In the FIEld: A podcast from FIE

For FIE alumni, coming home can be the beginning of a new part of the journey. In this episode, we’re talking to Charlotte Acevedo and Derek Sadorra , FIE’s new Alumni Ambassadors at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for 2026/27, about their experiences abroad and what it’s like to share those experiences with students back on their home campus. From study abroad fairs and one-to-one conversations to event...

In this episode, we'll get to know one remarkable faculty leader, Victor Mellors, who leads our Theatre in London course, we’ll learn what inspires their work, and explore how their dedication enriches the study abroad experience for every student they teach. Victor graduated from University College London with a BA in Archaeology before completing an MA in Text and Performance at the Royal A...

This episode is all about storytelling; why it matters, how it influences student decisions, and how it can transform the study abroad experience. To discuss this, we're joined by two fantastic guests; Chris Arnold, Founder of Made Impact, who's on a mission to prove that international exchange is the world’s best strategy for prosperity, peace, & progress, and Dr. Maureen Manning, F...

In this episode, I'm joined by Claire O'Malley, our Resident Director in Dublin and advocate for sustainability in global education, to explore an urgent and vital topic: climate justice in international education. Climate change is often framed as an environmental crisis, but it’s also a matter of equity, power, and global responsibility. What does that mean for institutions engaged in...

Welcome back to series three! In this episode we are joined by Jakob Leichtman, an FIE alumnus, to talk about life after studying abroad. We talk a lot on the show about how studying abroad can be life changing, but what do we mean by that? If you’ve ever wondered whether studying abroad is “worth it,” or how it might impact your future, this conversation will give you a real, unfiltered look at w...

In this episode host Dr Heidi James-Dunbar reports back from the 13th annual Student Global Leadership Conference with interviews from student delegates and presenters.  Thinking of joining us for SGLC 2027? See our website for more details.  https://www.fie.org.uk/sglcconference

In this episode we talk with Claire O'Malley, Resident Director at FIE in Dublin, one of Europe's most welcoming and vibrant cities. We discuss academics and the institutions our students can attend, the engaging courses at the heart of the study abroad experience, internships and how living and learning in Dublin is an experience you'll never forget.  https://www.fie.org.uk/program...

In this episode we'll be talking with Dr Julie Andreshak (Chief Academic Officer and Provost at FIE), Arturo Jarque, FIE's Resident Director in Spain,  and Dr Elena Corbett, Senior Director for Academic Engagement at Amideast; to explore a unique two-country programme that examines one of the most pressing global issues of our time: migration. Centred in Seville, Spain, and Rabat, Morocc...

In this episode I'm joined by Professor Alexis Franzese  and we explore the themes in her recently published book Why the Magic Matters , her academic work, and broader ideas such as authenticity, magic in learning, study abroad experiences, and Disney as a vehicle for edutainment.  Prof. Alexis Franzese is the Department Chair and an Associate Professor for the Department of Sociology and An...

In this episode we chat with Dr Brian Ridgers (Scholar, writer and faculty specialising in Literature) about exploring London as a text, asking questions about place and history and why Shakespeare is exciting and relevant for all regardless of our major or degree subject. We also discuss teaching as a collaborative experience between faculty and students and of course, Brian's  City Secret....

In this episode, we explore first-year study abroad programmes, an innovative partnership model between universities and FIE. More than an opportunity to see the world, these programmes are becoming a strategic tool for institutions looking to boost enrollment, strengthen retention, and give students a transformative start to their college journey. What does it look like when students begin their...

In this episode we chat with Dr Elizabeth Cooper (Scholar, curator and faculty specialising in History) about education as a practice of liberation, how thoughtful curation of an exhibition can be a vital part of building community connections and histories, and the importance of fellowships in Academia. Not to mention Dr Elizabeth Cooper's inspiring City Secret. https://gardenmuseum.org.uk/e...

In this episode I speak again to brilliant scholar and critic Ramzi Fawaz, this time we discuss why studying the humanities teaches vital skills and how learning to interpret and negotiate with differing perspectives produces not just creative and reflective students but better democratic citizens. We also talk about the teaching practices Ramzi uses in class to foster student resilience, curiosit...

In this short but sweet episode I get all the vital information on the SGLC 2026 from my colleagues, Rebecca Claris and Victor Mellors. SGLC 2026 March 27-28 2026 | LONDON, UK & ONLINE LEADING THROUGH UNCERTAINTY: NAVIGATING CHALLENGES WITH INTEGRITY AND PURPOSE Call for proposals: Open Registration opens: October 15 Scholarship deadline: November 3 https://www.fie.org.uk/sglcconference

In this episode we explore the role of internships in experiential education—especially within study abroad programs. Hear from former students Eliana Alzate and Mollie Richter about their international internship experiences, and from Renata and Danile of UK-based charity Little Village on what it’s like to host interns. Whether you’re considering an internship abroad or work with student interns...

In this episode I discuss accessibility, scholarships and available supports to help students participate in Study Abroad with Angela Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Fund for Education Abroad. See link to the FEA website for more details: https://fundforeducationabroad.org

In this episode I talk to three fantastic colleagues: Minaree Jayasena, Stephanie Brown and Pauline McKerrall and get their top tips and recommendations for getting ready for your semester studying abroad. We share advice on choosing the right courses for you, making the most of your classes and being successful, setting expectations and knowing what you need to thrive. Get ready for an incredible...

In this episode we turn the tables on host Heidi James-Dunbar as Sanskriti Patidar (our brilliant Marketing Manager) asks the questions! We talk about memorable moments from season one and what's in store in season two.  Thank you for listening!

Welcome back to the FIE Student Global Leadership podcast series. Today we’ll hear a panel discussion chaired by FIE faculty member, Graham Box to explore conversations around 'Rethinking Foundations of Leadership for a Diverse World'. Specifically, these themes will be examined in a panel session that brings together an exciting, accomplished and, yes, diverse quartet to explore questio...

Welcome back to the FIE Student Global Leadership podcast series. Today we’ll be hearing from Ngozi Cadmus, CEO of Happiworkers. Ngozi is a TEDx speaker, social worker, psychotherapist, and CEO of the leading UK anti-racist, culturally sensitive workplace mental health solution. Her expertise is in creating anti-racist organisations through a racially informed mental health lens and holding leader...

Welcome back to the FIE Student Global Leadership podcast series. Today we’ll be hearing from Ann Francke OBE, Chief Executive of CMI. Ann Francke is Chief Executive of the Chartered Management Institute, the professional body for managers and leaders. She started her career at Procter & Gamble and has held senior executive positions at Mars, Boots, Yell and BSI. She is a regular columnist for...

In this episode we hear from two of our esteemed panelists from the SGLC: Nada Silman and Ramzi Fawaz where we explore the questions of how is the change to genuinely inclusive leadership possible when power currently resides in traditional, exclusionary structures? And which strategies are most likely to produce a more inclusive society and which strategies will be most effective when confronting...

In this episode host Dr Heidi James-Dunbar reports back from the 12th annual Student Global Leadership Conference with interviews from student delegates and presenters.  Thinking of joining us for SGLC 2026? See our website for more details. https://www.fie.org.uk/sglcconference

In this inspiring episode we chat with Latoya Stroman (Executive Producer at HuLu, HBO Max and more, Founder of the women’s empowerment group, Girl Talk Global and FIE alum) about how sharing stories and having good mentors can save lives, how representation matters and how vital it is to make education (and travel) accessible. Link below: https://www.girltalkglobal.org

In this episode we chat with Dr Jane Levi (Food Scholar, collaborator and faculty specialising in Food and Culture) about Utopian imaginings, why food is such an important subject for academic study, Fish and Chips and her recent collaborative work at the Gwangju Biennale (South Korea). Links for Jane's city secret below... http://northseafishrestaurant.co.uk https://www.tripadvisor.com/Resta...