dada from San Salvador, El Salvador and learn about the ins and outs of being a Resident Assistant. Is it worth it? What are the responsibilities? What should you expect? Juan Marco shares why he was interested in becoming an RA and what it’s like being part of the residence life team.

Welcome back to the Layover Lounge — the official podcast of St. Mary's University's Center for International Programs, where culture, ambition, and global journeys meet. In our next episode, host Anne Faucett, Director of Center for International Programs at St. Mary's University, sits down with current student Kalo Alonso from Monterrey, Mexico to discuss professional development and conferences available to our students. Networking can be intimidating, here's some great tips from one of our students on how to make the most out of attending conferences and why you should go.

Welcome back to the Layover Lounge — the official podcast of St. Mary's University's Center for International Programs, where culture, ambition, and global journeys meet. In our next episode, host Anne Faucett, Director of Center for International Programs at St. Mary's University, sits down with current student Nelly Diaz from Chinandega, Nicaragua to talk about our study abroad opportunities. Nelly went to Rome with our Honors program to learn more about the Marianist Brothers and had an experience of a lifetime! Students in our Honors program spent their Spring Break in Rome learning about the Marianist Brothers, their history, and experienced Italian culture.

Welcome back to the Layover Lounge — the official podcast of St. Mary's University's Center for International Programs, where culture, ambition, and global journeys meet. In our next episode, host Anne Faucett, Director of Center for International Programs at St. Mary's University, sits down with current student Valeria Casco from Tegucigalpa, Honduras to discuss life in the dorms at St. Mary’s. Hear how living on campus can be a lot of fun, and then some challenges along the way. Deciding on the dorm you want to live in, picking your roommate, dividing up chores and even keeping a pet fish alive all turn into some of your best memories as a student here.

Welcome back to the Layover Lounge — the official podcast of St. Mary's University's Center for International Programs, where culture, ambition, and global journeys meet. In our fourth episode, host Anne Faucett, Director of Center for International Programs at St. Mary's University, sits down with alum Irene Urbina from San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Irene discusses the challenges of navigating U.S. university admission process as the first person in her family to study outside the U.S. for higher education.

Welcome back to the Layover Lounge — the official podcast of St. Mary's University's Center for International Programs, where culture, ambition, and global journeys meet.

In our third episode, host Anne Faucett, Director of Center for International Programs at St. Mary's University, sits down with Victor Ortega — a Finance and Risk Management major whose story embodies the bold, boundary-crossing spirit that defines the St. Mary's international student experience.

Victor brings more than just academic ambition to the Lounge: as a student navigating the complexities of global finance while building his future in San Antonio, he offers a front-row perspective on what it means to turn cultural exchange into career advantage — and how the lessons learned outside the classroom can be just as valuable as the ones inside it.

This episode is part student journey, part roadmap for success — exploring how international students like Victor are preparing to lead in an increasingly interconnected world of finance, business, and risk. From adapting to a new academic culture to discovering unexpected opportunities, Victor's layover at St. Mary's is shaping the leader he's becoming.

Whether you're charting your own path in business, considering studying abroad, or simply curious about the faces behind our global Rattler community — there's a seat at the Lounge with your name on it.

The journey continues.

Welcome back to the Layover Lounge — the official podcast of St. Mary's University's Center for International Programs, where culture, ambition, and global journeys meet.

In our second episode, host Anne Faucett, Director of International Admission at St. Mary's University, sits down with Dr. Juan Ocampo — Chair of the Engineering Department at St.MU — for a conversation that goes beyond the classroom and into the heart of what it means to lead, inspire, and build bridges across borders.

Dr. Ocampo brings a unique perspective to the Lounge: as an academic leader shaping the next generation of engineers at St. Mary's, he understands firsthand the power of international education — and what it takes to create an environment where students from all walks of life can thrive.

This episode is part faculty spotlight, part global conversation — exploring how international experience shapes not just students, but the educators and institutions that serve them.

Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a future Rattler, or someone who believes education has the power to change the world — there's a seat at the Lounge with your name on it.

The Layover Lounge is produced by the St. Mary's University Center for International Programs.

Welcome to the Layover Lounge — the official podcast of St. Mary's University's Center for International Programs, where culture, ambition, and global journeys meet.

In our inaugural episode, host Anne Faucett, Director of International Admission at St. Mary's University, sits down with Luis Ortega — St. Mary's alum turned graduate student — for a conversation that sets the tone for everything this podcast is about.

Originally from Nicaragua, Louis is living proof of what international education can unlock. Now pursuing his graduate degree in Industrial Engineering Management right here at StMU, he reflects on his journey from undergraduate student to alumni to grad scholar — and what brought him back.

This first episode is equal parts welcome mat and window into the world of international student life: the transitions, the triumphs, and the ties that keep students connected to St. Mary's long after graduation.

Whether you're a prospective student, a current Rattler, or simply curious about the international experience — pull up a seat. The Lounge is officially open.