Changing Lives Through Education Abroad

Leading with Authenticity: Inspiring Positive Change in Education Abroad (feat. Hillary Koller)

Education Abroad is a dynamic field and it requires dynamic leadership to match. Join host Zac Macinnes and guest Hillary Koller, Director of the University of Pittsburgh Global Experiences Office, for a dialogue on authentic leadership through transition. Hear Hillary’s insights on the art of persistence without perfection, navigating uncomfortable situations with confidence and thoughtfully leading the evolution of an office and its goals. Bonus: join us for tips to empower staff and level up in your career!

Seriously: How Humor Can Make Leaders More Effective in International Education (feat. Alissa Briggs)

This week, host Zac Macinnes sits down with Alissa Briggs, Director of Study Abroad at Clark University, for a light-hearted conversation focused on the benefits of a culture of levity in the workplace. Alissa unpacks the power of humor to make connections, reduce stress, and create positivity. Tune in to learn about the generational and cultural nuances of humor – and for our most fun episode yet!

Where’s the T: Empowering Transgender Students to Study Abroad (feat. Ash Trebisacci)

At WorldStrides, we have a dream of study abroad for all. This week, Ash Trebisacci, Assistant Director of Study Abroad at Brandeis University, joins host Zac Macinnes for an empowering conversation around supporting trans-identifying students and colleagues in international education. Hear Ash’s insights on their personal journey, finding community, and how to support the intersection of safety and identity while leaving room for joy. This rich dialogue explores practicalities with a focus on inclusive language, practices, advising and spaces – with takeaways for any office. 

Managing Change in International Education: Challenging the 'We've Always Done It This Way' Mentality (feat. Jack Hobson, Ph.D.)

While study abroad is a dynamic field, change may not necessarily be the first word we associate with higher education. Join host Zac Macinnes and Jack Hobson, Ph.D., Dean of International Programs and Senior International Officer at Loyola University Maryland, for a rich conversation examining the mindset of “we’ve always done it this way” and how that can evolve with purposeful leadership. Join us for Jack’s insights on building allyship and seeking opportunities for intentional, thoughtful disruption in pursuit of meaningful progress.

Further, Faster: Practical Tips & Efficiency Hacks from a One Person Office (feat. Hillary Sabbagh)

This week, host Zac Macinnes is joined by Hillary Sabbagh, Director of International Programs at Stonehill College, for a dynamic dialogue focused on efficiency through the lens of one-person offices. Tune in to learn Hillary’s pro-tips to maximize resources, stay nimble in pursuit of our goals, and embrace what doing a little bit of everything teaches us about the field and ourselves.

Australia is for All: Evolving Student Motivations for Study Abroad Down Under (feat. Todd St. Vrain & Matt Stubbert)

Australia truly excels in terms of academics, student support, inclusivity and engagement. Join host Zac Macinnes as he sits down with Todd St. Vrain, North America Student Recruitment Manager (Canada and US) for the University of Melbourne and Matt Stubbert, International Regional Manager, Europe and USA at Bond University for an insightful conversation centered on why Australia is for all. Learn about how the land Down Under can be a go-to option for students of any background and wide-ranging academic goals, with a focus on affordability, culture and trends.

Queer, There, Everywhere: Empowering LGBTQ+ Students to Study Abroad (feat. David Harger)

This week, we take a deep dive into the topic of empowering students who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community on their path to study abroad. Join host Zac Macinnes for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with David Harger, Coordinator for Study Abroad Financial Operations and Advising at Christopher Newport University, exploring trends and sharing resources for students and practitioners. Tune in to hear David’s pro tips around both safety and identity, creating inclusive spaces, and how to foster student agency in decision-making processes.

Future Ready: Academic Alignment & Delivery to Maximize Student Success in Study Abroad (feat. Elizabeth Erbeznik, Ph.D.)

Welcome back! This week, Host Zac Macinnes is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Erbeznik, Senior Associate Vice President of Curriculum & Academics, for an insightful conversation centered on how academic excellence in education abroad can support future-ready learners. This episode will emphasize the critical nature of location-based learning, strong co-curricular experiences and benefits of portfolio refinement. Tune in to hear Elizabeth’s pro-tips to support student success, with actionable takeaways for study abroad practitioners to meet the goals of their office.