Mic drop 🎤

“We’re all about pushing people outside their comfort zones and really inspiring people to get out there and see the world, because we’re so passionate that travel can completely change your mindset and completely reinvigorate your life.” — Meg Jerrard

Given that this a website that focuses on study abroad, it is only natural that you get students who are rather bullish on the subject. Many have studied abroad twice, I interviewed one student who studied abroad four times and is actually planning a fifth trip. 

Meg Jerrard studied abroad three times. But as we learn in her interview, that was just the beginning. Meg has been fortunate enough turn her passion for travel into a career, and we actually hear how (and why) she was able to do it. 

SHOW NOTES

“I’m not going to say that every single day was easy during my time abroad . . . but looking back, the fact that I was able to persevere through those times is priceless to me.” — Erica Biagini

I've interviewed many a student who studied abroad in Spain, but none that lived in Bilbao; a city with a population of 345,000 that's nestled in the north of the water surrounded country.

"Cozy up with a good book" is how I'd describe Erica's interview. Only in this case, the book is your headphones and it's Erica on tape. She does a great job of telling multiple stories inside of her own story and we had a lot of fun doing this one. 

My favorite part was her unsuccessful attempt to have a traditional Thanksgiving in Spain.  🦃not so much, so she had to settle for 🐓.

I'm excited about the graphic 🎨that goes along with this interview, too. I've been weaving this theme into the interviews and articles and it deals with the selection process.

I've been waiting a long time for this because I have heard only good things about this country and can't wait to go myself. Martina Mazzei studied abroad in Vietnam because her school actually has a satellite campus there.

Her dorm came with a cleaning service, she was able to hop on the back of a motorcycle to get to class, and she got to see the entire country in all its beauty on the cheap. Thailand and Cambodia? ✔️

Sometimes schools just get it and it sounds like Loyola is one of those schools. After factoring in scholarships and cost of living Vietnam, Martina actually saved money by taking her trip. I know most schools won't have satellite campuses set up like this in Vietnam, if anything, listening to this interview will help you pick up a few pointers as you craft your own journey. 

“I’ve never had a student come back saying they regret studying abroad, but I have met with multiple students saying that they regret not studying abroad.” - Corinne Kinney

Currently a graduate assistant at UW - Lacrosse, Corinne studied abroad in Grenada, Spain; one of the many hidden, beautiful cities in Europe that you've never heard of, and she absolutely loved it.

How much ❤️you ask?

After she returned from her trip and graduated, she actually returned to Spain to work in Madrid for 11 months. This is something I regret not doing myself...It's the story everyone yearns for, but you rarely see play out. But in Corinnes, case we actually get to hear what transpired.

The first time around, Corinne studied abroad through a program called Sol Education Abroad, which focuses on Spanish language immersion. So if you're serious about learning Spanish, I'd recommend checking them out.

If you're reading this I'm imploring you to listen to this one in its entirety as it may very well change the trajectory of your career, and ultimately your life.

This is now the third interview I've done with a student who studied abroad in this part of the continent, so they must be doing something right down there.

The dollar stretches a lot further in Africa, which means you can do a lot more with less. What you want to do is up to you if you decide to go, but Lauren's interview is a pretty good example of what you can do. 

You'll also find out why it's a bonus of if enjoy KFC. But that's just me digressing. Seriously though, The University of Botswana sounds amazing and so do the stories that Lauren tells in her interview. 

If you've come this far you now know where Botswana is. You can learn more about the country in the infographic below. 

A BIG thank you to Lauren for taking the time from her busy schedule at Drake to do the interview. Give her website a look to see what she's up to now. 

"It always seems impossible until its done" — Nelson Mandela

Lindsay Vallance is the first student on The Study Abroadcast who studied abroad in Bangkok, hell...she is our first student who studied abroad in Thailand. As you guys know I love welcoming firsts and Lindsay fits the bill here. 

Her interview checks off all the boxes of what makes a great show. She's got great stories, vivid memories of the food, and does a great job of painting a picture of life in Bangkok 🎨. Its winter right now, and talking to her was an escape into the gorgeous scenery of Thailand (see rolling hills link below). 

“It’s going to push you to see the world a different way and make you a better person” - Zoey Hoffman 

Davenport University undergraduate Zoey Hoffman is the first student on the show that went abroad specifically to volunteer, and I'm surprised it took so long to get someone on that went this route, as it is an increasingly popular option. 

Zoey is the second cheerleader we've had on the show, but is the first student that was actually recruited to do it. Yes, they recruit cheerleaders (I did not know this)! So in addition to discussing her time volunteering, Zoey also gives us a glimpse into the life of competitive of cheerleading. 

“If you don’t see it for yourself, it doesn’t really happen.” - Mason Nagima 

In this dual interview Mason Najima and Brittney Rosiles tells us about their trips to Spain and India, respectively. They did it through an organization called USAC, which stands for University Studies Abroad Consortium. They had an amazing time and their interview reflects that.

As far as firsts go, they're the first University of Nevada - Reno students we've had on the show.

If you want to hear about monkey attacks, missing an alarm, and getting out of your comfort zone this interview is for you, and in my opinion, encompasses what I wanted other students to hear when I decided to start the podcast.

Brittney was kind enough to send me some great pics below and is the current Study Abroadcast leader in terms of donated study abroad pictures 😋. I'm bringing this up because I wrote a blog post about how guys don't take enough pictures on their study abroad trips.

I regret not documenting more of my trip, and gentlemen, I don't want you to make the same mistake I did!

“When I have kids, it is literally going to be mandatory for them to study abroad.”  — Luke Bambrick

"A once in a lifetime opportunity within a once in a lifetime opportunity" is how I'd describe the start of Luke Bambrick's summer trip to London. Why? Because he was actually able to attend the Prince Harry and Meghan Markel's wedding festivities.

Luke approaches the interview with optimism, it's one of those shows that makes you just want to get up and go...

In this interview we learn about life in London, tracking down family in Europe (something that other Study Abroadcast guests have done as well), and exploring exploring other countries on the weekends.