Advertise on podcast: 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 events, social media and peer-to-peer advice, Alumni Ambassadors offer something invaluable: the perspective of someone who has recently been exactly where prospective students are now. Charlotte and Derek join us to talk about coming home, staying connected to FIE, and becoming the people answering the question, “Should I really go abroad?” https://www.fie.org.uk

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 Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Alongside teaching, he has worked across academic development, experiential education, student mentoring, and writing support. He also has professional experience as both an actor and director, with stage credits including Twelfth Night and The Cherry Orchard, and directing credits including Much Ado About Nothing.  https://www.fie.org.uk

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, Founder of The Global Nexus Collective, a leader in international education with deep experience in shaping and amplifying the voices of the field. https://www.fie.org.uk

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 global mobility, cross-border partnerships, and international programming? https://www.fie.org.uk

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 what that experience can truly do. Jakob Leichtman is an international affairs and public policy professional with more than seven years of international experience spanning community development, education, research, public diplomacy, and global program coordination across six countries. He recently completed a Master of Arts in International Affairs with a concentration in Global Governance, Politics, and Security at American University, where he focused on public diplomacy, international communications strategy, and global policy analysis. His professional background includes work with the Peace Corps in Ecuador, international student engagement in the Czech Republic, counterterrorism research in Israel, and international development operations in Washington, DC. Jakob has experience in grant writing, stakeholder engagement, event planning, cross-cultural communication, and policy research, with a strong commitment to global cooperation and supporting underserved communities." https://www.fie.org.uk

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 Anthropology at Elon University, and a licensed psychologist with a small private practice. With academic training in the fields of sociology and psychology, her teaching and research interests are at the intersection of these fields and her main area of expertise is within issues of self, identity, and well-being.  She is especially passionate about her study of authenticity- being one’s true self - and is currently conducting research on authenticity and identity within travel and tourism, with Disney as a strategic domain of focus. Her work has been published within edited volumes and other peer-reviewed collections, including journals that span the breadth of her scholarly interests. She is a graduate of Union College (B.A.) and Duke University where she completed two separate doctoral degrees, in sociology and in psychology (clinical).  She loves debating the ethics of authenticity and tries to incorporate her knowledge into her own approach and adventures. https://www.authenticaf.me https://www.elon.edu/u/academics/undergraduate-research/dr-alexis-franzese/

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. http://www.tidetablescafe.co.uk/hollyhock-cafe/ https://www.fie.org.uk/homepage/while-you-re-there/in-london/meet-your-faculty/18-brian-ridgers

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 very first semester thousands of miles from home? How do universities build the systems, staffing, and support needed to make it successful? And who ensures students feel safe, supported, and fully seen while abroad? Join us as we hear directly from the students who experienced it, the directors who design it, and the dedicated teams who bring these programs to life. https://www.fie.org.uk/advisors-faculty/first-year-programs

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/exhibitions/sowingroots/ https://www.ucl.ac.uk/racism-racialisation/

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, curiosity and emotional regulation and how this impacts us all across all disciplines and subjects.  Ramzi is a Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he currently holds a Romnes Faculty Fellowship for advanced research in the humanities. He is the author of two monographs, including The New Mutants: Superheroes and the Radical Imagination of American Comics (2016), which won the ASAP book prize, and Queer Forms (2022). Fawaz is currently at work on a new book project titled Literary Theory on Acid: Reading for Diversity in the Psychedelic Era, which argues for the necessity of literary and cultural studies approaches to the contemporary psychedelic renaissance.  https://www.ramzifawaz.com https://english.wisc.edu/staff/fawaz-ramzi/

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, you’ll gain insights into how real-world learning shapes global perspectives and professional growth. https://www.fie.org.uk https://littlevillagehq.org

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 experience.

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!

In this episode we chat with Dr Grahaeme A. Hesp, (FIE’s Senior Director of Institutional Relations) about the Conflict and the Struggle for Peace summertime program; the importance of intercultural connection, knowledge and competency; life changing experiences of living and learning in Dublin, Belfast and Jordan and the glories of swimming in the Dead Sea and visiting Petra. https://www.fie.org.uk/peace-conflict-program