The Go Abroad Pod Episodes
Browse our Podcast Guest Bios Below
S1 E7
Student Stories: Molly’s Journey to the University of St. Andrews
Guest Information: Molly Keane, a current student at the University of St. Andrews, shares her journey from attending a California high school to studying biochemistry in Scotland. Molly shares her inspiring journey—navigating the application process, choosing St Andrews, and thriving in her new academic home. She helps break down her experience and her own journey of becoming an international student.
S1 E6
Meeting Students Where They Are: Championing Access in International Education with Southampton’s Mubarik Ibrahim
Guest Information: Mubarik ‘Mubzy’ Ibrahim, International Regional Manager for the University of Southampton, shares his journey from the UK to the US and discusses the challenges and opportunities in international student recruitment. He emphasizes the importance of widening participation in education, the barriers faced by some North American students, and the need for a more holistic approach in admissions processes. Mubzy also highlights the significance of building relationships with students and counselors, understanding financial barriers, and adapting to the changing landscape of education.
S1 E5
New Zealand Awaits with UoA’s Ashley Monaghan
Guest Information: Ashley Monaghan, Regional Manager for North America at the University of Auckland, based in the Midwest. She leads recruitment efforts for both study abroad and full-degree students from the U.S. and Canada. Prior to her role at UoA, Ashley specialized in full-degree student recruitment for universities in the U.K. and U.S. She reflects on her journey in international education, her own experiences studying abroad, and what makes New Zealand a distinctive destination for students. She also discusses the recruitment strategies she uses to engage North American students, the integration of Māori heritage into campus culture, the structure of New Zealand’s degree programs, and the student experience at the University of Auckland.
S1 E4
“Paris is Always a Good Idea” with AUP’s Amanda Carroll
Date of Recording: October 16th 2024
Guest Information: Amanda Carroll, Associate Director of Admissions at The American University of Paris. Amanda serves the West Coast (US) & Canada region and is the Counselor Advisory Board Director. She is also on the board for the Association of International Regional Representatives of North America (AIRR-NA) where serves as the Secretary and Communications Chair. She is a passionate counselor who believes strongly in the work she does and the importance of gaining global perspective with a degree abroad.
Resources Mentioned:
Email Amanda Carroll – [email protected]
S1 E3
Helping Students Take the Leap: A Conversation with Cosplay Counselor Irene Yu
Date of Recording: October 16th, 2024
Guest Information – Irene Yu, a dynamic and accomplished College & Career Specialist at Marina High School in Huntington Beach, California.
Irene wears many hats in her role, from serving as the primary College and Career Adviser, coordinating the Fall College and Career Fair, and writing countless letters of recommendation. She’s also a successful content creator and the founder of the Cosplay Counselor, where she combines her passion for education and creativity. With over 10,300 Instagram followers and a YouTube channel boasting a combined 155,240 views, Irene has built a vibrant community around her unique blend of counseling and cosplay. Irene holds a master’s degree in Psychological Counseling from Columbia University. She is not only a dedicated educator but also an advocate for international education.
- https://www.youtube.com/@CosplayCounselor
- @thecosplaycounselor
- https://www.cosplaycounselor.com/
S1 E2
Less Barriers More Reef: Making Studying Abroad Easy with JCU Alumna Kaysha Kenney
Date of Recording: October 4th, 2024
Guest Information – Kaysha Kenney, MSc, Marine Biology and Marine Restoration Director
Kaysha is a passionate marine scientist who grew up in Southern California with a deep love for the ocean. She earned her BSc in Biology with a concentration in Marine Biology from California State University, Fullerton, before pursuing her Masters in Marine Biology at James Cook University in Australia. Currently, Kaysha works in marine habitat restoration, applying her expertise to protect and revitalize ocean ecosystems. Outside of work, she is a certified SCUBA divemaster, enjoys organizing beach cleanups, and is an avid traveler, always seeking new ways to connect with and protect the marine environment.
S1 E1
‘Rising Tides Raise All Ships’ with AIRR-NA Co-Founder Jim Pierson
Date of Recording: September 24th, 2024
Guest Information – Jim Pierson, Senior Regional Manager at University College Dublin based in the Chicago area and co-founder of AIRR-NA.
Jim is the Senior Regional Manager of the North America Global Centre with University College Dublin, where he has worked for the past 10 years helping North American students pursue their studies in Ireland on undergraduate, postgraduate, and study abroad courses. He’s also a founder and co-president of AIRR-NA, the Association of International Regional Representatives – North America, a peer group that supports the community of regionally based admissions representatives and provides resources on international education to students, families, and counselors.