In this episode of Put the Guidebook Down, Kiara sits down with her friend and colleague Hari, a Boren Scholar, Gilman Research Scholar, and a student at the University of Alabama, to unpack what really happens when you step outside the traditional university-career pipeline and choose intentional time abroad instead.

From navigating skepticism at home to building new identities across Indonesia and Germany, Hari shares how immersive experiences can challenge who you think you are, expand your worldview, and reshape your professional direction. This is a conversation for anyone who has ever wondered what could happen if they said “yes” to a study abroad offer.

Listen on:Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Substack | YouTube

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

* What inspires someone to choose a gap year or full-immersion study abroad experience

* How peers and family react when you leave a traditional academic path

* The difference between living abroad as a scholar vs. traveling as a tourist

* The reality of intensive immersive programs like the Boren Flagship

* How cultural immersion sparks unexpected personal and professional growth

* The moment you realize you’re no longer “just a visitor.”

* Indonesian café culture and the quirks of language immersion (like overly formal Indonesian!)

Key Takeaways

* Immersion is transformative; mentally, culturally, and professionally in ways no syllabus can prepare you for.

* Non-linear paths are valid paths. They often lead to richer careers, more resilience, and deeper global awareness.

* Being a “scholar abroad” is radically different from being a tourist. You gain depth, not just memories.

* Community and day-to-day life matter more than itineraries. That’s where identity shifts happen.

* Programs like Boren allow you to design your own experience, leading to more intentional cultural and field-specific growth.

How to Engage with Kultura Travel

If you love conversations about cultural immersion, slow travel, and rediscovering the world through learning, here’s how to stay connected:

* Subscribe to the Kultura Travel Substack for deep-dive essays, immersive travel guides, and new podcast episodes.

* Join the Kultura Travel community! We’re building tools and spaces for travelers who want more than algorithms and tourist traps.

* Share the episode with a friend who’s thinking about studying or working abroad.

* Leave a comment on Substack: What’s one moment when you realized you weren’t just a tourist anymore?

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kulturatravel.substack.com