Changing Lives Through Education Abroad

Changing Lives Through Education Abroad

Follow along each week as we change lives through education abroad.

Episodes

May 20, 2025 44 mins

On the season finale of Changing Lives through Education Abroad, host Zac Macinnes is joined by Kate Hellman and Sebastian Fernandes, two leaders from the Climate Action Network for International Educators (CANIE). Together, they explore CANIE’s grassroots origins, the global momentum behind the CANIE Accords, and how the international education sector can take bold, practical steps toward climate justice. From institutional transf...

Mark as Played

What happens when a site visit becomes the catalyst for strategic innovation? In this episode, Ehren Kuzekov, Director of Study Abroad at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), shares how GVSU is reimagining access through strategic cohort programs in Spain, Costa Rica, and South Korea. Ehren reflects on the 2024 Group Site Visit experience lead by WorldStrides and the collaborative campus work that followed. From student support pr...

Mark as Played

Join host Zac Macinnes as he sits down with Samantha Brandauer, Associate Provost and Executive Director of the Center for Global Study and Engagement at Dickinson College. They will dig into how study abroad and fair trade go hand in hand—supporting ethical practices, empowering local communities, and shaping thoughtful global citizens. This episode gives real examples of how students and universities can make travel more intentio...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Changing Lives through Education Abroad, host Zac Macinnes sits down with Meg Ramey, Ph.D., founder and Executive Director of WorldKind and winner of the inaugural  Forum on Education Abroad InnovateEA award. This discussion explores how instructional design and gamified eLearning are transforming pre-departure orientations. With a background in academia, international education, and instructional design, Meg sha...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Changing Lives through Education Abroad, host Zac Macinnes explores the unique challenges and opportunities faced by rural students in accessing international experiences. Joined by Kate Wray Chettri, Director of Education Abroad at the University of Idaho, the conversation delves into practical strategies for overcoming financial and cultural barriers, helping students embrace the power of strong community ties,...

Mark as Played

In this episode of Changing Lives through Education Abroad, host Zac Macinnes sits down with Melissa Torres, President & CEO of the Forum on Education Abroad, to discuss her path to leadership, the Forum's evolving role in our field, and the future of education abroad. With insights into the upcoming annual conference in Toronto and new initiatives like the Beyond Polarization Residency, this conversation is a must-listen for a...

Mark as Played

Today we take a deep dive into what we mean when we talk about location and purposeful learning in education abroad. Join Host Zac Macinnes and Paul Geis, Director of Education Abroad and Away at the University of Dayton, for a thoughtful exploration of the concept of study through a lens of city as culture shock. Tune in to hear tips for practitioners to support students in centering their intercultural experience around engaged l...

Mark as Played

In this episode, Host Zac Macinnes sits down with Mandy Reinig, Director of Education Abroad at Coastal Carolina University, for an insightful conversation unpacking what practitioners need to know about advising students in 2025. Takeaways include techniques and technologies to cultivate a culture of empowered advising, effectively reach Gen Z, and leverage AI in our daily work. Join us for  Mandy’s tips to stay ahead of the curve...

Mark as Played

Mutual understanding is critical in today’s interconnected world, and study abroad is essential in working towards this goal. Join Host Zac Macinnes and guest Kelly McGee, Ph.D., director of the Center for Global Programs at Denison University, for a discussion on encouraging students to consider the route less traveled. Kelly shares tips around embracing challenges and discomfort as growth, coaching students outside of their comfo...

Mark as Played

In the season 5 premiere of Changing Lives Through Education Abroad, join host Zac Macinnes for a vibrant discussion on why Spain is more popular than ever for U.S. study abroad students. Zac welcomes three seasoned experts from WorldStrides Higher Ed Spain—Pedro Pérez Polo (Sevilla), Genoveva García Gallardo (Bilbao), and Cristina Canales Contador (Barcelona)—to discuss the history of study abroad in Spain, contemporary trends, an...

Mark as Played

Leadership takes many forms; today’s dialogue with Kate Scott, Director of Programs Abroad in the Center for Global Engagement at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, highlights the power of introverts in international education. Come to hear Host Zac Macinnes sit down with Kate to unpack how to embody authenticity, create community, build trust and make space for teams to be their most effective. Stay to learn how to utilize se...

Mark as Played

Join Host Zac Macinnes for an uplifting conversation with Sora Friedman, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, International and Global Education, of the SIT Graduate Institute, with a focus on empowering the next generation of leaders in our field. Sora shares tips to overcome common challenges, strategies for those in positions of influence be thinking and acting inclusively, with insights around gender. Tune in to learn more about how men...

Mark as Played

Education Abroad is a dynamic field and it requires dynamic leadership to match. Join host Zac Macinnes and guest Hillary Koller, Director of the University of Pittsburgh Global Experiences Office, for a dialogue on authentic leadership through transition. Hear Hillary’s insights on the art of persistence without perfection, navigating uncomfortable situations with confidence and thoughtfully leading the evolution of an office and ...

Mark as Played

This week, host Zac Macinnes sits down with Alissa Briggs, Director of Study Abroad at Clark University, for a light-hearted conversation focused on the benefits of a culture of levity in the workplace. Alissa unpacks the power of humor to make connections, reduce stress, and create positivity. Tune in to learn about the generational and cultural nuances of humor – and for our most fun episode yet!

Mark as Played

At WorldStrides, we have a dream of study abroad for all. This week, Ash Trebisacci, Assistant Director of Study Abroad at Brandeis University, joins host Zac Macinnes for an empowering conversation around supporting trans-identifying students and colleagues in international education. Hear Ash’s insights on their personal journey, finding community, and how to support the intersection of safety and identity while leaving room for ...

Mark as Played

While study abroad is a dynamic field, change may not necessarily be the first word we associate with higher education. Join host Zac Macinnes and Jack Hobson, Ph.D., Dean of International Programs and Senior International Officer at Loyola University Maryland, for a rich conversation examining the mindset of “we’ve always done it this way” and how that can evolve with purposeful leadership. Join us for Jack’s insights on building ...

Mark as Played

This week, host Zac Macinnes is joined by Hillary Sabbagh, Director of International Programs at Stonehill College, for a dynamic dialogue focused on efficiency through the lens of one-person offices. Tune in to learn Hillary’s pro-tips to maximize resources, stay nimble in pursuit of our goals, and embrace what doing a little bit of everything teaches us about the field and ourselves.

Mark as Played

Australia truly excels in terms of academics, student support, inclusivity and engagement. Join host Zac Macinnes as he sits down with Todd St. Vrain, North America Student Recruitment Manager (Canada and US) for the University of Melbourne and Matt Stubbert, International Regional Manager, Europe and USA at Bond University for an insightful conversation centered on why Australia is for all. Learn about how the land Down Under can ...

Mark as Played

This week, we take a deep dive into the topic of empowering students who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community on their path to study abroad. Join host Zac Macinnes for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with David Harger, Coordinator for Study Abroad Financial Operations and Advising at Christopher Newport University, exploring trends and sharing resources for students and practitioners. Tune in to hear David’s pro tips ar...

Mark as Played

Welcome back! This week, Host Zac Macinnes is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Erbeznik, Senior Associate Vice President of Curriculum & Academics, for an insightful conversation centered on how academic excellence in education abroad can support future-ready learners. This episode will emphasize the critical nature of location-based learning, strong co-curricular experiences and benefits of portfolio refinement. Tune in to hear Elizabe...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you eat, sleep, and breathe true crime, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT is serving up your nightly fix. Five nights a week, KT STUDIOS & iHEART RADIO invite listeners to pull up a seat for an unfiltered look at the biggest cases making headlines, celebrity scandals, and the trials everyone is watching. With a mix of expert analysis, hot takes, and listener call-ins, TRUE CRIME TONIGHT goes beyond the headlines to uncover the twists, turns, and unanswered questions that keep us all obsessed—because, at TRUE CRIME TONIGHT, there’s a seat for everyone. Whether breaking down crime scene forensics, scrutinizing serial killers, or debating the most binge-worthy true crime docs, True Crime Tonight is the fresh, fast-paced, and slightly addictive home for true crime lovers.

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    The Breakfast Club

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.