In recognition of International Education Week, Gabriel Rivera (HIST '26) speaks to international student and citizen of China, Andrew, about spending the Spring 2025 semester on the Fitchburg State University campus. In this wide-ranging conversation, Andrew shares how he found his way from a city of 10 million to Fitchburg, why speaking a foreign language helps him assume new identities (depending on the language), and how Coca-Cola became his favorite American "food." They both share how international education opportunities have provided them with a pathway to better understanding the world, as well as themselves.
International Education Week (Nov 17-Nov 21) is a time to recognize the importance of global learning, cross-cultural exchange, and the international community that enriches Fitchburg State. For more information about international education and study abroad programs at Fitchburg State, visit their websites:
www.fitchburgstate.edu/student-support/international-education
www.fitchburgstate.edu/academics/undergraduate-academics/study-abroad
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This episode was produced and hosted by Gabriel Rivera, as part of the Spring 2025 Podcasting course. This episode was originally conceived as part of a series Gabriel developed called Falcons Abroad. The talk was recorded in April 2025. Special thanks -- and fare thee wells -- to Andrew for sharing his story.
Episode transcript can be found here.
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It was mixed and mastered by staff from Perseverantiaand edited for time.
Click here to learn more about Perseverantia. Join us for programming updates on Instagram. Or reach out with ideas or suggestions at podcasts@fitchburgstate.edu.
