Welcome to The Go Abroad Pod
Join us as we dive deep into inspiring stories, share invaluable expert advice, and navigate the dynamic landscape of international education.
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Deep Dive Into Expert Advice
Join us as we dive deep into inspiring stories, share invaluable expert advice, and navigate the dynamic landscape of international education.
Meet The Team
Meet Ashley
Ashley Warmington, Co-Founder
Ashley Warmington is the Regional Development Manager at the University of Edinburgh, driving philanthropic efforts in North America to support student access and world-changing research. With over ten years of experience in higher education, including North American recruitment for the University of Glasgow and UK recruitment for the University of Aberdeen, she is passionate about expanding international education opportunities.
Her own journey—from moving to Scotland as a high school junior, navigating a foreign education system as a first-generation college student, to earning a first-class MA (Hons) in English Literature and Creative Writing—fueled her desire to help others achieve their education dreams. Ashley has since dedicated her career to promoting access and aspiration. She spent the last five years as a California-based regional for overseas universities, where she discovered a particular passion for helping North American students realize the adventure that awaits them when it comes to studying abroad.
Driven by her own experiences living and studying abroad and her passion for access in international education, Ashley co-founded The Go Abroad Pod to provide valuable insights and inspiring stories for students and advisors on the wonderful world of opportunities with studying abroad. It opened so many doors for her personally, and she’s constantly inspired by her peers in the industry, so making a podcast seemed only natural.
“I felt like there was a lack of resources out there dedicated to helping North American students figure out the process but an abundance of experts who are passionate about helping. I wanted to create a space that could bridge that gap and help both students and advisors navigate the intricacies of international higher education!”
Meet Emma
Emma Schwartz Lara, Co-Founder
Emma Schwartz Lara is the Senior Regional Manager for the Americas at James Cook University. She leads the recruitment and marketing initiatives in North America for JCU’s campuses located in Australia and Singapore. With over six years of experience in university admissions and a Master’s in International Education Leadership, Emma is dedicated to sharing the many benefits of studying abroad and making it more accessible to North American students. Her passion for international education began with her own experiences studying and living abroad, the exchange of new ideas and friendships deepened her understanding of the world.
Emma’s career as a California based representative has taken her from working for the University of York in the United Kingdom to her current position at James Cook University. In her role, she strives to simplify the international application process, making it less stressful for students and their families. Emma believes that studying abroad fosters cultural awareness, builds connections, and helps us recognize our shared commonalities. She is in this industry to make a difference.
Driven by her own experiences living and studying abroad and her passion for access in international education, Ashley co-founded The Go Abroad Pod to provide valuable insights and inspiring stories for students and advisors on the wonderful world of opportunities with studying abroad. It opened so many doors for her personally, and she’s constantly inspired by her peers in the industry, so making a podcast seemed only natural.
“I felt like there was a lack of resources out there dedicated to helping North American students figure out the process but an abundance of experts who are passionate about helping. I wanted to create a space that could bridge that gap and help both students and advisors navigate the intricacies of international higher education!”
Emma feels grateful to work in an industry she enjoys and loves her mentors and friends who continue to support her through her career. She hopes listeners will gain a unique insight into the international education network and they come away feeling equally inspired and welcomed. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband, Vince, and their dog, Bonnie. She enjoys exploring new restaurants, and attending concerts (she’s a big Swiftie!). Emma resides in Irvine, California, but is always planning her next adventure.
Meet Laura
Laura Kondourajian, Executive Producer
With nearly a decade of experience in podcasting and audio production, Laura hails from a public radio background where she discovered her passion for storytelling. Throughout her career, she has produced and edited a wide range of podcasts and radio shows, always dedicated to amplifying diverse perspectives and voices. Her work seeks to enrich listeners’ understanding of different cultures, experiences, and social issues.
Outside the studio, Laura is an avid traveler, amateur photographer, and foodie. She loves discovering new places and experiencing different cuisines.