In this episode, we switch things up a bit by interviewing Olivia Tursi, a licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with both the Calandra Institute and the Counseling Center at Queens College.   As the title of this episode implies, we discuss the positive mental effects of studying abroad, as well as different tips, advice, and coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult moments abroad, such as homesickness, loneliness, anxiety, etc.   What Was Discussed: PART I: Positive Mental Effects...

In this solo-episode, you will find out why you should study abroad before your last semester of college—unless you are okay with pushing back your graduation.   Find our Summer, Winter, Semester/Yearlong & NSE Programs here: www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad   Instagram: @QCTravels

In this episode, you will hear an interview with Jessica, a Queens College Student who studied abroad in Amsterdam through City College’s VU University Exchange Program.   Jessica will reflect on how studying abroad made her fearless, the amazing friendships that she developed with people from all over the world, how she came back to NY ready to take on the world, with more direction in her life, and more! WHAT WE DISCUSSED: -Why Study Abroad? -Why the Netherlands?  -Studying Abroad through...

This is a very different kind of episode. The audio in this episode was extracted from a video we recorded pre-COVID for international exchange students who are interested in studying abroad at Queens College. You will hear what studying in NY is like from the eyes of international exchange students from Barcelona, Spain and Lisbon, Portugal. Tune in to hear about what these students think about New Yorkers, culture shock that they experienced, how studying abroad impacted their lives, and...

Have you ever wondered what the difference between Semester Study Abroad and Semester Exchange Programs is? In this episode, this difference will be clarified, and you will be informed about your different options for studying abroad for a semester/year (Queens College Programs vs. CUNY Programs vs. NON-CUNY Programs). Table: Semester Exchanges vs. Study Abroad: https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/Exchange%20vs.%20Study%20Abroad.aspx Find out about our QC...

One of the most common questions that students ask is “Can I take major classes abroad?” In this episode, I will discuss the different factors that contribute to answering this question, and let you know why we strongly suggest that you take electives abroad. Find out Summer, Winter, Semester/Yearlong & NSE Programs here: www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad ( http://www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad ) National Student Exchange: www.nse.org ( http://www.nse.org ) *Instagram:* @QCTravels (...

This is part two of our interview with Melissa, a Queens College Alumna who studied abroad at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain. In this episode, we delve deeper into more specific information about Universitat Pompeu Fabra. Learn about the ideal location of this campus, which is close to both a popular beach and park, the unique architecture of Barcelona, taking advantage of orientation to make friends, choosing classes, and more! *WHAT WE DISCUSSED* -The location of...

In this episode, you will hear an interview with Melissa, a Queens College Alumna who studied abroad at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain. Melissa will reminisce on her adventures and discuss the lasting impact of studying abroad, how studying abroad made her grow and impacted her career, the importance of being present and grateful, why you should to travel within the country in which you are studying, and more! *WHAT WE DISCUSSED* -Why Study Abroad? -Why Spain? -How Melissa...

I had the pleasure of interviewing very special guest in today’s episode: Dr. Karen Sullivan, a French Professor at Queens College, and Former Diplomat. Professor Sullivan will give you tips on how to learn a foreign language effectively, how to enter into the field of Diplomacy, how to leverage your study abroad experiences for your career, and more! [Please note our new posting schedule: New Episodes Every Other Week] *WHAT WE DISCUSSED* -The importance of majoring/minoring in a...

In this episode, I interview Niara, a student who participated in our Virtual Winter Study Abroad Program: Beginning Korean Language 1. She discusses what she learned about herself through this program, how it allowed her to connect with people from all over the world, how it inspired her future travels, and more! *This Summer 2021, we are offering Virtual Study Abroad Programs via German & South Korean...

Season 1, Part 2 of Study Abroad Stories Coming this Wednesday, April 21, 2021. On this season of Study Abroad Stories: Hear interviews with previous study abroad students, a professor and former diplomat and a licensed Clinical Social Worker Learn about the lasting impact of studying abroad, finding direction through studying abroad, how to cope with culture shock, and much more! Coming Soon… Don’t miss it!

Thanks so much for tuning into Season 1, Part 1 of Study Abroad Stories. We'll be taking a little break to pre-record future episodes for the second half of this season. In the meantime, feel free to re-listen to previous episodes. Study Abroad Stories: Season 1, PART 2 COMING SOON... Check out programs: www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad ( https://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/GlobalEd/StudyAbroad/Pages/default.aspx ) Instagram: @QCTravels ( https://www.instagram.com/qctravels/ )

In this very special episode, I interview the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Team about tips on submitting a strong application for this governmental scholarship. *What is the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship?* “The U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic competitiveness. The Gilman Scholarship...

This is a short storytelling episode about the time I watched France win the World Cup in Strasbourg, France. The town was painted in red, white and blue, and strangers became friends in an instant, connected by this historic win. It was the first time that France had won the World Cup in 20 years! This did not happen during one of my study abroad programs, but it was my previous experiences that gave me the courage to venture out on trips such as these. Listen to hear more about this...

No, this is not click bait. Regent’s University London is located in Regent’s Park, in London’s City Center. This means that you can have the perfect balance between bustling city life and the oasis of the nature within the park when you need a breath of fresh air. In this episode, a former exchange student, Taylor, delves into very specific information about our exchange program with Regent’s University, including its special location. Curious? Listen to find out more… ** *What Was...

In this episode, I interview Taylor, who participated in our exchange program at Regent’s University London. She discusses what it is like to study abroad as a woman of color, her many adventures abroad, traveling to different countries, spontaneously exploring random parts of London with nothing but a map and an Oyster Card in hand, how traveling is cheaper than you think, and more. *What Was Discussed:* -Why Study Abroad? -Why England? -How Taylor chose the length of her...

This is a short storytelling episode about the first time I went to Italy, on a weekend trip I took when I was participating in the CUNY-Paris Exchange Program for one semester. I spent the weekend with my friend, Susanna, and her lovely Southern-Italian family, who welcomed me with open arms. Listen to hear about why I almost regretted not picking a home-stay option on my semester abroad. Check out our Winter, Summer and Semester/Yearlong Programs below: www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad (...

Ireland is home to friendly people, tranquil, evergreen landscapes, a rich history & culture, and more. In this episode, I interview Holly, the Director of International Engagement at Mary Immaculate College in Ireland. She discusses how studying abroad impacted her career path, and why a spending a semester/year in Limerick, Ireland is unique to other programs. *What Was Discussed:* -Holly’s most memorable experience in Florence, Italy (where she studied abroad) -How she grew from...

In this episode, I interview Juliet, who did an exchange in New York (from Kentucky) through the National Student Exchange Program. She discusses what NSE is, and how stepping out of her comfort zone allowed her to create meaningful friendships, believe in herself more, gain a clearer idea about her career path, and more. *What Was Discussed:* -What is NSE? -Why NY? -How Juliet chose the length of her stay -Budgeting Tips -Culture Shock -Stereotypes -Student Life -Friendship on...

This is a short storytelling episode about my first ever study abroad program: “French Language & Culture in Paris.” I left NY fearful, dependent and sheltered, but after spending one month wandering around the cobblestone streets of the City of Lights, I became fearless, independent, more cultured, and ready to take on the world—and with a case of the travel bug, of course. Listen to find out more. Check out our France Summer Program & the CUNY-Paris...

In this episode, I interview Anna, who participated in our Winter Program in Cape Town, South Africa: “Humans and Nature in South Africa.” She discusses how her life-long dream of visiting the land of Nelson Mandela finally came true, and tells us about her life-changing experiences of going shark cage diving, watching the sunset from the top of Table Mountain, interacting with wild animals, stepping out of her comfort zone, and more. *What Was Discussed:* -Why South Africa? -How Anna...

In this episode, I interview Anna, who participated in our Winter Program in Sydney, Australia: "Australia: Cross Cultural Management." She discusses the adventures she had, experiencing summer in January, watching fireworks in front of the Sydney Opera House on New Year’s Eve, petting koalas, making international friends, and more! *What Was Discussed:* -Why Australia? -How Anna chose the length of her stay -Scholarships & Money Tips -Cross Cultural Management Course -How taking...

This is a short storytelling episode about the time that I watched the sunrise in the majestic, medieval city of Perugia, Italy, and the adventures I had that summer. I woke up early to find that Perugia was covered in a sea of clouds. What ended up happening? Listen to find out more! I had one of the best summers ever in Perugia, and you can too. Check out our Perugia Summer Program & the CUNY-Italy Exchange: www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad Instagram: @QCTravels (...

Welcome to the first episode of Study Abroad Stories! In this episode, you will hear 5 reasons why you should study abroad. Follow us on Instagram! @QCTravels ( https://www.instagram.com/qctravels/ ) Check out our programs: www.qc.cuny.edu/studyabroad ( https://www.qc.cuny.edu/academics/globaled/studyabroad/Pages/default.aspx )