Journey Abroad
46 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 months ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsJourney Abroad is a show that highlights Africans studying and living abroad, their experiences, as well as tips and tricks on how to thrive in new environments.
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Episodes
Ep 31: Remembering Justin Supernault
August 18, 2023 17:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBContent warning: The following episode discusses suicide and suicidality which I know can be distressing. If you want to avoid this content, skip this episode and join us again on the next episode of Journey Abroad. If you need support, I have added suicide crisis lines for as many countries as possible below. In loving memory of my partner and best friend, Justin Supernault. Suicide helplines worldwide: Argentina: 135 Australia: 131114 Austria: 142 Bangladesh: 999 (Emergency) Belgium...
Ep 30: Hair Journey Abroad with Idai Makoni
April 28, 2023 16:00 - 1 hour - 46.2 MBIn this week's episode, I chat with Idai Makoni about her experience abroad. Idai shares how she learned that she is more of a city girl than a small-town girl. A large part of this episode discusses both my and Idai's hair journeys through our lives, but also while living abroad. We talk about hair maintenance, assessing our relationships with our hair, and finally, Idai rounds off the conversation with some hair-related tips and tricks. Idai completed her International Baccalaureate at ...
Ep 29: Spiritual Grounding at Home with Mutsa Makufa
April 09, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 57.5 MBIn this week's episode, I chat with Mutsa Makufa, host of The Forest Brothers Podcast. If you have not yet had the chance to check out that particular episode, or The Forest Brothers podcast, definitely do so. Mutsa shares his nomadic journey from Zimbabwe, where he grew up to Indiana where he currently is. A large part of this episode covers his recent trip back home to the Kingdom of Eswatini. We talk about the chaotic flight back and his reflections on being back home as an adult. Having ...
Ep 28: Community among fellow Africans with Diana Spencer
March 24, 2023 17:00 - 57 minutes - 39.2 MBIn this episode, Diana shares her experience moving from Senegal to South Africa, then to Indiana, USA, and finally to Utah, USA, where she currently lives. She talks about the difference in experiences between moving to a place where she was surrounded by other Africans and moving to a place where she was one of few. She also talks about rethinking self-care, especially when self-care is highly commodified. Diana completed her A-levels at the African Leadership Academy in South Africa. S...
Ep 27: Fresh Starts with Olayemi Ajala
March 10, 2023 05:00 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MBIn this episode, Olayemi shares her experience moving abroad, not once, but twice! Her journey starts in Nigeria, then takes her first to Bristol in England, then to Montreal, QC, in Canada. We discuss the challenges she faced having to start afresh multiple times, including having to learn French in Canada. Olayemi highlights the importance of having a community to support you as you navigate life in your new home. Olayemi studied biomedical sciences at the University of the West of Engl...
Ep 26: Homegoing
February 24, 2023 16:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MBJourney Abroad is BACK after a brief hiatus. I finally got the opportunity to go back home to Botswana! I used this trip to fully disconnect from my responsibilities, including the podcast. It was a much-needed break. If you've been following the podcast and following me on social media, you know how eager I have been for my trip back home. In this episode, I share my experience going home after 4 years, the differences in culture that I noticed, and my thoughts and reflections now that I am...
Ep 25: Mindset matters with Chazha Seboni
January 13, 2023 17:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBOur mindset matters. How we go into a space or situation can shape our experience. In this episode, Chazha Seboni gives us ways in which her mindset shaped her reality abroad, especially in terms of adapting to change and making friends. We talk about Chazha’s journey from Botswana to Ohio in the US, where she is currently studying. Other things that come up in this episode are the benefits of being at a small institution, how to make meditation a habit, and working while studying, particula...
BONUS EPISODE: Studying and Living Abroad with The Forest Brothers
December 28, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 76.4 MBI collaborated with The Forest Brothers Podcast in this bonus episode to discuss life abroad. We talk about their respective journeys, applying for colleges, the pros and cons of studying in various countries and their experience, in general, being abroad, including the weird questions Africans in the diaspora get asked. About the brothers: All three of the brothers completed their International Baccalaureate at Waterford Kamhlaba UWC in Eswatini. They then did their undergraduate degrees...
Ep 24: Navigating the Holiday Season
December 23, 2022 21:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MBYou made it to the end of the year! The holiday time can be an exciting time, but it can also be stressful for students living abroad. In this final episode of 2022(!) I share my experience spending the holiday season abroad, and things that I have learnt over the years. Thank you for your continued support with this podcast! Happy holidays to you and your loved ones! Until 2023, byeeeee. Connect with Refilwe: Twitter: @fee_mpai Instagram: @freespirit_fee LinkedIn: Refilwe Mpai Journey...
Ep 23: Pursuing a PhD with Ibi Max-Harry
December 09, 2022 20:00 - 59 minutes - 41.1 MBCurious about what it is like to pursue a PhD? In this week's episode, I chat with PhD candidate in molecular biology, Ibi Max-Harry. Ibi, a native of Nigeria, talks about her journey through undergrad which she pursued in Ghana, and how that led to her deciding to apply for PhD programs in the United States of America. She talks about the culture shock she experienced moving to Ohio, and what doing a PhD has been like for her. Ibi completed a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering at...
Ep 23: Pursuing a PhD with Ibi Max-Harry
December 09, 2022 20:00 - 59 minutes - 41.1 MBCurious about what it is like to pursue a PhD? In this week's episode, I chat with PhD candidate in molecular biology, Ibi Max-Harry. Ibi, a native of Nigeria, talks about her journey through undergrad which she pursued in Ghana, and how that led to her deciding to apply for PhD programs in the United States of America. She talks about the culture shock she experienced moving to Ohio, and what doing a PhD has been like for her. Ibi completed a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering at...
Ep 22: Surviving Med School with Dr Tshegofatso Ghanie
November 25, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 48 MBIn this week's episode, I chat with Dr Tshegofatso Ghanie about her experience pursuing a medical degree in Grenada. She shares her experience applying to and surviving medical school. We discuss her adjustment to life in Grenada, including flying alone for the first time. Dr Ghanie also shares her experience seeking help for her mental health during her degree. Tshego was born and raised in Botswana. She completed her pre-med and medical training at St George's University on the island ...
Ep 21: Fall Feels
November 12, 2022 13:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MBHappy November! As beautiful as fall is, it is usually a period of increased anxiety for me; largely anticipatory anxiety for the long cold winter ahead. In this week's episode, I talk about the ways in which I have been trying to make the most of the fall season and how I am preparing for winter. Episode notes: The humidifier I use: ASAKUKI Essential Oil Diffuser 400ML Therapy lamp: Verilux® HappyLight® Lucent - UV-free LED Light Therapy Lamp (Note: This isn't the same lamp I ordered, bu...
Ep 21: Fall Feels
November 12, 2022 13:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MBHappy November! As beautiful as fall is, it is usually a period of increased anxiety for me; largely anticipatory anxiety for the long cold winter ahead. In this week's episode, I talk about the ways in which I have been trying to make the most of the fall season and how I am preparing for winter. Episode notes: The humidifier I use: ASAKUKI Essential Oil Diffuser 400ML Therapy lamp: Verilux® HappyLight® Lucent - UV-free LED Light Therapy Lamp (Note: This isn't the same lamp I ordered, bu...
Ep 20: International Student Struggles with Temmy Mthethwa
October 21, 2022 16:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MBIn this week's episode, I chat with biology and English literature student, Temmy Mthethwa. We talk about Temmy’s experience moving to Montreal in Canada. She also shares her experience living in residence at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, where she was forced to book a last-minute flight back home. Finally, she talks about immigration struggles - something most international students can relate to. Temmy is from the Kingdom of Eswatini. She completed her International Baccalaureat...
Ep 19: Celebrating Achievements and Dealing with Failure
October 08, 2022 02:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBIn this week's episode, I chat about the importance of celebrating success, ways we can go about celebrating success, and strategies for how I respond to failure. Connect with Refilwe: Twitter: @fee_mpai Instagram: @freespirit_fee LinkedIn: Refilwe Mpai Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_ Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast Music by: John_Sib from Pixabay
Ep 19: Celebrating Achievements and Dealing with Failure
October 08, 2022 02:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBIn this week's episode, I chat about the importance of celebrating success, ways we can go about celebrating success, and strategies for how I respond to failure. Connect with Refilwe: Twitter: @fee_mpai Instagram: @freespirit_fee LinkedIn: Refilwe Mpai Journey Abroad on Twitter: @journeyabroad_ Journey Abroad on Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast Music by: John_Sib from Pixabay
Ep 18: Adapting to change with Freddy Detchou, SUPER FREDDY
September 23, 2022 16:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBIn this week's episode, I chat with media specialist and artist, Freddy Detchou, aka Super Freddy. We chat about Freddy’s journey abroad to various countries including Canada where he currently resides. We discuss the language conflict in Cameroon, his home country, how he pivoted fields between undergraduate and graduate studies, and how he got started making music. Finally, Freddy reminds us of the importance of slowing down as a form of self-care. Freddy was born in Canada to Camerooni...
Ep 18: Adapting to change with Freddy Detchou, SUPER FREDDY
September 23, 2022 16:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBIn this week's episode, I chat with media specialist and artist, Freddy Detchou, aka Super Freddy. We chat about Freddy’s journey abroad to various countries including Canada where he currently resides. We discuss the language conflict in Cameroon, his home country, how he pivoted fields between undergraduate and graduate studies, and how he got started making music. Finally, Freddy reminds us of the importance of slowing down as a form of self-care. Freddy was born in Canada to Camerooni...
Ep 17: Hello, Season Two!
September 09, 2022 16:00 - 17 minutes - 11.7 MBWelcome back to Journey Abroad, the show that highlights Africans studying and living abroad, their experiences, as well as tips and tricks on how to thrive in new environments. In this first episode of season 2, Refilwe Mpai shares her thoughts, feelings, and hopes for the new school year. She also shares her experience transitioning from the master's program to the PhD program. Podcast features: STEMing from Africa: Ep 9: Exploring neuroscience and navigating new countries The Vulnerab...
Ep 17: Hello, Season Two!
September 09, 2022 16:00 - 17 minutes - 11.7 MBWelcome back to Journey Abroad, the show that highlights Africans studying and living abroad, their experiences, as well as tips and tricks on how to thrive in new environments. In this first episode of season 2, Refilwe Mpai shares her thoughts, feelings, and hopes for the new school year. She also shares her experience transitioning from the master's program to the PhD program. Podcast features: STEMing from Africa: Ep 9: Exploring neuroscience and navigating new countries The Vulnerab...
Ep 16: Choosing me: making the decision to take a gap year with Marothodi Ntseane
May 20, 2022 17:00 - 53 minutes - 37 MBIn this week's episode, I chat with Stanford graduate and early childhood educator, Marothodi Ntseane. We chat about her adjustment to moving to Massachusetts, and later to California, in the United States. We also talk about the factors that led to her taking a gap year during her undergraduate degree and the steps she took to make it happen. Marothodi reminds us of the importance of choosing you and following your own path. Marothodi was born in the United States to Batswana parents and ...
Ep 15: Life in Russia with Katlego Kgosibodiba, The Soul Engineer
May 06, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 43.2 MBIn this week's episode, I chat with mechatronics and robotics student, Katlego Kgosibodiba. We chat about his adjustment to life in Russia, including how he went about learning the language. He also shares the things he has come to enjoy about the country, including its variety in landscapes, culture, and climate. We further talk about his interests outside school which include photography, running a YouTube page as The Soul Engineer, and hosting two podcasts, Engineered Thoughts and The Glo...
Ep 14: Amplifying Africans in STEM with Sandile Mtetwa
April 22, 2022 18:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBIn this week's episode, I chat with PhD student in chemistry, Sandile Mtetwa. She shares how she got into research, what lead to her decision to pursue graduate studies abroad, and what she is working on in her PhD. We also talk about the organizations she has helped create: Simuka-Arise which is a Zimbabwe-based organization that advocates for young women's empowerment academically, economically and socially, as well as Africans in STEM which highlights scientific contributions by Africans...
Ep 14: Amplifying Africans in STEM with Sandile Mtetwa
April 22, 2022 18:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBIn this week's episode, I chat with PhD student in chemistry, Sandile Mtetwa. She shares how she got into research, what lead to her decision to pursue graduate studies abroad, and what she is working on in her PhD. We also talk about the organizations she has helped create: Simuka-Arise which is a Zimbabwe-based organization that advocates for young women's empowerment academically, economically and socially, as well as Africans in STEM which highlights scientific contributions by Africans...
Ep 13: Celebrating and empowering Black folks with Ifeoluwa Adedipe
April 08, 2022 15:00 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MBIn this week's episode, I chat MSc student in Neuroscience, Ifeoluwa Adedipe. She shares her love for neuroscience, how she got into this field, and her experience doing her master's in a foreign language. We also talk about the organizations she is a part of, Black in Neuro, a community that celebrates and empowers Black scholars and professionals in neuroscience-related fields, and Black Women Support Network, a community for the empowerment and upliftment of Black women in Canada. Ife wa...
Ep 12: Let's Talk Mental Health with Tara Tumelo Bogatsu
March 25, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 44.4 MBIn this week's episode, I chat with mental health researcher, Tara Tumelo Bogatsu. She shares how intuition led her to Birmingham and further kept her there. Despite feeling a pull towards Birmingham, the adjustment to this new home was by no means easy. She deep dives into how challenging moving abroad is, especially if the culture you come from has a strong emphasis on community. We further discuss the work she has done looking at psychosis in Black and Asian folks, her intentional self-...
Ep 11: Things you need to hear most with Samukele Ncube
March 11, 2022 16:00 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MBIn this week's episode, I chat with digital marketing and content specialist, and author, Samukele Ncube about her experience moving from her home country, Zimbabwe, to Canada. We further discuss her book of poetry, Things You Need to Hear Most, which is rooted in self-love. She shares her motivations behind this work and the process of bringing it to fruition. Samukele was born and raised in Zimbabwe and lived in Botswana for a few years. She moved to Canada for university where she studi...
Ep 11: Things you need to hear most with Samukele Ncube
March 11, 2022 16:00 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MBIn this week's episode, I chat with digital marketing and content specialist, and author, Samukele Ncube about her experience moving from her home country, Zimbabwe, to Canada. We further discuss her book of poetry, Things You Need to Hear Most, which is rooted in self-love. She shares her motivations behind this work and the process of bringing it to fruition. Samukele was born and raised in Zimbabwe and lived in Botswana for a few years. She moved to Canada for university where she studi...
Ep 10: Understanding the state of Africa with Trevor Lwere
February 25, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 43.3 MBIn this week's episode, I chat with final year student, Trevor Lwere. We talk about his experience moving to South Bend, Indiana, USA. Trevor mentions the healthy habits he is trying to adopt, the challenges he faced while adapting to life in the US, as well as his role as the previous president of the African Students' Association at the University of Notre Dame. Before beginning his tertiary education, Trevor studied at the African Leadership Academy in Roodepoort, South Africa. He then ...
Ep 9: Defining Success with Onalenna Sebetlela
February 11, 2022 17:00 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MBWho says going abroad solely means going overseas? In this episode, Onalenna Sebetlela shares her experience moving from Botswana to South Africa for university. She talks about how she rescinded her applications to American universities to study at the University of Cape Town and how that was the change of environment she was looking for. She further talks about the importance of defining success for yourself and using that to pave your personal journey. Onalenna earned a Bachelor's degree...
Ep 8: The Life of a Software Engineer with Furaha Damién
January 28, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 48.5 MBHappy 2022! In this week's episode, I chat with software engineer Furaha Damién. He talks about how he got into this field, how to land an internship as a computer science major, and what he does as a software engineer at Microsoft. Furaha is of Burundian descent but spent a large portion of his childhood in a refugee camp in Malawi. He recently graduated from McGill University in Montreal, QC, Canada, as a double major in computer science and biology and is currently employed at Microsoft...
Ep 8: The Life of a Software Engineer with Furaha Damién
January 28, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 48.5 MBHappy 2022! In this week's episode, I chat with software engineer Furaha Damién. He talks about how he got into this field, how to land an internship as a computer science major, and what he does as a software engineer at Microsoft. Furaha is of Burundian descent but spent a large portion of his childhood in a refugee camp in Malawi. He recently graduated from McGill University in Montreal, QC, Canada, as a double major in computer science and biology and is currently employed at Microsoft...
Ep 7: Feeling Black with Drea Asibey
December 12, 2021 14:00 - 1 hour - 42.8 MBIn this week's episode, I chat with Drea Asibey about her experience being and feeling black in predominantly white spaces. Drea shares her experiences living in the UK, in Trinidad and Tobago and in Canada and how she navigated race in these different places. A recurring theme of this episode is community. Drea talks about how she turned to community for support in order to thrive in these spaces. Drea is a Ghanaian-British-Canadian currently pursuing a Master's degree in Black Humanities ...
Ep 6: Funding in the Bag with Chinonye Udechukwu
December 01, 2021 01:00 - 1 hour - 43.3 MBIn this week's episode, Chinonye Udechukwu shares a very unexpected story about how she ended up moving abroad. She shares her secret on how she has been able to secure funding throughout her graduate studies and how you can too. Chinonye was born and raised in Nigeria and now lives in Canada pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Ottawa in Ottawa, Ontario. She completed a Bachelor's in Pure and Industrial Chemistry at the University of Nigeria, and subsequently a Master's at ...
Ep 6: Funding in the Bag with Chinonye Udechukwu
December 01, 2021 01:00 - 1 hour - 43.3 MBIn this week's episode, Chinonye Udechukwu shares a very unexpected story about how she ended up moving abroad. She shares her secret on how she has been able to secure funding throughout her graduate studies and how you can too. Chinonye was born and raised in Nigeria and now lives in Canada pursuing a PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Ottawa in Ottawa, Ontario. She completed a Bachelor's in Pure and Industrial Chemistry at the University of Nigeria, and subsequently a Master's at ...
Ep 5: Studying in Europe and Navigating Multiple Identities with Bahumi Mogwe-Jansen
November 12, 2021 14:00 - 1 hour - 43.6 MBIn this week's episode, Bahumi Mogwe-Jansen shares her experience as a Dutch-Motswana connecting to her Dutch ancestry in the Netherlands. She shares very useful information about considering Europe as a cheaper alternative, compared to the USA, when making the decision to live abroad. She also talks about being mixed-race, and how that looks different depending on where in the world she is. Bahumi was born and raised in Botswana and now lives in the UK pursuing a PhD in Politics and Int...
Ep 5: Studying in Europe and Navigating Multiple Identities with Bahumi Mogwe-Jansen
November 12, 2021 14:00 - 1 hour - 43.6 MBIn this week's episode, Bahumi Mogwe-Jansen shares her experience as a Dutch-Motswana connecting to her Dutch ancestry in the Netherlands. She shares very useful information about considering Europe as a cheaper alternative, compared to the USA, when making the decision to live abroad. She also talks about being mixed-race, and how that looks different depending on where in the world she is. Bahumi was born and raised in Botswana and now lives in the UK pursuing a PhD in Politics and Int...
Ep 4: Working while studying with Nathaniel Idrissa Moussa
October 29, 2021 13:00 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MBLiving and studying abroad is very expensive! One way to support yourself while pursuing your degree is by working part-time. In this episode, Nathaniel Idrissa Moussa shares his thoughts on working while pursuing a degree. He talks about how you can use your work experience (no matter how small that experience may seem to you) to eventually land you your dream job. He also gives great insight into how you can boost your CV for graduate school applications. Lastly, through his story, he emp...
Ep 3: Finding Your Community with Karim Botros
October 15, 2021 13:00 - 59 minutes - 40.8 MBIn this weeks episode, I chat with Karim Botros about finding your community and making friends once you move to a new country. Karim opens up about how challenging it is to put yourself out there and make friends when everything around you has changed. Karim highlights the beauty in celebrating and embracing differences in backgrounds and culture. Karim was born and raised in Egypt and is now working as a physiotherapist in Canada. He completed his bachelor's of science in kinesiology at ...
Ep 3: Finding Your Community with Karim Botros
October 15, 2021 13:00 - 59 minutes - 40.8 MBIn this weeks episode, I chat with Karim Botros about finding your community and making friends once you move to a new country. Karim opens up about how challenging it is to put yourself out there and make friends when everything around you has changed. Karim highlights the beauty in celebrating and embracing differences in backgrounds and culture. Karim was born and raised in Egypt and is now working as a physiotherapist in Canada. He completed his bachelor's of science in kinesiology at ...
Ep 2: Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving Abroad with Divine-Favour Ofili
October 01, 2021 13:00 - 59 minutes - 41.2 MBPreparing to move abroad can be challenging. In this episode, Divine-Favour Ofili shares her thoughts on things she wishes she knew before moving abroad. She talks about culture shock, particularly the differences between her home, Nigeria, and her new place of residence, Canada. Divine-Favour also talks about preparing for the climate of your new place, as well as ways to meet people. Divine-Favour was born and raised in Nigeria and is now based in Canada pursuing a PhD in epidemiology. S...
Ep 2: Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving Abroad with Divine-Favour Ofili
October 01, 2021 13:00 - 59 minutes - 41.2 MBPreparing to move abroad can be challenging. In this episode, Divine-Favour Ofili shares her thoughts on things she wishes she knew before moving abroad. She talks about culture shock, particularly the differences between her home, Nigeria, and her new place of residence, Canada. Divine-Favour also talks about preparing for the climate of your new place, as well as ways to meet people. Divine-Favour was born and raised in Nigeria and is now based in Canada pursuing a PhD in epidemiology. S...
Ep 1: Applying to Schools with Opelo Matome
September 17, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 45 MBThe process of applying to schools can be very intimidating. Many questions may arise during this process: Where should I apply? What should I consider when choosing schools and programs? How do I prepare for tests such as the SAT or GRE? Where do I start with my personal statement? In this episode, Opelo Matome shares her experience applying to schools, particularly in the USA. She shares insight about how you can use social media to get a feel of the culture of an institution, the import...
Ep 1: Applying to Schools with Opelo Matome
September 17, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 45 MBThe process of applying to schools can be very intimidating. Many questions may arise during this process: Where should I apply? What should I consider when choosing schools and programs? How do I prepare for tests such as the SAT or GRE? Where do I start with my personal statement? In this episode, Opelo Matome shares her experience applying to schools, particularly in the USA. She shares insight about how you can use social media to get a feel of the culture of an institution, the import...
Introduction: My Journey
September 06, 2021 16:00 - 9 minutes - 6.28 MBWelcome to Journey Abroad, of Journey Abroad, the show that highlights Africans studying and living abroad, their experiences, as well as tips and tricks on how to thrive in new environments. In this trailer episode, Refilwe Mpai shares her journey from Gaborone, Botswana to Montreal, Quebec, the joys and challenges she experienced moving away from home, and her motivations behind this podcast. Podcast Twitter: @journeyabroad_ Podcast Instagram: @journeyabroad_podcast Refilwe on Twitter...